US Popularity:423
Other Origin(s):Greek, Japanese, Hawaiian
Meaning:Pure, clean; Each of the two; My consecration of your name; Sea; Love; Leader; First; To swing; Fast asleep

The Scandinavian form of Katherine and Katarina, Kaia is a name that will remind your little one of their brilliance. These monikers have links to several Greek elements, so they lend Kaia an impressive list of potential definitions. Perhaps Kaia stems from katharos, sharing its meanings of "pure" and "clean." It could also come from hekateros, meaning "each of the two," or an old Coptic title that translates to "my consecration of your name."


In the Japanese language, Kaia is typically gender-neutral and carries endearments like "sea," "love," "leader," and "first" within it. You might also recognize Kaia from the Hawaiian word for "sea," kai, or kaia, another Hawaiian phrase that means "to swing" or "fast asleep." American model and actress Kaia Gerber is a famous Kaia for your tiny tot to look up to. You may know her as the daughter of model Cindy Crawford! Though the name Kaia is certainly lovely on paper, it's adorable in action, too, and The Bump community member sassafras007 has the proof, "I know a little girl with this name and she is very cute.

Common Nicknames for Kaia

What’s not to like about the name Kaia? We love that it has super-sweet nicknames—and you can find them all below! Whether you’re searching for something soft or playful—or just plain adorable!—you’re going to love the nickname ideas we’ve rounded up for your little one. Take a look at our list of some of the common and cute alternatives for Kaia

How Popular Is The Name Kaia?

The Bump Ranking

Overall:Kaia is currently #151 on The Bump
Girl:Kaia is currently #107 on The Bump Girl Names

U.S. Births

Overall:Kaia is currently #423 in U.S. births
Boy:Kaia is currently #12932 in U.S. births
Girl:Kaia is currently #193 in U.S. births

Yearly Ranking Change:

Year:
2025
Gender:
Girl
#193
in 2025
- 13
from 2024
In comparison to the previous year's data
Sources
  • Behind the Name, Kaia, December 2014

  • Behind the Name, Katherine, May 2020

  • Ulukau Hawaiian Dictionaries, kaia

  • Japanese Names .info, Kaia

  • Japanese Names .info, Kaia (2)

  • Illustrated Hawaiian Dictionary by Kahikāhealani Wight, pg. 69

Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading ourmedical review and editorial process.

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