Haya — حَيَاء

Meaning of Haya

Haya is written حَيَاء in Arabic script and is given to a girl. Its core meaning is "Modesty, bashfulness, dignity", a quality Muslim parents have chosen to bless their daughter with for generations.

Names in Islam are considered an amanah — a trust the parent gives the child for life. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that on the Day of Judgement people will be called by their names and their fathers' names, which is why a Muslim name should carry a good, dignified meaning such as the one behind Haya.

Haya meaning in Urdu, Pashto, Farsi and other languages

Because Muslim families live across the Arab world, South Asia, Central Asia, Turkey and Southeast Asia, the name Haya is written and understood slightly differently in each language. Here is the meaning of Haya translated into every major Muslim language.

Is Haya a good Islamic name?

Yes. Haya carries the positive meaning "Modesty, bashfulness, dignity", contains nothing that contradicts Islamic belief, and does not claim an attribute reserved for Allah alone. Scholars advise avoiding names with arrogant, hopeless or shirk-related meanings — Haya falls into none of those categories.

It is customary to name a child on the seventh day after birth, together with the aqiqah, though naming earlier or later is permitted. Many parents pair Haya with a second name to form a full Islamic name.

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Haya mean?

Haya (حَيَاء) means "Modesty, bashfulness, dignity". It is an Islamic girl name of Arabic origin.

Is Haya a boy or girl name?

Haya is used as a Muslim girl name.

How do you pronounce Haya?

Haya is pronounced HA-YA, following the Arabic pronunciation of حَيَاء.

What is the meaning of Haya in Urdu?

In Urdu, Haya means "حیا، شرم".

Is Haya mentioned in the Quran?

Haya is an authentic Arabic Islamic name meaning "Modesty, bashfulness, dignity". Whether the exact word appears in the Quran, its root and meaning are firmly within the Arabic and Islamic naming tradition.