A modern variation likely meaning honey or industrious
Melaya is a contemporary name with multiple possible roots. It is often considered a variation of Malaya, the Tagalog word for 'free', or a blend of Melanie and Maya, drawing from the Greek 'melas' (dark) or 'melissa' (honey bee).
Less common today
Melaya isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #9,411 in 2023.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
