Kia

♀ Girl

Pronounced KEE-uh /ˈkiː.ə/Medium

Meaning: Kia is a short name read several ways: in Maori kia can mean 'may it be; let it be' (as in kia ora), it serves as a short form of names like Kiana, and it stands alone as a modern coinage. The routes are uncertain, which we note gently.Low

In 30 seconds: A bright short name: Kia is often read as Maori 'may it be' or as a short coinage (said 'KEE-uh'). Routes uncertain, which we note gently.

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Origin LowMaori, American

MeaningKia is a short name read several ways: in Maori kia can mean 'may it be; let it be' (as in kia ora), it serves as a short form of names like Kiana, and it stands alone as a modern coinage. The routes are uncertain, which we note gently.

U.S. rank (2024)#12772 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1993

Total births (all-time)≈ 7,601

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Kia is a short, sunny name read in more than one way: Maori gives it the sense of 'may it be' (from greetings like kia ora), and elsewhere it stands as a short form of Kiana or a modern coinage. The routes are uncertain, which we note gently (said 'KEE-uh').

In the U.S. it appears occasionally, warm and easy to wear. Familiar, short, and bright.

Did you know? Kia is a compact name with several readings — Maori kia ('may it be; let it be'), a short form of Kiana, and a clean modern coinage. The routes are uncertain, which we note gently (said 'KEE-uh').

Overall data confidence 34%

References — Kia — Maori 'may it be' / short for Kiana / coinage; routes uncertain

Variations

KiahKyaKiya

Nicknames

KikiKee

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kia…

Mia— a like bright short girl's name

Tia— a like warm -ia ending pick

Nia— a like soft short name

Kiana— the fuller name Kia can shorten

Explore names like Kia

By themeuncertain modern short maori

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kia mean?

Kia is often read as Maori 'may it be; let it be,' as a short form of Kiana, or as a coinage. The routes are uncertain, which we note gently.

How do you pronounce Kia?

It's said KEE-uh /ˈkiː.ə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kia a boy or girl name?

Kia is used mainly as a girl's name.

How popular is Kia?

Kia is an uncommon short name in the U.S.