Kaya

♀ Girl

Pronounced KAH-yuh /ˈkɑː.jə/High

Meaning: Rock; from Turkish kaya (rock, cliff)Medium

In 30 seconds: A name found independently in multiple cultures: 'rock' in Turkish, 'nutmeg tree' in Japanese, and associated with 'elder sister' in the Hopi tradition. Its short, open sound makes it popular across many communities.

💕 Browse more names

Origin MediumTurkish, Japanese, Native American

MeaningRock; from Turkish kaya (rock, cliff)

U.S. rank (2024)#966 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births268 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2004

Total births (all-time)≈ 10,106

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Kaya has at least three independent origins: Turkish kaya (rock, cliff); Japanese, where it is a nature-derived feminine name; and Hopi, where it means 'wise child' or 'elder sister.' The convergence of these roots in one phonetic form makes it one of the more genuinely multicultural names in contemporary use.

Kaya has appeared in U.S. birth data across several decades and from diverse communities. It ranked #966 for girls in 2024. Its broad appeal reflects its short, friendly sound and its resonance in Turkish American, Japanese American, and Native American communities as well as families who encountered it through the American Girl doll.

Did you know? Kaya is also a Hopi (Native American) name meaning 'elder sister' — and is used in the American Girl doll series as the name of the Nez Perce character, introducing it to generations of American children.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Kaya — multiple etymologiesU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KaiaKyaKaiya

Nicknames

Kay

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kaya…

Kaia— variant spelling with the same open, two-syllable sound

Mia— short bright two-syllable name popular in the same cohort

Maya— two-syllable vowel-forward name with the same airy feel

Nia— short vowel-rich name from a similar naming space

Zara— short two-syllable name with a similar crisp, international feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kaya mean?

Kaya has multiple origins: 'rock' in Turkish, a nature name in Japanese, and 'elder sister' or 'wise child' in the Hopi tradition.

How do you pronounce Kaya?

It's said KAH-yuh — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kaya a boy or girl name?

Kaya is used primarily as a girls' name in the U.S.

How popular is Kaya?

Kaya ranked #966 for U.S. girls in 2024.