Cei

a form of the name Cai
Welsh origin · Unisex name
50% boys50% girls
#1841US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.4%Percentile

What does Cei mean and where does it come from?

Cei is a Welsh variant of the name Cai, which is derived from the Latin name Gaius, meaning 'rejoice'.

Cultural significance
In Welsh mythology, Cei is a character associated with King Arthur's court, often depicted as a warrior.
Peak popularity
Reached #1841 in 2015 — currently #1841 in the US.
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Related Reading
Welsh-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →

How else can you spell Cei?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Cei?

Cei works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Cei Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Cei John
One syllable · timeless choice
Cei Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Cei Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Cei Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Cei Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Cei
Browse ideas →

How popular is Cei right now?

Holding steady — currently #1841 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1841 · Top 1.4%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#184110stable
2022#184110stable
2021#184110stable
2020#184110stable
2019#184110
💎Cei is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Cei?

Common
CeieCey

Common questions about the name Cei

What does the name Cei mean?
Cei means "a form of the name Cai" — a name rooted in Welsh tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cei?
Cei is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Cei?
Cei originates from Welsh tradition. Welsh names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Cei sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Cei flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Cei ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Cei more of a girl or boy name?
Cei is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.