Find out how popular the first name Baya has been for the last 23 years (from 2001 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Baya by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Baya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Baya.

The history of the first name Baya

The name Baya has its origins in various cultures and languages around the world. One of the earliest known references to the name can be traced back to the Wolof language spoken in Senegal, West Africa, where it means "first child" or "firstborn." This name was commonly given to the firstborn child in Wolof families.

In Arabic, the name Baya is derived from the word "baya'a," which means "allegiance" or "oath of loyalty." It was a popular name among Muslims, especially during the early days of Islam. The name may have been given to children as a symbol of their allegiance to their faith.

In Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, the name Baya is believed to be a variant of the name "Vaya," which means "air" or "wind." This could suggest a connection to nature or the elements.

The name Baya has also been found in various ancient texts and historical records. In the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, there is a character named Baya, who was a warrior and a skilled archer. This suggests that the name has a long history in Indian culture.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who have borne the name Baya. One of the earliest recorded examples is Baya al-Muzaffar (1188-1249), a renowned Arab mathematician and astronomer from Damascus. Another notable figure is Baya Kasongo (c. 1737-1807), a ruler of the Lunda Empire in central Africa, known for her military prowess and political leadership.

In the 19th century, Baya Bashana (1837-1892) was a prominent Circassian feminist and writer who advocated for women's rights and education in the Ottoman Empire. Baya Mehrdad (1931-2015) was an Iranian poet and literary critic, renowned for her contributions to Persian literature.

More recently, Baya Mahieddine (1931-1998) was an Algerian painter and a prominent figure in the Algerian modern art movement, known for her vibrant and abstract works.

While the name Baya has its roots in various cultures and languages, it has transcended borders and continues to be used around the world, carrying with it a rich tapestry of historical significance and cultural heritage.

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

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

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