Holding steady, #3,342 for girls today.
Popularity of Kaida since 2002
Babies named Kaida per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 214 |
| 2010s | 260 |
| 2020s | 218 |
Meaning & origin
Kaida entered the U.S. baby name scene in 2002, a modern adoption that draws on Japanese aesthetics and the appealing meaning 'little dragon.' Though it has no deep history in Japan, the name has gained steady popularity, reaching its peak rank in 2024. In 2025, it ranked 3,342 with roughly 1 in 34,941 girls receiving the name, reflecting a niche but stable presence. Its trajectory shows consistent interest without a spike, and it has not yet registered in any top state rankings.
Kaida is a Japanese name derived from the elements 'kai' (meaning 'shell') and 'da' (helping suffix), but more commonly interpreted as a coinage from 'kaida' (meaning 'little dragon'). It emerged in the United States in the 2000s, likely influenced by the popularity of Japanese names in American culture. As a modern adoption, it has no long history in Japan itself.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kai, Kiki, Daida
Sibling names for Kaida
Names that share Kaida's style, for a brother or sister.
