Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kaira
GirlAmerican (modern coinage)· “uncertain; modern name”
- Meaning
- uncertain; modern name (origin disputed)
- Origin
- American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- KY-ruh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,424
- US babies 2025
- 152
- Best rank
- #1,252 (2019)
- Peak year
- 2019
Meaning and origin of Kaira
Kaira is often said to mean “uncertain; modern name”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) roots.
Short and graceful, Kaira has an uncertain origin. It may be related to Kyra, Kiara or Keira, or to Sanskrit and other sources, but no single etymology is confirmed. It has a soft, flowing sound and a contemporary feel. The name fits alongside names like Kiara and Kyra. Kai and Ka make possible nicknames. It is usually pronounced KY-ruh, the same as Kyra, so the spelling is the main thing that sets it apart. Other close relatives include Keira, Kiera and Kira.
Popularity over time
Kaira first appears in US Social Security records in 1970. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,252 in 2019, the same year it reached its highest count of 186 babies. In 2025, 152 babies were named Kaira, and it ranked #1,424 nationally. That is 67% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #6,504 in 1980, #2,114 in 2000, #2,953 in 2010, and #1,424 in 2025. Of the 3,335 US girls named Kaira since records began, 30% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 971 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Rayleigh, Keren, Khalia, Kelani, and Skylynn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kaira ranked highest in Maryland, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #622 | 8 |
| New Jersey | #803 | 9 |
| Massachusetts | #817 | 6 |
| Washington | #857 | 7 |
| California | #1067 | 25 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kaira is usually pronounced KY-ruh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Kaira
A few middle names that flow with Kaira: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kaira
Similar names
Cierra Girl
see-AIR-uh
“mountain range; variant of Sierra” · American (modern coinage)
#2,727
Nyra Girl
NY-ruh
“modern name of uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#1,465
Ayra Girl
EHR-uh
“modern name of uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#939
Kendra Girl
KEHN-druh
“modern; possibly feminine of Kendrick” · English
#849
Kara Girl
KEHR-uh
“dear, beloved” · Latin
#1,075
Kiera Girl
KEER-uh
“dark” · Irish
#1,097
Ciara Girl
see-EHR-uh
“dark” · Irish
#1,408
Chiara Girl
KYAHR-uh
“bright, clear” · Italian
#1,066
Zaira Girl
ZY-ruh
Italian
#1,081
Meera Girl
MEER-uh
“uncertain; possibly 'ocean' or 'boundary'” · Sanskrit
#1,020
Amyra Girl
uh-MEER-uh
“modern variant of Amira” · American (modern coinage)
#1,153
Inara Girl
ih-NAHR-uh
“uncertain; often said ray of light” · Arabic
#1,049
Lists that include Kaira
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kaira mean?
Kaira is often said to mean “uncertain; modern name”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) roots.
What is the origin of the name Kaira?
Kaira has modern American roots. Short and graceful, Kaira has an uncertain origin.
Is Kaira a popular name?
Not especially. Kaira ranked #1,424 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kaira a boy or girl name?
Kaira is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kaira?
Kaira is usually pronounced KY-ruh. 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