Kaia

Kaia is the Norwegian variation of Kaja which is the Scandinavian diminutive of Katherine. Catherine/Katherine is one of those names which has spawned several variations in many different languages including (but not limited to): Caitlin, Kathy, Katie, Kaja, Karen, Karina, Katja, Katya, Katerina and, thanks to the Norwegians, the lovely Kaia. Katherine is typically considered the English form while Catherine is French. The reason for the spread of the Catherine names is due to a popular early Christian saint martyred in Alexandria, Egypt in the 4th century. St. Catherine became a cherished saint in medieval times and so the usage of this name spread far and wide. The etymology of Catherine is debated, but it is possible she shares her roots with the name Hecate, Greek goddess of the wilderness, childbirth, and crossroads. Alternately, the Greek name “Aikaterina” has led to speculation that the name is derived from the Greek “aikia” meaning “torture” but this is not widely held. Although St. Catherine was indeed “tortured” at the wheel for upholding her Christian beliefs, she was more commonly referred to as “the pure one”. The “h” in the English form was introduced in the 16th century, a folk etymology that dates from Roman times when the name was associated with the Greek “katharos” meaning “pure, innocent”. Our modern use of the Greek-derived “catharsis” (to purge or cleanse) also lends to C/Katherine's association with ideas of purity and innocence. On the other hand, Kaia is also occasionally considered the feminine form of Kai which is the Hawaiian word for “sea”.