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Kaia Girl

Popularity: #175 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KYE-uh /ˈkaɪə/

Origin: Hawaiian; Scandinavian

Meaning: Hawaiian: sea; Scandinavian: pure

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Kaia has roots in multiple languages, with its etymology tracing back to the Greek word "kairos," meaning "the right moment" or "opportune time." This term reflects a sense of timing and appropriateness, which has resonated through various cultures. Additionally, Kaia is often associated with the Hawaiian word "kaia," meaning "the sea," which connects the name to nature and the ocean, highlighting its geographical significance in Hawaiian culture.

The name has also been linked to the Scandinavian name "Kaja," a diminutive of "Katherine," which means "pure" in Greek, showcasing its diverse linguistic heritage. Historically, the name Kaia has been used in various cultures and contexts.

It has appeared in literature and art, often symbolizing beauty, nature, and a connection to the earth. In the 20th century, the name gained prominence through its use in literature and popular culture, although specific milestones are less documented compared to more traditional names.

The name's association with the sea in Hawaiian culture has also contributed to its appeal, as the ocean holds significant spiritual and cultural importance in many island communities. Culturally, Kaia embodies themes of strength and resilience, often associated with the nurturing aspects of nature.

The name's connection to both the sea and the concept of timing lends it a poetic quality, making it a favored choice among parents seeking names with deep meanings. While diminutive forms such as Kaja exist, Kaia stands out as a unique name that encapsulates a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, reflecting a rich tapestry of linguistic and historical influences.

Famous people named Kaia

Kaia Gerber is a model and actress best known for her work with Vogue, Calvin Klein, and Marc Jacobs.
Kaia Kanepi is a professional tennis player best known for her performances at the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Kaia was first seen in the United States in 1955. Kaia has ranked as high as #364 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Washington. In the past 5 years the name Kaia has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Kaia (2024)

State Births Share
CA 359
22%
TX 140
9%
FL 114
7%
NY 98
6%
WA 68
4%
IL 51
3%
MA 50
3%
VA 45
3%
NC 43
3%
PA 43
3%
AZ 43
3%
OH 42
3%
CO 39
2%
HI 38
2%
NJ 36
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19555
19577
19598
19608
19616
19659
19678
19686
19697
197010
19719
197217
197311
197415
197520
197616
197722
197825
197922
198020
198118
198222
198317
198422
198515
198623
198718
198827
198929
199033
199145
199236
199339
199437
199552
199655
199770
199881
1999146
2000242
2001257
2002444
2003434
2004385
2005401
2006408
2007466
2008462
2009509
2010536
2011480
2012522
2013466
2014567
2015708
2016886
2017991
20181,066
20191,014
20201,075
20211,304
20221,334
20231,612
20241,675