US Popularity Rank: None

Origin: Filipino

Meaning: From Visayas; Excellence

Visaya is quite a powerful gender-neutral name, denoting far more than the Visayan islands of the central Philippines. There are many who would argue that Visaya's roots lie in the Sanskrit Srivijaya, composed of Śrī, "prosperous," and Vijaya, meaning "excellence." It's a tempting possibility for baby Visaya, serving as a beacon for a wonderous life. Alas, Visaya is more accurately understood as a variant of Bisaya, meaning "from Visayas." Perhaps being rooted in an island group rich in cultural diversity, natural beauty, and folklore is all the prosperity young baby desires—and who can argue with that?