Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kaiya
GirlAmerican (modern coinage)· “uncertain; modern name”
- Meaning
- uncertain; modern name (origin disputed)
- Origin
- American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- KY-uh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #994
- US babies 2025
- 255
- Best rank
- #651 (2002)
- Peak year
- 2002
Meaning and origin of Kaiya
Kaiya is often said to mean “uncertain; modern name”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) roots.
Kaiya is a modern name of uncertain origin. It is sometimes linked to Japanese names, to Kai, which means sea in Hawaiian, or to Kaia, a Scandinavian pet form of Katherine, but none of these is a clear source. Most parents choose it for its light, breezy sound, which fits alongside names like Maya and Aria. Kaiya is short and pretty, and Kai is a natural nickname. Spellings such as Kaia and Kya are also used.
Popularity over time
Kaiya first appears in US Social Security records in 1974. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 25 different years, starting in 2001. Its best national rank was #651 in 2002, the same year it reached its highest count of 389 babies. In 2025, 255 babies were named Kaiya, and it ranked #994 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,193 in 2000, #747 in 2010, and #994 in 2025. Of the 8,587 US girls named Kaiya since records began, 37% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 3,027 babies. Since 2010, 4,795 more have been named Kaiya.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Nya, Lisbeth, Citlalli, Shyann, and Joana.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kaiya ranked highest in Washington, Wisconsin, and Missouri.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | #494 | 14 |
| Wisconsin | #585 | 8 |
| Missouri | #611 | 9 |
| California | #745 | 42 |
| Colorado | #745 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kaiya is usually pronounced KY-uh, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Kaiya
A few middle names that flow with Kaiya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kaiya
Similar names
Mya Girl
MY-uh
“variant of Maya or Mia” · American (modern coinage)
#444
Miya Girl
MEE-yuh
“shrine, temple (Japanese); form of Mia” · Japanese
#1,681
Kya Girl
KY-uh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
#1,237
Nya Girl
NY-uh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#2,767
Reya Girl
RAY-uh
“modern name of uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#1,003
Zaya Girl
ZY-uh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
#1,317
Niya Girl
NY-uh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
#2,807
Cataleya Girl
kat-uh-LAY-uh
“from the cattleya orchid” · American (modern coinage)
#238
Alaya Girl
uh-LAY-uh
“uncertain; possibly Sanskrit for abode” · American (modern coinage)
#368
Chaya Girl
HY-uh
“life” · Hebrew
#588
Ariya Girl
AR-ee-uh
“variant of Aria; possibly noble” · American (modern coinage)
#615
Aya Girl
AH-yuh
“sign, miracle” · Arabic
#644
Lists that include Kaiya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kaiya mean?
Kaiya 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 Kaiya?
Kaiya has modern American roots. Kaiya is a modern name of uncertain origin.
Is Kaiya a popular name?
Yes. Kaiya ranked #994 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kaiya a boy or girl name?
Kaiya is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kaiya?
Kaiya 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