Kiva

♀ Girl

Pronounced KEE-vuh /ˈkiː.və/Medium

Meaning: A Hebrew name, a feminine form linked to Akiva ('protect; shelter'); separately, kiva is a Hopi/Pueblo word for a ceremonial room. Routes uncertain.Low

In 30 seconds: A soft, meaningful name: Kiva is Hebrew, tied to 'protect; shelter' (said 'KEE-vuh'). It's also a Hopi ceremonial room — routes uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowHebrew

MeaningA Hebrew name, a feminine form linked to Akiva ('protect; shelter'); separately, kiva is a Hopi/Pueblo word for a ceremonial room. Routes uncertain.

U.S. rank (2024)#10671 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births9 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1974

Total births (all-time)≈ 807

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

Kiva reads as a Hebrew name tied to Akiva ('protect; shelter'); separately, a kiva is a sacred Hopi/Pueblo ceremonial room. The route into girls' use is uncertain, which we note. Soft and meaningful (said 'KEE-vuh').

It appears only rarely in the U.S. Rare, gentle, and grounded.

Did you know? Kiva is a Hebrew name linked to Akiva ('protect; shelter'); the same spelling names a Hopi ceremonial room, so its route is uncertain, which we note — gentle and grounded (said 'KEE-vuh').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Kiva — Hebrew, Akiva link; Hopi ceremonial room; routes uncertain

Variations

KeevaKyvaAkiva

Nicknames

KeeVivi

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kiva…

Keeva— a spelling cousin it echoes

Nava— a like soft Hebrew -va name

Ziva— a like bright Hebrew pick

Shira— a like gentle Hebrew choice

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By themeuncertain hebrew short soft

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kiva mean?

Kiva is a Hebrew name linked to Akiva ('protect; shelter'); it also names a Hopi ceremonial room. The route is uncertain, which we note.

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 as a girl's name.

How popular is Kiva?

Kiva is a rare name in the U.S.