How to say it
ka · LI · yah
kəˈliː.ə
Feminine
Kaliyah
Exalted, sublime
What it means
A variant of Aaliyah, from the Arabic for 'exalted' or 'sublime,' spelled with a K.
Kaliyah is a K-spelling in the Aaliyah family, from the Arabic for 'exalted' or 'sublime.' It blends the popular Kali- opening with the lifted -iyah ending, landing soft and modern. It is especially well used in African American naming, part of the same melodic wave as Aaliyah and Amaya. Said kuh-LEE-uh.
How to spell Kaliyah
The standard spelling is Kaliyah. Common variants include Aaliyah, Kaliya, Kalia, but Kaliyah is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #392 in 2025, currently #392 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Spelling
In the Aaliyah family; also spelled Kaliya.
- Pronunciation
kuh-LEE-uh.
Spelling variants
- Aaliyah
- Kaliya
- Kalia
Names with the same feeling
Common questions
- What does the name Kaliyah mean?
- A variant of Aaliyah, from the Arabic for 'exalted' or 'sublime,' spelled with a K.
- What does Kaliyah mean in Arabic?
- In Arabic, Kaliyah means "Exalted, sublime." Kaliyah is a K-spelling in the Aaliyah family, from the Arabic for 'exalted' or 'sublime.' It blends the popular Kali- opening with the lifted -iyah ending, landing soft and modern. It is especially well used in African American naming, part of the same melodic wave as Aaliyah and Amaya. Said kuh-LEE-uh.
- How do you pronounce Kaliyah?
- Kaliyah is pronounced kəˈliː.ə. Say it as ka-LI-yah, with the stress on the "li" syllable.
- How do you spell Kaliyah?
- The standard spelling is Kaliyah. Common spelling variants include Aaliyah, Kaliya, Kalia.
- Is Kaliyah a boy or girl name?
- Kaliyah is traditionally a feminine name.
- How popular is the name Kaliyah?
- Kaliyah ranked #392 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.