Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name 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”.

All About the Baby Name – Kaia

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME KAIA

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME KAIA

Kaia first appeared on the American female naming charts at the very start of this new century in the year 2000. In the years between 2001 and 2002, the name jumped over 300 positions up the charts. Why the sudden interest in the formerly rare name Kaia? Well, at the end of 2001, well-known supermodel Cindy Crawford named her daughter Kaia and so more parents were introduced to this unfamiliar moniker. Most etymologies agree that Kaia is a Norwegian diminutive of Katherine, but considering Kaia’s popularity as a girl’s name in the state of Hawaii, it’s clear that many parents agree with Kaia’s connection to the Hawaiian word for “sea”. Kaia has a laid-back quality making it a great choice for a beach baby or water loving parents. It’s a simple, mellow name that’s neither girly-girl nor fancy. But it’s definitely a pretty and underused choice for girls in America. It appears as if Kaia is plateau-ing on the charts at levels of mild moderation, so don’t expect this name to reach levels of ϋber-popularity. That’s good news for parents who aren’t interested in trendy names. In 2011 Kaia was the 66th most popular girl's name in Hawaii (where it might be considered trendy) – the only state where it shows up on the Top 100 list. We think Kaia is a great choice for a Hawaiian keiki or a Southern California beach babe.

Quick Facts

ON KAIA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Hawaiian

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

605

PRONUNCIATION:

KY-ah

SIMPLE MEANING:

Pure, innocent or Sea

Characteristics

OF KAIA

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Kaia

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME KAIA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Kaia

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME KAIA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Kaia


Popular Songs

ON KAIA

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Kaia


Famous People

NAMED KAIA

Kaia Kanepi (Estonian tennis player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED KAIA

Cindy Crawford;

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME KAIA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Kaia