Kia is a unique and charming name of Korean origin. It is derived from the Korean word "kiya," which means "righteousness" or "justice." The name Kia is often associated with strength, wisdom, and moral integrity in Korean culture.
The history of the name Kia can be traced back to ancient Korea, where it was used as a given name for both boys and girls. In fact, Kia was quite popular during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 668 CE), when it was often chosen by parents who wished to instill in their children the values of honesty, fairness, and courage.
Today, Kia remains a beloved name in Korea and beyond. It has gained international popularity in recent years due in large part to the success of the Korean automobile manufacturer that bears the same name. However, the name's true significance lies not in its association with cars but rather in its rich cultural heritage and profound meaning.
For those who choose the name Kia for their child, they often do so because they want to imbue their little one with the qualities embodied by this powerful moniker. Whether it be justice, righteousness, or simply a unique and memorable sound, Kia is truly a name that stands out from the crowd.
The name Kia has seen a varied trend of popularity over the past six decades in the United States.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Kia was quite rare as a baby name, with only five births each year from 1956 to 1957, followed by 15 births in 1959. However, starting from 1964, the popularity of the name began to rise steadily.
The highest point in Kia's popularity was reached between 1970 and 1983, with a peak of 272 births in 1983. This trend continued until 1993 when there were 344 babies named Kia, marking another peak in popularity.
After this period, the popularity of the name began to decline gradually. By the early 2000s, fewer than 150 babies were being named Kia each year. This downward trend continued until recent years, with only 10 births recorded in 2021 and 5 births in 2023.
In total, there have been 7594 babies named Kia in the United States since records began in 1956, indicating that while it has not been one of the most popular names throughout history, it has nevertheless had periods of significant popularity.