Means "dawn" in Akkadian. In Akkadian mythology Aya was a mother goddess, the consort of the sun god Shamash, and associated strongly with the rising sun, sexual love, and youth. The Babylonians sometimes called her kallatu meaning "the bride". She developed from the Sumerian goddess Sherida.
Aya in the Cherokee language is a term for one's self. Usually used as "I" or "Me". If a family member uses this for someone it would me that they see a bit of themself in that person and it would be meant as a compliment.It is also a type of fern that is known as a symbol of endurance and resourcefulness. The fern is a hardy plant that can grow in difficult places.