Roya is of Persian origin, meaning 'dream' or 'vision'. It's a unisex name, popular among those who wish to convey a sense of aspiration and creativity. Pronounced ROY-uh, it carries a musicality that makes it pleasing to the ear. The name gained notable recognition through Roya Pakfar, an Iranian-American poet, playwright, and filmmaker known for her evocative works that explore cultural identity and emotional landscapes. This has contributed to the name's association with artistic sensibilities and depth of expression.
The name Roya experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable increase starting from the late 1970s. From 1955 to 1976, there were fewer than 10 births per year on average. However, beginning in 1977, the number of births per year began to rise sharply, reaching double digits and peaking at 73 births in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 1485 births recorded for the name Roya since 1955.