Elaiya is a unique and captivating female name of uncertain origin, believed to have been created by author Stephenie Meyer for her popular Twilight series. The name first appeared in the fourth book of the series, Breaking Dawn, where it was given to one of the newborn vampire characters. Since then, Elaiya has gained significant popularity as a distinctive and memorable choice for baby girls. It is pronounced as /iːˈlaɪ.ə/ with emphasis on the second syllable, giving it a melodic rhythm that sets it apart from more traditional names. The name's meaning and etymology remain unknown, adding to its intrigue and allure. In the Twilight series, Elaiya was depicted as a powerful and confident newborn vampire, which may contribute to the appeal of the name for parents seeking something bold and original for their daughter.
The name Elaiya saw a steady increase in popularity from 2017 onwards, with the highest number of births recorded in 2021 and 2023 respectively. However, there was a slight decrease in its usage after 2020, before it rebounded in recent years, totaling to 83 births overall between 2013 and 2023.