NameCensus.

UK girl's name

Talayah

A feminine name of Arabic origin meaning "gift from God".

For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2023. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.

Talayah is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Talayah popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2023 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4709, with 4 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2017, with 8 births.

This profile covers 24 England and Wales registrations across 5 recorded years from 2006 to 2023. 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 50% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.

We estimate that about 24 living people in the UK are called Talayah. 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 2024 or 2026.

Key insights

  • Talayah ranked #4709 for girls in England and Wales in 2023, with 4 registrations.
  • The name peaked in 2017, when 8 girls were registered as Talayah.
  • About 24 living people in the UK are estimated to have Talayah as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.

Latest rank (E&W)

#4709

2023

Births in 2023

4

Latest year

Peak year

2017

8 births

Estimated living

24

2026

Meaning

What does Talayah mean?

The name Talayah is of African American origin and has its roots in the Yoruba language spoken in parts of West Africa, particularly Nigeria. The name is derived from the Yoruba word "tala," meaning "precious" or "highly valued." It is believed to have gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century as part of the African American cultural movement to embrace and celebrate their African heritage.

While the name Talayah does not have any direct historical references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its Yoruba roots connect it to the rich cultural traditions and practices of the Yoruba people. The Yoruba are known for their intricate system of oral traditions, storytelling, and naming practices, which often reflect the values and beliefs of their communities.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Talayah can be found in the United States during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is believed that the name gained popularity as part of the broader trend of African American parents choosing names that reflected their cultural identity and pride.

Throughout history, there have been a few notable individuals who bore the name Talayah. One such person was Talayah Williams, an American singer and songwriter born in the late 1990s, who gained recognition for her soulful vocal performances and participation in various talent competitions.

Another notable Talayah was Talayah Bingham, an American basketball player born in the early 2000s, who excelled in the sport and played for her high school and college teams. Her athletic achievements and dedication to the game made her a role model for young athletes.

In the field of education, Talayah Jackson, an American educator born in the mid-20th century, made significant contributions to improving educational opportunities for underprivileged communities. Her work focused on promoting literacy and creating inclusive learning environments.

Talayah Parker, an American entrepreneur born in the late 20th century, founded a successful business that empowered women and promoted sustainable practices. Her innovative approach and commitment to social responsibility earned her recognition and respect within the business community.

Lastly, Talayah Davis, an American artist born in the late 20th century, gained recognition for her thought-provoking installations and sculptures that explored themes of identity, culture, and social issues. Her works have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the United States.

These individuals, while not widely known, have left their mark in various fields and served as inspiration for others who share their name, highlighting the rich diversity and potential associated with the name Talayah.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

Popularity

Talayah over time

The chart below shows babies named Talayah registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2006 to 2023. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.

For Talayah, the clearest high point is 2017. The latest England and Wales figure is 4 births in 2023, compared with 8 at the peak.

Babies born per year

Talayah
02468200620142023

Decades

Talayah by decade

Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Talayah 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 #4340 9 2
2010s #3832 12 2
2000s #5061 3 1

Related

Names similar to Talayah

FAQ

Talayah: questions and answers

How popular is the name Talayah in the UK right now?

In 2023, Talayah was ranked #4709 for girls in England and Wales, with 4 births registered.

When was Talayah most popular?

The peak year on record was 2017, with 8 babies registered as Talayah in England and Wales.

What is the meaning and origin of Talayah?

A feminine name of Arabic origin meaning "gift from God".

How many people are called Talayah in the UK?

A total of 24 babies have been registered as Talayah across the 5 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.