UK girl's name
Preya
A feminine name of Indian origin meaning "beloved" or "dear one".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Preya is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Preya popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #5891, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2016, with 4 births.
This profile covers 19 England and Wales registrations across 6 recorded years from 2011 to 2024. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 75% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 19 living people in the UK are called Preya. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2025 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Preya ranked #5891 for girls in England and Wales in 2024, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2016, when 4 girls were registered as Preya.
- • About 19 living people in the UK are estimated to have Preya as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#5891
2024
Births in 2024
3
Latest year
Peak year
2016
4 births
Estimated living
19
2026
Meaning
What does Preya mean?
The name Preya is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit language, with roots dating back to ancient India. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "priya," which translates to "beloved" or "dear one." This name carries a strong connotation of affection and endearment, reflecting the cultural values and traditions of the Indian subcontinent.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Preya can be found in the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Vedas. Within these sacred texts, the name is mentioned in reference to various deities and mythological figures, symbolizing their cherished and revered status. This association with divine entities further solidified the name's significance and contributed to its enduring popularity.
Throughout the centuries, the name Preya has been borne by numerous notable individuals, leaving an indelible mark on various fields. One such figure is Preya Kalidas, a renowned poet and playwright from the 4th century CE, whose works, including the celebrated play "Abhijñānaśākuntalam," have stood the test of time and continue to be celebrated today.
Another illustrious bearer of this name is Preya Vidyapati, a 15th-century poet and lyricist from Bengal. His works, particularly his love poems, are considered literary masterpieces and have profoundly influenced the development of Bengali literature and culture.
In the realm of spirituality, Preya Ananda Mayee Ma, a revered Indian mystic and saint who lived from 1896 to 1982, embodied the essence of love and compassion, inspiring countless followers with her teachings and selfless service.
Moving into more recent times, Preya Dutt, an Indian politician and social activist born in 1957, has dedicated her life to advocating for human rights, environmental causes, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. Her unwavering commitment to social justice has earned her widespread respect and admiration.
Lastly, Preya Narayanan, an accomplished Indian classical dancer and choreographer born in 1981, has captivated audiences around the world with her graceful performances and innovative interpretations of traditional dance forms, preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of India.
These notable individuals, spanning various eras and disciplines, have carried the name Preya with dignity and distinction, leaving an indelible mark on their respective fields and contributing to the richness of human culture and history.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Preya over time
The chart below shows babies named Preya registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2011 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Preya, the clearest high point is 2016. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2024, compared with 4 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Preya by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Preya was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #5891 | 3 | 1 |
| 2010s | #5529 | 16 | 5 |
Related
Names similar to Preya
- Poppy 52,802
- Phoebe 47,609
- Paige 24,717
- Penelope 13,109
- Pippa 6,346
- Polly 5,678
- Philippa 4,446
- Penny 4,394
- Paris 4,372
- Piper 3,961
- Pearl 3,516
- Paisley 3,419
FAQ
Preya: questions and answers
How popular is the name Preya in the UK right now?
In 2024, Preya was ranked #5891 for girls in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Preya most popular?
The peak year on record was 2016, with 4 babies registered as Preya in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Preya?
A feminine name of Indian origin meaning "beloved" or "dear one".
How many people are called Preya in the UK?
A total of 19 babies have been registered as Preya across the 6 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.