US Popularity Rank: 1845

Origin: Turkish

Meaning: She who arranges rocks; Rock; Cliff

Kaya is a feminine name of Turkish and Native American origins. With its Turkish roots, it translates to "rock" or "cliff" and can encourage your little one to find their inner strength and resilience. Thanks to its Native American roots, the name is long linked to the Nimi'ipuu tribe. Widely recognized by their French-christened name Nez Percé, the Nimi'ipuu were perhaps best known for their instrumental part in creating the Appaloosa horse breed. As inhabitants of the plateau between the Rocky Mountains and the Cascade Range, it is perhaps unsurprising that Kaya became one of its enduring appellations. A short-form of Kaya'aton'my, Kaya means "she who arranges rocks" and found acclaim within the American Girl series. In this fictional realm, Kaya is fondly depicted as a resourceful, courageous, and intelligent figure—no doubt a homage to her historically powerful roots.