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At a Glance
- Meaning
- The sea
- Origin
- Basque (disputed, see note)
- Gender
- Girl
- Pronunciation
- NY-ah
Naia (pronounced NY-ah) is often traced to Basque, though that origin is disputed and no single meaning has been firmly pinned down — so if you've come across claims that it means "the sea" or "water nymph," it's worth taking those with a grain of salt. What comes through clearly is the feel of the name itself: easygoing and adventurous, the kind of name that fits parents drawn to travel, the outdoors, and a simple, uncluttered style. It reads at home whether you're picturing a coastal hike or a pared-back nursery.
Meaning & Origin of Naia
Meaning: The sea.
Origin: Basque (disputed, see note).
A common claim: Naia is said to mean 'the sea', or alternatively 'water nymph'/'dolphin'. Actually: These are competing folk explanations from different languages. Wiktionary lists Naia only as an alternate spelling of 'Naja,' so no single origin is firmly established.
Source: Wiktionary.
How to Pronounce Naia
NY-ahIPA /ˈnaɪə/
Popularity of Naia
In 2024, 108 girls were named Naia, ranking it #1855 nationally. That's down from its more recent high point in 2023, when 141 babies were given the name and it reached #1520.
Names Like Naia
These names share Naia’s style, era or origin.
FAQ
What does the name Naia mean?
The sea. (Source: Wiktionary)
How do you pronounce Naia?
Naia is pronounced NY-ah (IPA: /ˈnaɪə/).
Is Naia a popular name right now?
Naia peaked at #1520 in 2023 and is ranked #1855 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1982–2024.)
Make Naia Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Naia, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
📊 How popular is Naia? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.
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