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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Kaya or Katya

38 replies

caitlinrose · 31/10/2022 13:08

Which one do you prefer and why?

Kaya is one of my husband's favourites. We took it off our list because it received a lot of "it's chavvy" comments here which confused me because Kaia didn't get nearly as many of such comments. We just don't want to make her life more difficult. But DH really loves it and it has been growing on me a bit more as well. Is it really that bad and does it matter whether it's spelled Kaya or Kaia (or Kaja which is Scandinavian)? We pronouced them all ky-ah and I always thought it was the standard even though I guess you could say kay-ah for Kaya.

Then I stumbled across Katya in a book and thought it was nice as well. Is it more classic? It feels more grown up to me but a bit less fun and youthful.

I guess they are both pretty international which is nice. I recently heard of a Japanese actress called Kaya.

Thanks for your thoughts.

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blitzen · 31/10/2022 14:19

I like both.

Kaya reminds me of the Bob Marley album. So kind of cool and a bit edgy. I would pronounce it Kai-er.

Like Katya too. Probably less likely to be pronounced incorrectly.

Cleebope2 · 31/10/2022 14:07

Katya

MingoDringo · 31/10/2022 14:00

I sat Kay ah too.

K names are always always called chavvy on here. No idea why.

ChristmasCakeAndStilton · 31/10/2022 13:54

I'd go for Kaia or Katya (this is my prefered choice)

I'd instinctively say kay-a for your prefered spelling.

roarfeckingroarr · 31/10/2022 13:28

I love Kaia, like Kaya and Katya is nice too (helpful)

Pixiedust1234 · 31/10/2022 13:27

I prefer Katya too. It rolls off the tongue easier (and can be twisted slightly for nicknames, eg Kat, Kate, Kath, Kitty). Sorry!

Original poster
caitlinrose · 31/10/2022 13:26

JellyDeels · 31/10/2022 13:24

If you're in the UK, I suggest the spelling Kya if you're wanting the "KY-a" pronunciation. Because myself and many others would instinctively say both Kaya and Kaia as "KAY-a".

Thank you, unfortunately Kya looks very trendy to me so I personally wouldn't consider it. It's the same with Mya.

Personally I have only ever heard Kaia and Kaya as ky-ah. There is also an actress called Kaya Scodelario who says her name like ky-ah. I always thought she was rather well known but maybe I'm wrong.

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JellyDeels · 31/10/2022 13:24

If you're in the UK, I suggest the spelling Kya if you're wanting the "KY-a" pronunciation. Because myself and many others would instinctively say both Kaya and Kaia as "KAY-a".

toastofthetown · 31/10/2022 13:23

I prefer Katya. It feels softer. Kaya feels a bit tired to me.

Original poster
caitlinrose · 31/10/2022 13:21

Pixilicious1 · 31/10/2022 13:17

Japanese spelling is Kaiya. I would say Kaya as Kay-a. Katya is much nicer in my opinion .

The Japanese actress is Kaya Kiyohara and I only saw it spelled like this when it comes to Japanese actresses/people in public life.

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YaffleYaffle · 31/10/2022 13:18

I think they’re both lovely. Use Kaya if you really love it!

Pixilicious1 · 31/10/2022 13:17

Japanese spelling is Kaiya. I would say Kaya as Kay-a. Katya is much nicer in my opinion .

TowerStork · 31/10/2022 13:13

I like Katya. As far as I know, it's Kate to Katherine in Russian languages. I work with a Romanian Katya whose official name is Ecaterina.