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Kaya

Girl / Boy name · 143 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Kaya: 143 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 9 births in 2020.

Kaya offers a fascinating blend of origins, carrying a strong, nature-linked meaning in several cultures. Most commonly for English speakers, it's a variant of the Japanese name meaning "yew tree" or "fragrant wood," a connection shared with the place name Kaya in southern Japan. Its second major root is in Turkish, where Kaya means "rock" or "cliff," a solid, earthy word found in many Turkish place names. The name also appears as a unisex Native American name from the Hopi people, meaning "my elder sister." Notable bearers include the Turkish rock musician Kaya Köksal and the actress Kaya Scodelario, who brought the name modern fame. This name, while not yet common in Scotland, has been growing in global appeal.