Kaia

♀ Girl

Pronounced KY-uh /ˈkaɪ.ə/High

Meaning: Sea — from Hawaiian kai (sea, ocean); also used as a Scandinavian variant of Katja (pure) and a Greek variant meaning 'earth'Medium

In 30 seconds: A multicultural jewel, Kaia means 'sea' in Hawaiian, 'pure' in Scandinavian tradition, and 'earth' in Greek — and entered mainstream American consciousness through supermodel Kaia Gerber.

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Origin MediumHawaiian, Greek, Scandinavian

MeaningSea — from Hawaiian kai (sea, ocean); also used as a Scandinavian variant of Katja (pure) and a Greek variant meaning 'earth'

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 10,169

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Kaia is a multicultural name with independent origins. In Hawaiian, Kaia derives from kai (sea). In Scandinavian countries (particularly Norway), Kaia is a form of Katja/Kaja, ultimately from the Greek Aikaterinē meaning 'pure.' In some Greek traditions it may relate to Gaia (Earth). Each tradition is independent.

Kaia entered U.S. birth records in significant numbers in the 2000s and has grown steadily into the top 200 girls' names. Its rise was accelerated by the profile of Kaia Gerber. Its short, bright two-syllable sound, multiple meaningful origins, and easy pronunciation give it broad appeal.

Did you know? Kaia Gerber (b. 2001) is the daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford and began her modeling career as a teenager. Her rapid rise to fashion-world prominence gave the name Kaia significant visibility among parents in the 2010s.

Variations

KaiaKayaKaiya

Nicknames

Kai

Famous Bearers

★Kaia Gerber (b. 2001)
American model and actress, daughter of Cindy Crawford, who accelerated the name's rise in the 2010s.

If you like Kaia…

Kai— the single-syllable Hawaiian sea root that Kaia extends

Isla— two-syllable name with the same clean, modern, international appeal

Nova— two-syllable nature-sky name sharing Kaia's bright, modern energy

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kaia mean?

Kaia has multiple origins: 'sea' from Hawaiian kai, 'pure' from Scandinavian Kaja (via Katherine), and possible Greek 'earth' associations.

How do you pronounce Kaia?

Kaia is pronounced KY-uh /ˈkaɪ.ə/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Kaia a boy or girl name?

Kaia is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Kaia?

Kaia has entered the U.S. top 200 girls' names and continues to grow, boosted by model Kaia Gerber's profile.