The name Amaya has its origins in the Basque language, which is spoken in the Basque Country, a region straddling the border between Spain and France. The name is derived from the Basque words "ama," meaning mother, and "ia," meaning already or now, suggesting a connection to motherhood or a mother figure.

Amaya is an ancient name with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It was particularly prevalent in the Navarre region of Spain during the 11th and 12th centuries. Some scholars believe the name may have been inspired by the Basque goddess of the same name, who was associated with fertility and childbirth.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Amaya can be found in the Codex Calixtinus, a 12th-century manuscript documenting the history and legends surrounding the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The text mentions an Amaya who was the daughter of a Count of Asturias.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals bearing the name Amaya. One of the most famous was Amaya de Noranha, a 14th-century Portuguese noblewoman who served as the lady-in-waiting to Queen Leonor Teles of Portugal. Another notable Amaya was Amaya Mallea, a 16th-century Spanish painter known for her religious works and portraits.

In the realm of literature, the name Amaya is associated with the 19th-century Spanish novel "Amaya o los vascos en el siglo VIII" by Francisco Navarro Villoslada. The novel's titular character, Amaya, is a Basque princess who plays a pivotal role in the story's events.

Other historical figures named Amaya include Amaya Arzuaga, a 20th-century Spanish fashion designer renowned for her avant-garde creations, and Amaya Valdemoro, a 16th-century Spanish noblewoman who was a prominent figure in the court of King Philip II of Spain.

While the name Amaya has ancient roots and a rich cultural heritage, it has also maintained its popularity in modern times, particularly in Spain and Latin America, where it continues to be used as a given name for girls.