Gaia
Gaia: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɡaɪə/ · /ˈɡeɪə/
Meaning and origin of Gaia
- A female given name inspired by Mother Earth.
Etymology
Borrowed from Ancient Greek Γαῖᾰ (Gaîă, “Gaea, the Earth personified as a goddess”), from γαῖᾰ (gaîă, “the Earth”), probably related to γῆ (gê, “earth, land; country”). Sense 1 was coined by the British scientist, environmentalist, and futurist James Lovelock (1919–2022) in his book Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth (1979), at the suggestion of the British novelist, playwright, and poet William Golding (1911–1993): see the quotation.
How popular is Gaia?
Since 1880, 2,434 girls in the U.S. have been named Gaia. Its highest rank for girls was #1122 in 2023. In 2025, 157 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Gaia
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Greek girl names
Sibling name ideas for Gaia
Sister and brother names that share Gaia's Greek roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Gaia FAQ
What does the name Gaia mean?
A female given name inspired by Mother Earth. Borrowed from Ancient Greek Γαῖᾰ (Gaîă, “Gaea, the Earth personified as a goddess”), from γαῖᾰ (gaîă, “the Earth”), probably related to γῆ (gê, “earth, land; country”). Sense 1 was coined by the British scientist, environmentalist, and futurist James Lovelock (1919–2022) in his book Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth (1979), at the suggestion of the British novelist, playwright, and poet William Golding (1911–1993): see the quotation.
What is the origin of the name Gaia?
Gaia is listed as a name of Greek origin.
How popular is the name Gaia?
Since 1880, 2,434 girls in the U.S. have been named Gaia. Its highest rank for girls was #1122 in 2023. In 2025, 157 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Gaia a boy or girl name?
Gaia is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 2,434 girls and 0 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.