Everything about the name KHAYA

Meaning, origin, history

Khaya is a unique and captivating name of African origin, specifically from the Shona people of Zimbabwe. The name Khaya means "life" or "living," which gives it a profound and meaningful significance.

The etymology of Khaya can be traced back to the Shona language's verb "-kha," which translates to "to live." This makes the name not only beautiful but also deeply rooted in African cultural heritage. In Shona culture, names often hold significant meaning and are chosen based on the circumstances surrounding a child's birth or their family's wishes.

Historically, Khaya has been predominantly used among the Shona people of Zimbabwe but has gained international recognition in recent years due to its uniqueness and appealing sound. Today, Khaya can be found worldwide, carried by individuals who appreciate its cultural richness and powerful meaning.

In literature and popular culture, there are no notable characters or figures named Khaya that might influence the perception of the name. This allows for those who bear this name to create their own story and identity associated with it. Overall, Khaya is a striking and meaningful name that stands out for its African origin and life-affirming significance.

Popularity of the name KHAYA since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

The name Khaya has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past three decades in the United States. With only six births recorded in 1993, it began with a slow start but managed to climb up to seven births the following year.

In 1997, there were eight babies named Khaya, marking an increase from the previous years. The name then peaked in popularity between 2007 and 2014, with a significant jump to 14 births in 2007, followed by 21 births in 2014, indicating that more parents were choosing this unique name for their children during this period.

However, after 2014, the popularity of Khaya seemed to wane once again. There were only seven births recorded in 2015, followed by a further decline to five births each in 2016 and 2017. The trend continued with six births in 2019 and five births in both 2021 and 2023.

Despite the fluctuations in popularity over time, it's clear that Khaya has maintained a consistent presence in the United States, with a total of 237 babies named Khaya born since 1993. This demonstrates that while not extremely popular, the name Khaya is still a recognizable and chosen option for parents across different years.