The name Anaya is a Sanskrit baby name that originated in India. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "anaya," which means "without blemish," "immaculate," or "pure." The name first appeared in ancient Hindu texts and scriptures, such as the Vedas and Upanishads, which date back to around 1500-500 BCE.

The earliest recorded use of the name Anaya can be traced back to the 6th century CE, when it was mentioned in a Sanskrit inscription found in the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, India. The inscription referred to a woman named Anaya, who was likely a member of the royal family or a prominent figure of that time.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Anaya was Anaya Devi, a 12th-century Hindu queen who ruled over the Chahamana dynasty in Rajasthan, India. She was known for her patronage of art, architecture, and literature, and her reign was marked by prosperity and cultural achievements.

In the 14th century, there was a famous Sufi mystic and poet named Anaya al-Misri, who lived in Egypt. Her poems and writings focused on spiritual themes and the love of God, and she is celebrated as one of the most influential female Sufi mystics of her time.

Anaya Sampath was an Indian classical dancer and choreographer who lived in the 20th century (1920-2005). She was a pioneer in the field of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, and was recognized for her contributions to preserving and promoting this art form.

Another notable figure with the name Anaya was Anaya Kalantry, an Indian-American lawyer and academic who is currently a professor at Cornell Law School. She has been recognized for her work in the areas of human rights, gender equality, and international law, and has authored several publications on these topics.

Throughout history, the name Anaya has been associated with purity, grace, and spiritual enlightenment, reflecting its Sanskrit origins and the cultural significance it holds in the Indian subcontinent.