Rising since 1997, #2,691 for girls today.
Popularity of Caia since 1979
Babies named Caia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 7 |
| 2000s | 181 |
| 2010s | 542 |
| 2020s | 466 |
Meaning & origin
Caia is a rare but steadily rising name in the United States. First recorded in 1979, it saw little use until the late 1990s, when it began a gradual upward trend. From 1997 onward, its trajectory has been consistently rising, reaching a peak rank of 2,691 in 2025. That year, approximately 1 in every 25,114 girls received the name. The highest concentration of Caia births occurs in California, New York, and Texas. The name's appeal likely stems from its short, melodic sound and resemblance to popular names like Maya and Kaia. While its exact origin is uncertain, the Latin connection lends it a classic yet underused quality.
Caia is likely a variant of the Latin name Gaia, which derives from Caius, a Roman praenomen meaning 'rejoice'. In Roman tradition, Gaia was the wife of the legendary founder Romulus and a symbol of motherhood. The name has been used sparingly in English-speaking countries, often as a modern respelling of Kaya or Caya.
Where Caia is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Caia
Names that share Caia's style, for a brother or sister.
