Aya is a feminine given name of Arabic origin. It is derived from the word "aya" which means "sign", "miracle", or "verse". In Islamic tradition, it refers to each individual verse in the Quran, the holy book of Muslims.
The name Aya has been popular among Muslims throughout history and can be found in various cultures where Islam is prevalent. It gained worldwide recognition after the birth of Princess Ayako of Japan, who was given this name at her christening in 1967.
In some languages, such as Turkish, Aya also means "moonlight" or "glow", further adding to its mystical appeal. The name has been used by several notable figures throughout history including Aya al-Shift, a renowned female scholar and poet from medieval Iraq, and Ayaoub Idrissi, a Moroccan footballer.
While Aya is predominantly associated with Arabic and Islamic cultures, it has transcended these boundaries and gained acceptance as a beautiful and unique name choice worldwide. Its meaning adds depth to the name, making it not just a pretty label but also a symbol of spirituality, miracles, and beauty.
The name Aya has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few decades, with a notable increase starting around the mid-1990s. From 1972 to 1985, the number of births with the name Aya fluctuated between 5 and 22 per year. However, beginning in 1986, there was a steady incline in its popularity, reaching a peak of 43 births in 1992. This trend continued, with the highest recorded number of births being 412 in 2023. Overall, since 1972, there have been a total of 7060 babies named Aya.