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Alayah

Girl name · 42 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Alayah: 42 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 10 births in 2024.

A modern variant of the Arabic name Aaliyah, Alayah means “exalted” or “sublime,” drawn from the root ‘aliyya. The name gained international recognition through the American singer Aaliyah, whose R&B and pop hits in the late 1990s and early 2000s made the original spelling a household favourite. Alayah emerged as a fresh, phonetic alternative, especially in Scotland and other English-speaking countries, where parents appreciate its lyrical sound and graceful meaning. Though no major place is directly linked to the name, its association with Aaliyah’s legacy gives it a lasting cultural touchstone. Spelling variations such as Alaya and Alayiah are also common, each retaining the same uplifting sense of height and honour.