Find out how popular the first name Kaia has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kaia by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kaia is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Kaia being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,608 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kaia.

The history of the first name Kaia

The name Kaia has its origins in the Hawaiian language and culture. It is believed to have emerged in the late 18th century on the Hawaiian Islands. The name is derived from the Hawaiian word "kai," which means "sea" or "ocean." Kaia is a feminine form of the word and is thought to have been given to girls born near the sea or with a connection to the ocean.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kaia can be found in the Hawaiian creation chant, the Kumulipo. This ancient chant, which dates back to the 18th century, mentions the name Kaia in relation to the creation of the world and the emergence of life from the sea.

Historically, the name Kaia was particularly popular among the Hawaiian nobility and royal families. One notable figure who bore this name was Princess Kaia Kahanokahi, who lived in the late 18th century and was a member of the Hawaiian royal family. She was known for her beauty and grace, and her name became synonymous with these qualities.

Another significant figure who carried the name Kaia was Kaia Kamohoalii, a Hawaiian chieftess who lived in the early 19th century. She was renowned for her leadership skills and played a crucial role in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands under King Kamehameha I.

In the 20th century, the name Kaia gained popularity beyond the Hawaiian Islands. One notable bearer of this name was Kaia Kanepi, an Estonian tennis player born in 1994. She achieved notable success on the professional tennis circuit and reached a career-high ranking of No. 15 in the world.

Another famous Kaia was Kaia Gerber, an American model and actress born in 2001. She is the daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford and has made her mark in the fashion industry, gracing the covers of numerous magazines and walking in high-profile fashion shows.

While the name Kaia has Hawaiian roots, it has transcended its cultural origins and gained popularity globally, particularly in recent decades. Its connection to the sea and the ocean's beauty and power has made it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name with a unique and meaningful origin.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kaia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kaia, please contact us.

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