What does Moya mean and where does it come from?
Moya has Irish roots, where it is often derived from 'Moira.' In Irish mythology, names like Moya carry significant meaning related to strength and nobility. In Spanish-speaking cultures, it can embody a sense of vastness and depth akin to the sea. It has been used historically and is found in vario
Cultural significance
Moya has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variation of 'moira,' meaning 'great,' or 'noble'..
Peak popularity
Reached #3254 in 1954 — currently #16904 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Moya?
Moya works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Moya Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Moya Rose
Floral · soft ending
Moya Claire
French influence · crisp
Moya Jane
Literary · strong
Moya Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Moya right now?
Falling — down 3788 spots — currently #16904 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2021 | #16904 | 5 | ▼ down 3788 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #13116 | 7 | ▼ down 4351 · -46% births |
| 2010 | #8765 | 13 | ▲ up 2273 · +44% births |
| 2005 | #11038 | 9 | ▼ down 3394 · -31% births |
| 2000 | #7644 | 13 | ▲ up 4328 · +117% births |
| 1995 | #11972 | 6 | ▼ down 371 |
| 1990 | #11601 | 6 | ▼ down 2065 |
| 1985 | #9536 | 6 | ▼ down 3119 · -40% births |
| 1980 | #6417 | 10 | ▲ up 928 · +43% births |
| 1975 | #7345 | 7 | ▼ down 1364 · -12% births |
| 1970 | #5981 | 8 | ▲ up 872 · +60% births |
| 1965 | #6853 | 5 | ▼ down 893 · -17% births |
| 1960 | #5960 | 6 | ▼ down 1381 · -25% births |
| 1955 | #4579 | 8 | ▲ up 336 · +33% births |
| 1925 | #4915 | 6 | — |
The story of Moya
Moya entered American naming records in 1923 and has been in use for over 101 years. With 622 total births recorded, Moya remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4915 in 1925, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #16904 in 2021.
Names that peaked alongside Moya in 1954:
Moya by decade
Moya peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 17 | |
| 1930s | 29 | |
| 1940s | 22 | |
| 1950s | 52 | |
| 1960s | 71 | |
| 1970s | 90 | |
| 1980s | 89 | |
| 1990s | 73 | |
| 2000s ★ | 125 | |
| 2010s | 54 | |
💎Moya has only 622 total recorded births since 1923 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Moya?
Famous people named Moya
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Moya (Irish revolutionary)
Moya carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
M(
Moya (Irish saint)
Moya helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
M(
Moya (Irish poet or writer)
Moya used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
M(
Moya (Irish revolutionary)
Moya carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Moya?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Moya also consider these
Common questions about the name Moya
What does the name Moya mean?
Moya means "A variation of 'Moira,' meaning 'great,' or 'noble'." — a name rooted in Irish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Moya?
Moya is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Moya?
Moya originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Moya?
Moya is a two-syllable name pronounced M OY1 AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Moya a common or rare name?
Moya is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.