Gaia, derived from Greek, is a unisex given name that has gained global popularity in recent years. It is of ancient origin, tracing back to the Greek goddess Gaia, who was worshipped as the personification of Earth. The name Gaia translates literally to "earth" and thus signifies harmony with nature. Its use as a given name is believed to have started during the 1960s counterculture movement in the United States and has since been adopted by various cultures around the world. It is often associated with environmentalism and ecological consciousness due to its connection with the Earth goddess Gaia.
The name Gaia experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 1990s onwards, with a notable spike starting around 2015. The highest number of births recorded was in 2023, with 216 babies named Gaia.