Find out how popular the first name Daya has been for the last 48 years (from 1977 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Daya by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Daya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 42 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Daya.

The history of the first name Daya

The name Daya is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit language, which is an ancient Indo-Aryan language that has been in use for over 3,500 years. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "daya," meaning compassion, mercy, or kindness.

In Hinduism, daya is considered one of the highest virtues and is often associated with the divine qualities of love, forgiveness, and empathy. The concept of daya is deeply ingrained in various Hindu scriptures, such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, which emphasize the importance of cultivating compassion towards all living beings.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Daya can be found in ancient Hindu texts, where it is mentioned as a feminine name. However, it is also used as a masculine name in some cultures.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Daya. One such person was Daya Shankar Naskar (1835-1916), a Bengali philosopher and social reformer who played a crucial role in promoting education and advocating for the rights of the underprivileged.

Another prominent figure was Daya Ram Sahni (1879-1939), an Indian archaeologist and numismatist who made significant contributions to the study of ancient Indian history and culture. He was instrumental in discovering and documenting various archaeological sites across the Indian subcontinent.

In the realm of literature, Daya Nayar (1912-1984) was a renowned Malayalam writer and poet from Kerala, India. Her works explored themes of social injustice, feminism, and the struggles of the marginalized sections of society.

Daya Singh Kahai (1915-1989) was a celebrated Punjabi writer and poet who received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award, for his literary contributions.

Lastly, Daya Krishna (1924-2007) was an influential Indian philosopher and scholar who made significant contributions to the field of existentialism and phenomenology. He was also a prolific writer and published numerous books and articles exploring various philosophical concepts.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Daya throughout history, each leaving their mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the world.

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

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

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