Girl · 311th of 30,306
Kaia
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
19,333
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2024
Peak Popularity Year
1,675
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Kaia stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Kaia originates from Hawaiian, meaning 'sea' or 'ocean'. It has evolved from its Hawaiian roots and gained popularity in recent decades as a unique name choice. Kaia is associated with tranquility and nature, with no biblical relevance. Notable individuals with this name include model Kaia Gerber and tennis player Kaia Kanepi.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkaɪə/
Origin
Hawaiian
Etymology
The name Kaia is derived from the Hawaiian word for 'sea' or 'ocean'. It is often associated with the beauty and tranquility of the sea.
Meaning
sea, ocean
Language Evolution
Kaia (Hawaiian)
Historical Usage
The name Kaia has gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly in Western cultures, as parents seek unique and meaningful names.
Variants & Derivatives
Kaya, Kya
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kaia is perceived as a modern, trendy name that evokes images of nature and serenity. It is often associated with a laid-back, beach-oriented lifestyle.
Famous People
Kaia Gerber (model and actress), Kaia Kanepi (Estonian tennis player)
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,675 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 49 US states, with strongest presence in Hawaii
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 8 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 7 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 16086th of 24088 | 25 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 14960th of 23106 | 28 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 7962nd of 12526 | 34 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 4311th of 19264 | 217 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3332nd of 27321 | 488 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 725th of 35406 | 5,843 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 311th of 30306 | 12,698 |