Zaya is of Turkic origin, meaning 'graceful' or 'elegant'. It's often used as a girl's name but can also be given to boys. The name Zaya is composed of two syllables and has a melodic sound, making it appealing for parents looking for a unique yet accessible moniker. It gained popularity in the late 20th century and continues to be favored by many families today.
The name Zaya has seen a significant increase in popularity since the late 90s, with a notable spike starting from around 2012. Between 1994 and 2011, there were an average of about 27 births per year. However, this figure jumped to nearly triple that amount (73 births per year) between 2012 and 2023. The most popular years for the name Zaya were 2016, 2017, and 2023, with over 180 births each of those years.