Kaia: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced KY-uh · 2 syllables
Kaia means “pure; the sea”, from Norse and Polynesian.
Estonian: A given name, variant of Katariina (“Catherine”)
- Meaning
- pure; the sea
- Origin
- Norse, Polynesian
- Pronunciation
- KY-uh
- US rank (2025)
- #193
- US babies a year
- about 1,589 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2020
- Style
- Rising
How popular is Kaia?
Kaia was the #193 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,623 babies. It’s rising: up 169% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
Most popular in Hawaii (#7).
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #193 |
| England & Wales | #436 |
| Scotland | #293 |
| Northern Ireland | #228 |
| Ireland | #130 |
| Norway | #129 |
| Canada | #114 |
| Australia | #85 |
How old are people named Kaia?
Half of US adults named Kaia are older than 23; most are between 18 and 46. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Kaia
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Kaia
What does the name Kaia mean?
Kaia means “pure; the sea”. It comes from Norse and Polynesian.
How do you pronounce Kaia?
Kaia is pronounced KY-uh.
How popular is the name Kaia?
Kaia was the #193 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,623 babies. It’s rising: up 169% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
How old are people named Kaia?
Half of US adults named Kaia are older than 23. Most are between 18 and 46.