Alaia: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced uh-LY-uh · 3 syllables
Alaia means “joyful (Basque); exalted (Arabic)”, from Spanish and Arabic.
Borrowed in the 21st century from Basque Alaia, from alai (“joyful”). For earlier use among English-speakers, compare Hebrew ('aliya, “ascent”), Arabic (aliya, “high, exalted”).
- Meaning
- joyful (Basque); exalted (Arabic)
- Origin
- Spanish, Arabic
- Pronunciation
- uh-LY-uh
- US rank (2025)
- #117
- US babies a year
- about 2,273 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2020
- Style
- Rising
How popular is Alaia?
Alaia was the #117 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,324 babies. It’s rising: up 999% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #117 |
| England & Wales | #262 |
| Scotland | #544 |
| Northern Ireland | #397 |
| France | #481 |
| Canada | #306 |
| Australia | #288 |
How old are people named Alaia?
Half of US adults named Alaia are older than 21; most are between 18 and 34. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Alaia
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
- Laia
- Aitana
- Emiliana
- Ainara
- Theia
- Solomia
- Zalia
- Calia
- Anabia
- Elara
- Ohana
- Avana
- Eliyanah
- Jon
On these lists
Questions about Alaia
What does the name Alaia mean?
Alaia means “joyful (Basque); exalted (Arabic)”. It comes from Spanish and Arabic.
How do you pronounce Alaia?
Alaia is pronounced uh-LY-uh.
How popular is the name Alaia?
Alaia was the #117 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,324 babies. It’s rising: up 999% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
How old are people named Alaia?
Half of US adults named Alaia are older than 21. Most are between 18 and 34.