Kaia

At a Glance

Meaning

Variant of Catherine (via Finnish/Estonian Katariina), traditionally glossed 'pure'

Origin

Finnish/Estonian (variant of Katariina/Catherine)

Gender

Girl

Pronunciation

KY-ahListen

Kaia is pronounced KY-ah, and while it's often said to be Hawaiian for 'sea,' that isn't well supported — the name is more likely a Finnish and Estonian variant of Katariina, the same root as Catherine, traditionally glossed 'pure.' It has a classic, steady feel, paired with an outdoorsy, wide-open quality that calls to mind travel and the natural world.

Meaning & Origin of Kaia

Meaning: Variant of Catherine (via Finnish/Estonian Katariina), traditionally glossed 'pure'.

Origin: Finnish/Estonian (variant of Katariina/Catherine).

A common claim: Often claimed to be Hawaiian for 'sea,' echoing Kai. Actually: No Hawaiian derivation is supported by the sources checked — Kaia is more likely a Finnish/Estonian variant of Katariina (Catherine), traditionally glossed 'pure.'

Source: Wiktionary.

How to Pronounce Kaia

Popularity of Kaia

In Social Security data covering 1955 to 2024, Kaia has never ranked higher than it did in 2024, reaching #180 with 1,675 baby girls given the name that year.

Names Like Kaia

These names share Kaia’s style, era or origin.

• Kailani
• Haunani
• Kai
• Kaylani
• Kehlani
• Alani

FAQ

What does the name Kaia mean?

Variant of Catherine (via Finnish/Estonian Katariina), traditionally glossed ‘pure’. (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Kaia?

Kaia is pronounced KY-ah (IPA: /ˈkaɪə/).

Is Kaia a popular name right now?

Kaia is at its highest recorded popularity right now, ranked #180 in 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1955–2024.)

Make Kaia Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Kaia, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.