MallowbyNames

Kaiah

KY-uh · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Kaya, which may derive from a Native American name meaning 'my elder sister' or from Japanese 'yew branch', but these connections are speculative.

2025 rank (girls)
#3,100
Babies named in 2025
52
Peak popularity
2023
2025 frequency
1 in 30,909 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #3,100 for girls today.

Popularity of Kaiah since 1997

Babies named Kaiah per year in U.S. Social Security records.

234568200020102020Most births 2021Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1990s19
2000s225
2010s406
2020s341

Meaning & origin

Kaiah is a modern given name that first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 1997. Its usage has remained relatively stable, with a modest peak in 2023 when it ranked 3,100. In 2025, the name was given to approximately 1 in every 30,909 newborn girls, making it an uncommon but not rare choice. The name is most popular in California, the only state where it ranked among the top names. Kaiah's spelling reflects a contemporary pattern of using 'ai' to create a soft, melodic sound, similar to names like Kaia or Maia. Its etymology is unclear, and it is best understood as a modern English invention rather than a name with deep historical roots. Despite its recent coinage, Kaiah has quietly maintained a steady presence in the naming landscape, appealing to parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name for their daughters.

Kaiah is a modern coinage, possibly influenced by the similar-sounding Kaya or Kaia. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1997 and has seen modest but steady use since. Its popularity peaked in 2023 at rank 3,100. The spelling likely reflects a fashionable preference for the 'ai' vowel combination, seen in names like Kai and Maia.

Where Kaiah is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Kai

Variants: Kaya, Kaia, Kaiya, Kayah

Sibling names for Kaiah

Names that share Kaiah's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Maya, Leila, Sienna, Aria, Nova

Brothers: Kai, Ezra, Leo, Milo, Asher

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

K is for Kaiah, our favorite little girl.

K is for Kaiah…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Kaiah's letter becomes Kaiah's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Kaiah's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Kaiah mean?
The meaning of Kaiah is uncertain. It is likely a modern invented name or a variant of Kaya, which has various possible origins including Native American ('my elder sister') and Japanese ('yew branch'), but none can be definitively assigned.
How popular is Kaiah?
Kaiah has been in use since 1997. In 2025, it ranked 3,100 in the U.S., meaning approximately 1 in every 30,909 newborn girls received the name.
Is Kaiah a boy or girl name?
Kaiah is almost exclusively used as a girl's name in the United States.