Gaia is the Greek word for "earth" and the name of the primordial goddess who, in Greek mythology, gave birth to the sky, the sea and the Titans. In modern times it has become a byword for the living planet, which gives the name an environmental note. Gaia is a popular name in Italy; in the United States it has never been in the top 1000 but has climbed from number 2107 in 2015 to a best rank of number 1122 in 2023 and stands at number 1392 in 2025.