Nicoya

“the one from Nicoya” — Associated with tropical beauty

Costa Rica origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1283US 2023

917Births / yr

→Stable

64All-time births

📅 Since 198200

How to pronounce Nicoya

NEE·koh·YAH

/ˈniː.koʊ.ˈjɑ/ · stress on NEE · 3 syllables

“the one from Nicoya”

Associated with tropical beauty · Costa Rica origin

What does Nicoya mean and where does it come from?

The name Nicoya is derived from the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, a region known for its biodiversity and strong indigenous culture. The name reflects geographical origins and is often associated with tropical beauty. It has been increasingly popular in recent decades, representing a vibrant conne

Cultural significance

Nicoya has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Costa Rica-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the one from nicoya.

Peak popularity

Reached #9280 in 1993 — currently #1283 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Nicoya?

Nicoya works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Nicoya Grace

How popular is Nicoya right now?

Holding steady — currently #1283 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2010–2023#1283 · Top 0.95%

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1283	917	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1288	897	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1293	867	▲ up 12652 · +12286% births
2010	#13945	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Nicoya

Best Year2023Rank #1283

Peak Count917

Average Rank#4452

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range2010 - 20234 years

The story of Nicoya

Nicoya is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1982. With 64 total births recorded, Nicoya remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13945 in 2010 to #1283 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Nicoya in 1993:

Jessica Ashley Sarah Samantha Emily

Nicoya by decade

Nicoya peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1980s ★	29
1990s	16
2000s	12
2010s	7

💎Nicoya has only 64 total recorded births since 1982 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Nicoya?

Common

NicNicieNicyOya

What names sound and feel like Nicoya?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Nicoya also consider these

Nitoya

Japan · the one who

Nicaya

American · victorious

Nicola

Italy · victory of the

Nicolas

France · Νικόλαος (Nikolaos)

Kimoya

American · A combination of

Hiroya

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Nitaya

Thailand · Meaning 'radiant' or

Idoya

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Common questions about the name Nicoya

What does the name Nicoya mean?

Nicoya means "the one from Nicoya" — a name rooted in Costa Rica 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 Nicoya?

Nicoya 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 Nicoya?

Nicoya originates from Costa Rica tradition. Costa Rica 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 Nicoya?

Nicoya is a three-syllable name pronounced N IY1 K OW0 Y AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Nicoya?

Nicoya pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Costa Rica heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.