Moya

Sanskrit, English, Hebrew, Estonian

"illusion, magic; mother; water; beloved, bitter, drop of the sea"

Moya Origin and Meaning

The name Moya is a girl's name.

Moya is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, creating a rich tapestry of meanings. In Irish Gaelic, it derives from Máire (a form of Mary) and can mean "bitter" or "beloved." In African contexts, particularly Swahili and Zulu, Moya means "spirit" or "soul," giving it a profound spiritual dimension. The name also appears in Slavic languages with connections to concepts like "mine" or "my own." This multicultural background makes Moya especially appealing to families seeking names with global resonance. Its simple two-syllable structure and flowing sound give it an accessible yet distinctive quality. While never extremely common, Moya has maintained steady usage across different cultures, appreciated for its brevity and emotional depth.

Famous People Named Moya

• Moya Brennan stage name of Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin, Irish folk singer, songwriter and harpist, sister of Enya
• Moya Marguerite Greene Canadian former CEO of Royal Mail
• Moya Bailey American feminist scholar
• Moya Palk English model
• Moya Cannon Irish poet
• Moya Brady British actress
• Moya Doherty Irish producer of Riverdance
• Moya Clare Dyring Australian artist
• Moya Henderson Australian composer
• Moya Marie Olsen Lear American businesswoman; wife of aviation pioneer Bill Lear

The name Moya in Pop Culture

• Moya living spaceship on TV's "Farscape"