Ligaya
A girl's name of Malay origin with 65 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A barangay of Aglipay, Quirino, Philippines.
Ligaya is a girl's baby name of Filipino origin, from the Tagalog word ligaya, meaning 'happiness' or 'joy.' It is a traditional Filipino given name that has been used for generations in the Philippines and Filipino communities worldwide.
Ligaya is a name that wears its meaning on its sleeve — and what a beautiful meaning. It's bright, cheerful, and utterly distinctive to Filipino heritage, a name that celebrates joy from the first syllable.
EtymologyShow more
Ligaya first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1969. Arriving in the 1960s, Ligaya appeared during a period when American naming was beginning to diversify beyond the traditional Anglo-Saxon and biblical pools.
Its Malay classification suggests a path from malay linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Ligaya has 11+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1969.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 12 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 6 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 7 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 34 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 6 | — |
The Story of Ligaya
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1980, Ligaya is a Gen X staple. Girls named Ligaya are most likely born between 1970 and 1990.
How rare is Ligaya?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Ligaya is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1969, peaked in the 1970s with 34 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Ligaya by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(11 years, 1969–2018)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 5 | #17101 |
| 2011 | 7 | #14190 |
| 2007 | 6 | #16709 |
| 1980 | 7 | #8667 |
| 1979 | 5 | #11156 |
| 1977 | 6 | #9120 |
| 1976 | 6 | #8741 |
| 1975 | 5 | #9897 |
| 1973 | 6 | #7971 |
| 1971 | 6 | #7900 |
| 1969 | 6 | #7090 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ligaya a boy's or girl's name?
When was Ligaya most popular?
How popular is the name Ligaya?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1969–2018