Holding steady, #8,860 for girls today.
Popularity of Kiva since 1958
Babies named Kiva per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 8 |
| 1960s | 102 |
| 1970s | 206 |
| 1980s | 145 |
| 1990s | 100 |
| 2000s | 84 |
| 2010s | 103 |
| 2020s | 72 |
Meaning & origin
Kiva is a rare and distinctive name of Hopi origin, meaning 'first' or 'firstborn.' Its usage in the United States began in 1958, and it reached its peak popularity in 1974, though it has never been common. According to Social Security data, in 2025 it ranked 8,860, with approximately 1 in every 146,115 girls receiving the name. The name's trajectory has remained stable over the decades, with no dramatic surges in popularity. Kiva is almost exclusively used for girls, and it has no recorded top states, indicating its usage is sparse and scattered nationwide. While the name shares its spelling with the sacred Pueblo ceremonial structure, the personal name is distinct in its meaning and should not be confused with the architectural term. Kiva remains a unique choice for parents seeking a name with deep cultural roots and a simple, melodic sound.
Kiva is a Hopi name meaning 'first' or 'firstborn.' It is a traditional name given to the first-born child in some Hopi families. The name is also associated with the kiva, a ceremonial chamber used by Pueblo peoples, which has led to some confusion about its origin, but as a personal name it is distinct and rooted in Hopi naming practices.
Sibling names for Kiva
Names that share Kiva's style, for a brother or sister.
