What Does the Name Priya Mean?
Priya is a girl's name of Sanskrit origin meaning “beloved, dear.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Priya |
|---|---|
| Gender | female |
| Origin | Sanskrit |
| Meaning | beloved, dear |
| Variants | Priyanka, Priyamvada, Pria, Preeya |
| Popularity | Very popular in India; in the US and UK it is a recognizable name within South Asian communities and beyond. |
The meaning and origin of Priya
The name Priya means “beloved, dear” and has Sanskrit origins. From Sanskrit priya meaning 'beloved' or 'dear', this is a common feminine given name across India and the Hindu diaspora. The masculine form Priya/Priyo also exists in some traditions, but it is overwhelmingly used for women.
Variants and related names
Priya is related to several other names you may recognize: Priyanka, Priyamvada, Pria, Preeya. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Priya?
Very popular in India; in the US and UK it is a recognizable name within South Asian communities and beyond.
Popularity matters when you need believable test data: a name that fits the era or region you are modeling makes a generated profile look real. You can generate a complete fictional profile using the name Priya below.
Generate a fake Priya profile
Need a complete fictional identity using the name Priya? Generate a full profile — address, phone, email and more — for testing and privacy.
Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Priya mean?+
The name Priya means “beloved, dear” and is of Sanskrit origin.
What is the origin of the name Priya?+
Priya originates from Sanskrit.
Is Priya a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Priya has trended in the US over time.
Priya by gender
More girl's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press