Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Naia
GirlGreek, Basque· “uncertain; perhaps 'water nymph'”
- Meaning
- uncertain; perhaps 'water nymph' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek, Basque
- Pronunciation
- NY-uh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,585
- US babies 2025
- 133
- Best rank
- #1,509 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Naia
Naia is often said to mean “uncertain; perhaps 'water nymph'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek and Basque roots.
The origin of Naia is uncertain. It is sometimes linked to the Greek naiad, a water nymph, and it is also used in Basque, where it may mean wave. Naia has become popular in Spain and other countries as a modern name. It has a soft, flowing sound and a connection to water and nature. Said NY-uh, it also echoes the Hawaiian nai'a, meaning dolphin, a separate word that some families have in mind.
Popularity over time
Naia first appears in US Social Security records in 1982. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,509 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 143 babies. In 2025, 133 babies were named Naia, and it ranked #1,585 nationally. That is 42% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,787 in 2000, #2,890 in 2010, and #1,585 in 2025. Of the 2,228 US girls named Naia since records began, 37% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 733 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Azuri, Jannah, Nila, Zya, and Julieth.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Naia ranked highest in Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #129 | 7 |
| Massachusetts | #733 | 7 |
| Washington | #789 | 8 |
| Florida | #945 | 17 |
| California | #993 | 28 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Naia is usually pronounced NY-uh, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with N and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Naia
A few middle names that flow with Naia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Naia
Similar names
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Lists that include Naia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Naia mean?
Naia is often said to mean “uncertain; perhaps 'water nymph'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek and Basque roots.
What is the origin of the name Naia?
Naia has Greek and Basque roots. The origin of Naia is uncertain.
Is Naia a popular name?
Not especially. Naia ranked #1,585 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Naia a boy or girl name?
Naia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Naia?
Naia is usually pronounced NY-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