Miya first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Miya has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Miya

A feminine Japanese name meaning "beautiful night rain".

Popularity of Miya by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Miya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 159 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Miya.

YearMale CountFemale Count
20240159
20230172
20220187
20210199
20200202
20190205
20180217
20170260
20160285
20150279
20140303
20130294
20120279
20110272
20100237
20090275
20080271
20070318
20060271
20050281
20040236
20030238
20020236
20010215
20000201
19990239
19980195
19970139
19960104
1995088
1994090
19930101
1992078
1991070
1990081
1989048
1988029
1987035
1986028
1985040
1984039
1983044
1982049
1981051
1980057
1979043
1978036
1977037
1976018
1975020

The history of the first name Miya

The name Miya has its roots in Japanese culture and language. It is believed to have originated as a feminine variant of the Japanese name Mio, which itself is derived from the word "mi" meaning "beautiful" or "admirable." The name Miya may also be related to the Japanese word "miya," meaning "shrine" or "palace."

In ancient Japanese texts and literature, the name Miya was occasionally used as a poetic reference to a woman of great beauty or elegance. Some scholars suggest that it may have been a title or honorific bestowed upon noblewomen or courtesans in certain historical periods.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Miya dates back to the 8th century, when a Japanese woman named Miya no Kimi, a lady-in-waiting at the imperial court, was mentioned in the classical poetry anthology "Manyoshu."

Throughout Japanese history, several notable figures have borne the name Miya. Miya Masa (1457-1507) was a renowned female poet and calligrapher during the Muromachi period. Miya Ukon (1698-1770) was a celebrated Kabuki actor and playwright in the Edo period, known for his portrayal of female roles.

In the modern era, Miya Matsuri (1899-1987) was a pioneering feminist and educator who fought for women's rights and established several schools for girls in Japan. Miya Mukai (1903-1956) was a renowned Japanese artist and printmaker, famous for her intricate woodblock prints depicting scenes from everyday life.

Miya Shidō (1919-2016) was a celebrated Japanese actress and musician, known for her roles in numerous films and television shows, as well as her vocal performances of traditional Japanese music.

While the name Miya has its roots in Japanese culture, it has gained popularity globally in recent times, transcending its linguistic and cultural origins. However, its historical significance and resonance within Japanese tradition remain an integral part of its identity.

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

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

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