Laia

Meaning & origin

Laia is primarily a Catalan feminine name that has seen a notable increase in usage in the United States since the late 1990s. In 2025, it ranked 2,173 nationally, with 1 in 18,909 newborn girls receiving the name. Its peak in popularity occurred in 2022, and the name has been on an upward trajectory, particularly since 1998. While most common in states like Michigan, New York, and California, Laia remains a relatively rare choice. Etymologically, it often derives from Eulalia, a Greek name meaning 'well-spoken,' or from a short form of Elia. In Catalan culture, Laia has been used as a traditional diminutive, and its modern appeal lies in its simple, melodic sound. The name's rise in the 2020s aligns with broader trends favoring short, vowel-ending names like Mia and Gala.

Laia is a Catalan diminutive of Eulalia, from Greek εὖλάλος (eulalos) meaning 'sweetly speaking' or 'well-spoken'. It also appears as a short form of names like Elia and has gained popularity independently in Spain, particularly in Catalonia and the Valencia region. The name has been used since medieval times, originally as a pet form, and has risen in usage internationally in the 21st century.