Kiva

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEE-vuh /ˈkiː.və/Medium

Meaning: A short form of the Hebrew Akiva (a form of Jacob/Yaakov, 'to supplant; to protect'), used here as a boy's name. Note it also reads as a female name and as an unrelated English word (the microlending org Kiva); the unisex point is worth flagging.Low

In 30 seconds: A short Hebrew name: Kiva is a form of Akiva (from Jacob), said 'KEE-vuh.' Used here for a boy — note it also reads female.

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Origin LowHebrew

MeaningA short form of the Hebrew Akiva (a form of Jacob/Yaakov, 'to supplant; to protect'), used here as a boy's name. Note it also reads as a female name and as an unrelated English word (the microlending org Kiva); the unisex point is worth flagging.

U.S. rank (2012)#11605 ↗ Rising

2012 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2005

Total births (all-time)≈ 24

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

As a boy's name Kiva shortens the Hebrew Akiva, a form of Yaakov (Jacob). It reads warm and brief; it is also used for girls and shares its spelling with the well-known Kiva organization — a cross-sex point we flag. Rare in the U.S. (said 'KEE-vuh').

It appears rarely in U.S. data, for boys and girls alike. Rare, short, and unisex-leaning.

Did you know? Kiva is a short form of the Hebrew Akiva (linked to Jacob, 'to supplant; protect') — used here for a boy, though it also reads as a female name and echoes the microlending org Kiva; the unisex point is worth flagging (said 'KEE-vuh').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Kiva — Hebrew form of Akiva; unisex; also the Kiva org

Variations

AkivaKeevaKeva

Nicknames

KivKee

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kiva mean?

Kiva is a form of the Hebrew Akiva (linked to Jacob, 'to supplant; protect').

How do you pronounce Kiva?

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

Is Kiva a boy or girl name?

Kiva is used here for a boy, but it also reads as a girl's name — we flag the unisex point.

How popular is Kiva?

Kiva is a rare name in the U.S. for both boys and girls.