Kalaya is of uncertain origin and is usually explained in two ways: as a modern American name in the style of Kalani and Alaya, or as a form of the Thai Kanlaya, which goes back to the Sanskrit kalyani and means "beautiful" or "auspicious". Either way it has a soft, melodic sound that fits current tastes. Kalaya has risen from number 3234 in 2015 to number 1837 in 2025, its best rank so far.