Laya is an Indian name from Sanskrit laya, which means "rhythm" in classical music and also "union" or "merging"; in Spanish-speaking and Jewish families it is also used as a short, modern spin on Leah or Layla. The name is easy to say in almost any language, which explains its appeal in a multicultural country. Laya has been rising slowly in the US, from number 7012 in 2000 to number 1543 in 2025, its best rank so far.