Alaya vs Imani

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Alaya

Girl #362 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"sublime, exalted"

Origin: Arabic

Cultural Roots

Arabic African American South Asian Muslim

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#362
Total SSA Count
862
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lay, Laya, Allie

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Imani

Girl #526 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"faith"

Origin: Swahili

Cultural Roots

Swahili African American East African American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#526
Total SSA Count
583
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Mani, Ima

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Popularity Comparison

Alaya Rank #362
Imani Rank #526

Alaya is more popular, ranked #362 vs #526 for Imani.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Alaya ___

  • Alaya Rose
  • Alaya Grace
  • Alaya Marie
  • Alaya Jade
  • Alaya Faith
  • Alaya Simone

Imani ___

  • Imani Grace
  • Imani Rose
  • Imani Joy
  • Imani Nicole
  • Imani Simone
  • Imani Danielle

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Alaya

Zara Malia Imani Kai Amir

If you choose Imani

Amara Zuri Kofi Amani Nia

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alaya or Imani more popular?

Alaya is more popular, ranked #362 compared to Imani at #526 in the United States.

What do Alaya and Imani mean?

Alaya means "sublime, exalted" (Arabic origin). Imani means "faith" (Swahili origin).

Are Alaya and Imani boy or girl names?

Alaya is primarily a girl name. Imani is primarily a girl name.

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