Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Kaia
GirlScandinavian, Hawaiian· “uncertain; several possible sources”
- Meaning
- uncertain; several possible sources (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Scandinavian, Hawaiian
- Pronunciation
- KY-uh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #193
- US babies 2025
- 1,618
- Best rank
- #180 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Kaia
Kaia is often said to mean “uncertain; several possible sources”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Scandinavian and Hawaiian roots.
Kaia has several possible origins, and no single meaning is certain. In Scandinavia, Kaja or Kaia is a short form of Katherine, the Greek name of uncertain meaning. In Hawaiian, the similar kai means sea, and many parents connect Kaia with that ocean imagery, while others relate it to the Greek Gaia, the earth. Because of these overlapping sources, the name feels at home in many cultures. Kaia has become popular in the United States in recent years, admired for its short, breezy sound. It is usually pronounced KY-uh, and Kaya is a related spelling.
Popularity over time
Kaia first appears in US Social Security records in 1955. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 26 different years, starting in 2000. Its best national rank was #180 in 2024, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,680 babies. In 2025, 1,618 babies were named Kaia, and it ranked #193 nationally. That is 128% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,907 in 1980, #905 in 2000, #547 in 2010, and #193 in 2025. Of the 20,909 US girls named Kaia since records began, 41% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 7,239 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kaylani, Celeste, Myla, Haven, and Lilah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kaia ranked highest in Hawaii, California, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #9 | 29 |
| California | #79 | 359 |
| Washington | #81 | 72 |
| Wyoming | #91 | 5 |
| New York | #114 | 133 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kaia is usually pronounced KY-uh, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with K and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Kaia
A few middle names that flow with Kaia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kaia
Similar names
Malia Girl
muh-LEE-uh
“Hawaiian form of Mary” · Hawaiian
#349
Gia Girl
JEE-uh
“God is gracious” · Italian
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Nia Girl
NEE-uh
“purpose (Swahili); bright (Welsh)” · Swahili
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Mia Girl
MEE-uh
“short form of Maria; Italian for mine” · Scandinavian
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Liv Girl
LIHV
“protection; also life” · Scandinavian
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Sia Girl
SEE-uh
“short form of names like Anastasia” · English
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Naia Girl
NY-uh
“uncertain; perhaps 'water nymph'” · Greek
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Julia Girl
JOOL-yuh
“uncertain; Roman family name” · Latin
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Natalia Girl
nuh-TAHL-yuh
“Christmas Day” · Latin
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Valeria Girl
vuh-LEHR-ee-uh
“strong, healthy” · Latin
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Cecilia Girl
sih-SEEL-yuh
“from Caecilius; traditionally 'blind'” · Latin
#108
Anastasia Girl
an-uh-STAY-zhuh
“resurrection” · Greek
#163
Lists that include Kaia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kaia mean?
Kaia is often said to mean “uncertain; several possible sources”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Scandinavian and Hawaiian roots.
What is the origin of the name Kaia?
Kaia has Scandinavian and Hawaiian roots. Kaia has several possible origins, and no single meaning is certain.
Is Kaia a popular name?
Yes. Kaia ranked #193 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kaia a boy or girl name?
Kaia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kaia?
Kaia is usually pronounced KY-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings