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

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 2023, there were 172 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Miya.

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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