Find out how popular the first name Nahya has been for the last 13 years (from 2012 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nahya by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Nahya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nahya.

The history of the first name Nahya

The name Nahya originates from the Arabic language and culture, with its roots traced back to the Middle East region during the medieval period. It is derived from the Arabic word "nahyah," which means "direction" or "side." The name's earliest recorded usage can be found in historical manuscripts and texts from the 10th century.

One of the earliest documented references to the name Nahya is found in the writings of the renowned Arab philosopher and polymath, Al-Farabi, who lived from 872 to 950 CE. In his treatise on music theory, he mentions a musician named Nahya ibn Salamah, who was celebrated for his contributions to the development of Arabic music.

Another notable figure bearing the name Nahya was Nahya bint Al-Husayn, a 12th-century Arab poet and scholar from the city of Basra, in present-day Iraq. Her poetry and literary works were highly acclaimed during her lifetime, and she was considered a prominent figure in the intellectual circles of her era.

In the 13th century, a renowned Islamic jurist and scholar, Nahya Al-Dimashqi, hailing from Damascus, gained recognition for his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and his influential writings on the subject. His works were widely studied and referenced by scholars across the Islamic world.

During the 14th century, a notable figure named Nahya Al-Andalusi emerged from the Iberian Peninsula. He was a mathematician and astronomer known for his contributions to the study of celestial mechanics and his work on improving astronomical instruments and calculations.

In the 16th century, a Persian poet and mystic named Nahya Isfahani gained fame for her spiritual poetry and her involvement in the Sufi tradition. Her poetic works, infused with mystical themes, were widely circulated and admired within literary circles of the time.

These are just a few examples of historical figures who bore the name Nahya, showcasing its rich heritage and cultural significance within the Arabic and Islamic world throughout various periods of history.

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

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

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