The Baby Name Wizard

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Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Kaya!

Comments and insights on the name Kaya: | Edit

pronounced KIE-A
pretty, right?

I think this name is beautiful.

Personal experiences with the name Kaya: | Edit

Our daughter is named Kaya. We thought it would be short and easy to read and pronounce. However, many people mistakenly add an "L," thinking that it's a misspelling of "Kayla," while others pronounce it "Kaye-ah." The best-laid plans...right?

Nicknames for Kaya: | Edit

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Meanings and history of the name Kaya: | Edit

A short form of the Hopi name Kakahoya, meaning "my elder little sister." The name implies someone who is wise beyond her years.
It is also a Japanese name meaning "a yew."
In Turkey, Kaya is a very common, traditional boy's name, meaning "rock."
In the Balkans, it's a diminutive form of Katerina, but it's spelled "Kaja."
In Indonesian, "kaya" means "wealthy."
In the indigenous language of Equador (Quechuan), "kaya" means "tomorrow."
In ancient Sanskrit, "kaya" means the physical body or the temperament.
In some languages of India, "kaya" means "skin," but in a way that sounds more beautiful and doesn't translate really well into English (there is a popular Indian cosmetics store/line called Kaya).

Famous real-life people named Kaya: | Edit

Kaya Gerber, daughter of Cindy Crawford
Kaya Scodelario, English actress and model

Kaya in song, story & screen: | Edit

Kaya was the name of Bob Marley and the Wailer's 6th album. It's an amazing name, and the meaning is beautiful.

Kaya means "marijuana" in Jamaican slang, and this is the "kaya" Bob Marley sang about.

Kaya is the name of the new Native American "American Girl Doll."

Kaya is a minor character in the film Princess Mononoke.