Find out how popular the first name Kya has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kya by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kya is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Kya being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 336 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kya.

The history of the first name Kya

The name Kya is believed to have its origins in the Sanskrit language, which is an ancient Indo-Aryan language from the Indian subcontinent. It is thought to be derived from the Sanskrit word "kya," which means "who" or "what." This suggests that the name may have been used as a rhetorical question or expression of curiosity in ancient times.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kya can be found in Hindu religious texts and scriptures. It is mentioned in the Upanishads, a collection of philosophical writings that form part of the Vedas, which are among the oldest sacred texts in the world, dating back to around the 8th century BCE. In these texts, the name Kya is sometimes used as a way to refer to the concept of the "Self" or the divine essence within all beings.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who have borne the name Kya. One of the earliest recorded examples is Kya Pandita (1123-1199 CE), a renowned Buddhist scholar and philosopher from Kashmir, who was known for his contributions to the study of logic and epistemology.

Another notable figure with the name Kya is Kya Namdol (1570-1629), a Tibetan Buddhist master and teacher who was known for his expertise in Tantric Buddhism and his role in preserving and transmitting important spiritual teachings.

In the realm of literature, there is Kya Chittadhuranirmalshri (1710-1775), a celebrated Bengali poet and writer from the Indian subcontinent who is known for his contributions to the development of the Bengali language and literature.

Moving to more recent times, Kya Aung San (1915-1947) was a prominent Burmese political leader and activist who played a significant role in the independence movement of Myanmar (formerly Burma). She was assassinated shortly after Myanmar gained independence.

Lastly, Kya Batuk (1925-2013) was a renowned Kenyan artist and sculptor who is celebrated for her unique and powerful works of art that depicted the lives and experiences of African women.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have borne the name Kya, which has its roots in the rich cultural and linguistic traditions of the Indian subcontinent and has been carried by notable figures across various fields and regions.

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

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

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