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Hayat
Pronounced hah-YAHT /hɑˈjɑːt/High
Meaning: From Arabic hayāt (حياة) meaning 'life,' used as a given name across Arabic-speaking and Muslim culturesHigh
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Hayat derives from the Arabic root ḥ-y-y (ح-ي-ي), which relates to life and living. The word hayāt appears throughout the Quran and classical Arabic literature, making it one of the most culturally weighted concepts in the Arabic-speaking world. As a given name, Hayat has been used for girls across Arab cultures, Persian-influenced regions, and the broader Muslim world for centuries.
In the Arab world, Hayat is particularly associated with the Lebanese and Egyptian cultural spheres, partly because of the fame of Egyptian singer and actress Hayat (Haja). The name is also used in Turkish, Persian, and Urdu-speaking communities. In the United States it appears as a given name among Arab-American and Muslim-American families.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Hayat Sindi (1967–present)Saudi Arabian biotechnologist and medical scientist who serves as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Hayat mean?
Hayat comes from Arabic hayāt (حياة) meaning 'life.' It is one of the most celebrated words in Arabic poetry and the Quran.
How do you pronounce Hayat?
Hayat is pronounced hah-YAHT /hɑˈjɑːt/ — two syllables with stress on the second.
Is Hayat a boy or girl name?
Hayat is used primarily as a girl's name, though it can be found as a male name in some cultures.
How popular is Hayat?
Hayat is a well-established name in Arabic-speaking countries and is used among Arab-American and Muslim-American communities in the U.S.













