Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Kaia

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.
💕 Browse more names
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'
U.S. rank (2025)#193 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births1,618 girls (0.10% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 20,898

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419552025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

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
Gaia— echoes that soft -ia sound
Sonia— shares the -ia ending

Explore names like Kaia

By meaningSea / WaterPurityEarth / Nature

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

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.

💬 Ask Nia