Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kiya
GirlEgyptian
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Egyptian
- Pronunciation
- KEE-yuh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #2,947
- US babies 2025
- 57
- Best rank
- #963 (2002)
- Peak year
- 2002
Meaning and origin of Kiya
Kiya is usually linked to Egyptian roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
The meaning of Kiya is uncertain. It is associated with Kiya, a wife of the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten, known from inscriptions dating to the fourteenth century BC, though the meaning of her name is not known. Kiya is also used in other cultures with different suggested roots, and in the United States it often functions as a modern name. It has a short, bright sound with two syllables. Ki is a simple nickname.
Popularity over time
Kiya first appears in US Social Security records in 1970. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 1 different years, starting in 2002. Its best national rank was #963 in 2002, the same year it reached its highest count of 231 babies. In 2025, 57 babies were named Kiya, and it ranked #2,947 nationally. That is 36% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #5,100 in 1980, #1,350 in 2000, #1,664 in 2010, and #2,947 in 2025. Of the 4,134 US girls named Kiya since records began, 43% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 994 babies. Since 2010, 1,387 more have been named Kiya.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Mikaila, Jamia, Arissa, Taina, and Danae.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kiya ranked highest in Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #2308 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kiya is usually pronounced KEE-yuh, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with K and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Kiya
A few middle names that flow with Kiya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kiya
Similar names
Naya Girl
NY-uh
“uncertain; several possible sources”
#813
Miya Girl
MEE-yuh
“shrine, temple (Japanese); form of Mia” · Japanese
#1,681
Riya Girl
REE-yuh
“uncertain; Indian name” · Hindi
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Diya Girl
DEE-yuh
“lamp” · Hindi
#1,714
Zoya Girl
ZOY-uh
“life” · Russian
#1,002
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
Priya Girl
PREE-yuh
“beloved, dear” · Sanskrit
#1,956
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
Liya Girl
LEE-uh
“uncertain; related to Leah or Lia” · Hebrew
#1,344
Lists that include Kiya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kiya mean?
Kiya is usually linked to Egyptian roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Kiya?
Kiya has Egyptian roots. The meaning of Kiya is uncertain.
Is Kiya a popular name?
Not especially. Kiya ranked #2,947 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kiya a boy or girl name?
Kiya is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kiya?
Kiya is usually pronounced KEE-yuh. 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