Find out how popular the first name Alaya has been for the last 45 years (from 1979 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alaya by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Alaya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 744 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Alaya.

The history of the first name Alaya

The name Alaya originates from the Sanskrit language, which is an ancient Indo-Aryan language that has its roots in the Indian subcontinent. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "alaya," which means "abode" or "dwelling place." This term is often used in Hindu and Buddhist philosophy to refer to the repository or storehouse of past impressions and experiences within the mind.

In Hindu mythology, Alaya is mentioned as the name of a river or stream, and it is sometimes associated with the concept of a divine or sacred abode. The name has been found in ancient Hindu scriptures and texts, although specific references are scarce.

The earliest recorded use of the name Alaya can be traced back to the 7th century CE. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Alaya Rama, a Hindu philosopher and scholar who lived during the Pallava dynasty in South India. He is known for his commentaries on various philosophical texts and his contributions to the study of Advaita Vedanta.

In the 12th century, there was a famous Indian poet and scholar named Alaya Vamana, who was known for his work on Sanskrit grammar and poetics. He is believed to have been born in the present-day state of Karnataka in South India.

Another notable figure was Alaya Devi, a Hindu queen who ruled the Sena Empire in Bengal, India, during the late 12th century. She is renowned for her patronage of art, literature, and architecture, as well as her skills in warfare and governance.

In the field of Hindustani classical music, Alaya Khansahib was a celebrated Dhrupad singer and musician who lived in the 17th century. He is credited with preserving and propagating the Dhrupad tradition, which is one of the oldest forms of Hindustani classical music.

During the 19th century, there was an Indian philosopher and reformer named Alaya Prasad Tiwari, who played a significant role in the Bengal Renaissance movement. He advocated for social and educational reforms, particularly in the areas of women's rights and education.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Alaya. The name has a rich heritage and is deeply rooted in the cultural and philosophical traditions of the Indian subcontinent, reflecting the concept of a sacred dwelling place or repository of knowledge and experiences.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Alaya was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Alaya, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!