Find out how popular the first name Yaya has been for the last 25 years (from 1999 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yaya by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Yaya is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Yaya.

The history of the first name Yaya

The name Yaya is believed to have its origins in various cultures and languages across different regions. It is a diminutive form of the name Yayoi in Japanese, which means "beautiful generation" or "beautiful age." The name Yayoi is also associated with an ancient period in Japanese history known as the Yayoi period, which lasted from around 300 BCE to 300 CE.

In Swahili, a widely spoken language in East Africa, the name Yaya has a different meaning. It is derived from the word "yaya," which translates to "grandmother" or "nanny." This suggests that the name may have been used as a term of endearment or respect for elderly women in certain African communities.

Yaya is also a diminutive form of the name Yayah in Arabic, which means "precious" or "valuable." This name has its roots in Islamic culture and has been used by Muslims in various parts of the Middle East and North Africa.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Yaya can be found in ancient Greek literature. The name appears in Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey, as the name of a nurse who cared for Odysseus in his childhood. This suggests that the name has been in use for centuries and may have had different meanings or origins in different cultures.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Yaya. One example is Yaya Fundukliya, a 16th-century Ottoman architect who designed several important buildings in Istanbul, including the Yeni Cami (New Mosque) and the Yeni Valide Mosque.

Another famous Yaya was Yaya Toure, a former professional soccer player from Côte d'Ivoire who played for Manchester City and Barcelona, among others. He was born in 1983 and won numerous accolades during his career, including the African Player of the Year award four times.

In the realm of literature, Yaya Villaquiran was a renowned Filipino writer and journalist who lived from 1883 to 1944. She was known for her contributions to the development of Filipino literature and was recognized for her literary works, including short stories and essays.

Yaya Kharidzhoussi was a prominent figure in the history of Uzbekistan. She was a political activist and leader of the Jadid movement, which advocated for educational and social reforms in Central Asia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Lastly, Yaya Keita was a legendary Malian ruler who lived in the 13th century. He was the founder of the Mali Empire, one of the largest and wealthiest empires in West African history. Yaya Keita is celebrated for his military conquests, his promotion of Islam, and his establishment of a centralized administration in the Mali Empire.

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

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

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