Loya is an uncommon given name of Slavic origin, derived from the Slavic word 'loj' which means 'cheek'. In some cultures, it may also be interpreted as a shortened form of the name Loyola, popularized by Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Loya has been historically more prevalent in Eastern Europe, particularly among Slavic populations, but it can also be found elsewhere around the world due to migration and globalization. It is not typically associated with any specific gender or pronunciation, as its usage varies depending on the cultural context. Overall, Loya is a unique and distinctive name that stands out from more common choices.
It's fascinating to see that after nearly eight decades, the name Loya has experienced two spikes in popularity, with five babies named Loya born in both 1943 and 2023. This results in a total of ten children bearing this distinctive name across these two years.