Arya first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Arya has been for the last 43 years (from 1982 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Arya

A Sanskrit name meaning "noble", "precious" or "honorable".

Popularity of Arya by gender

Based on the last 43 years of data, Arya is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 92% of people named Arya being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 1,863 female babies and 58 male babies born with the name Arya.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 58 baby boys were named Arya in 2024, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

YearMale CountFemale Count
2024581,863
2023562,002
2022622,330
2021482,326
2020442,370
2019493,049
2018492,554
2017462,168
2016541,898
2015901,644
2014821,556
2013771,138
201277759
2011111387
201088273
2009113237
2008114205
2007105200
2006106159
200582113
200484120
20038671
20027954
20014836
20004734
19993116
19983325
19973113
19962511
1995300
1994150
1993260
1992297
1991340
1990306
1989300
1988225
1987220
1986185
1985200
198490
198370
1982120

The history of the first name Arya

The name Arya originates from the Sanskrit language of ancient India, where it has its roots in the word 'arya' which means 'noble' or 'respectable'. The name can be traced back to the Vedic period, around 1500-500 BCE, and is associated with the Indo-Aryan people who migrated to the Indian subcontinent.

Arya is a prominent name in Hindu mythology and scriptures. In the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered Hindu texts, Arya is used as an epithet for the virtuous and noble. The name is also mentioned in the Upanishads, a collection of philosophical texts that form the theoretical basis for Hindu belief.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Arya is Aryabhata, a renowned Indian mathematician and astronomer who lived in the 5th century CE. He is credited with formulating the principles of algebra and advancing the study of astronomy and mathematics in ancient India.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Arya. Arya Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, was a renowned Indian teacher, philosopher, and royal advisor who lived in the 4th century BCE. He is widely regarded as the pioneer of political science and economics in ancient India and is the author of the Arthashastra, an influential treatise on statecraft and economic policy.

Arya Devi was a renowned Indian mystic and philosopher who lived in the 16th century CE. She was a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement and is revered for her spiritual teachings and devotional poetry.

Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in the late 19th century, is a Hindu reform movement that promotes the principles of the Vedas and rejects idolatry and caste distinctions. The movement played a significant role in the Indian independence struggle and continues to have a large following in India and abroad.

Arya Stark is a fictional character from the popular fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin. She is depicted as a strong-willed, brave, and skilled young woman who plays a pivotal role in the series' narrative.

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 Arya was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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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!

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