Rising since 1986, #193 for girls today.
Popularity of Kaia since 1955
Babies named Kaia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 20 |
| 1960s | 44 |
| 1970s | 167 |
| 1980s | 211 |
| 1990s | 594 |
| 2000s | 4,008 |
| 2010s | 7,239 |
| 2020s | 8,626 |
Meaning & origin
Kaia first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1955, but remained rare until the 1980s. Since 1986, its trajectory has been rising, reaching its peak rank of 193 in 2025. The name is most popular in Hawaii, Wyoming, and Rhode Island. About 1 in 993 newborns received the name in 2025. Its simple, vowel-heavy sound and cross-cultural appeal have driven its steady climb. While its precise origin is debated, Kaia's blend of Scandinavian heritage and modern freshness resonates with contemporary naming tastes.
Kaia may derive as a Scandinavian short form of Katarina, the Greek name meaning 'pure.' Alternatively, it emerged as a modern invention, possibly influenced by the Hawaiian name Kai or as a variant of Maya. Its use in the United States began in the 1950s and has risen steadily since the 1980s.
Where Kaia is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kaia” around the world
Where Kaia lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
36
babies in 2025
New Zealand
#45
in 2025
Quebec
13
babies in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#70
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Kaia
Names that share Kaia's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Leilani, Elianna, Amira, Maya, Sienna, Anika, Kaya, Krista, Maleah, Maren, Daija, Indya, Jaina, La, Malayna, Miriah, Myka, Naia, Shasta, Taina, Yuna, Aayla, Aina, Cyanna, Deaira, Kamori, Keela, Keili, Lanai, Leina, Liara, Maila, Makaia, Mar, Mi, Myanna, Mysha, Taija, Tarina, Teia, Xoe, Azayah, Caylani, Cyana, Cyann, Cyanne, Jaala, Jadie, Jalea, Joeli, Juvia, Kaari, Kahlea, Kaior, Kairy, Kaomi, Katori, Katreena, Kayori, Keeana, Kehlany, Keydi, Laiana, Leiliana, Miara, Na, Tahja, Xylina, Zaydee, Allani, Miela, Abrea, Alori, Baela, Brisha, Cerria, Cynia, Daia, Daisa, Jaiona, Jamacia, Jonay, Kalahni, Kalya, Kayliani, Kearia, Keomi, Kimmora, Kiora, Laira, Malaka, Milliani, Naika, Rhesa, Saide, Saila, Samauri, Syan, Ta, Taela, Teira, Xana, Zeniya, Zierra, Zoua
Brothers: Emory, Kai, Milo, Ezra, Finn, Jareth, Koa, Kage, Kalan, Kalel, Kasen, Kion, Koren, Raekwon, Xavien, Arien, Cyler, Kagen, Kailo, Kainan, Kayin, Kyon, Sylar, Tajh, Toren, Xian, Zylen, Aarian, Aidden, Aithan, Calian, Cyaire, Dacoda, Ezran, Jakin, Jessen, Kaire, Kairen, Kaivon, Kasten, Kirin, Kohan, Mahkai, Makana, Thoren, Yida, Zaiel, Aquan, Cordai, Daemion, Drayce, Kadian, Kahle, Kaian, Kaiel, Kaii, Kainoah, Karas, Kazen, Khylo, Kyian, Kysin, Kysir, Maejor, Nyxon, Reon, Rykar, Taika
Names like Kaia
Names whose popularity has moved with Kaia's over the last 50 years.
