Priya is a Sanskrit name that means "beloved" or "dear" and is one of the most widely used girls' names in India. It is short, easy to spell and pronounce, which has made it a natural choice for Indian-American families who want a name that works in both cultures. In the United States Priya peaked at number 1107 in 2001 and has slowly drifted down to number 1956 in 2025.