Declining since 1992, #8,362 for girls today.
Popularity of Kia since 1956
Babies named Kia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 25 |
| 1960s | 329 |
| 1970s | 1,770 |
| 1980s | 2,254 |
| 1990s | 2,294 |
| 2000s | 660 |
| 2010s | 209 |
| 2020s | 72 |
Meaning & origin
Kia is a modern name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1956. It saw a brief surge in popularity during the early 1990s, reaching its peak rank in 1993, but has since declined steadily. In 2025, it ranked 8,362, with approximately 1 in 133,939 newborns given the name. The name's trajectory has been falling since 1992. While its exact origins are unclear, Kia likely emerged as a creative spelling or a short form of longer names. It remains an uncommon choice, associated with a minimalist and modern style.
Kia likely emerged as a modern invented name in the mid-20th century, possibly inspired by similar-sounding names or as a short form of longer names such as Kiana or Kiara. It gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1990s, peaking in 1993. Its exact derivation is uncertain and it is generally considered a modern coinage without deep historical roots.
Where Kia 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.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Kia
Names that share Kia's style, for a brother or sister.
