📅 Since 1926🏆 2 years in top 1000.22% of births at peak
How to pronounce Kai
KEYE
/ˈkaɪ/ · stress on KEYE · 1 syllable
“sea”
Hawaii origin · Boy name
What does Kai mean and where does it come from?
Kai is a versatile name found across multiple cultures. In Hawaiian, it means 'sea', which reflects the natural beauty of the islands. In Chinese, the character 开 (kāi) can mean open or beginning, and 海 (hǎi) refers to the sea. In Japanese, Kai (海 or 懐) can imply forgiveness or compassion. The name
Cultural significance
Kai has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaii-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sea.
Holding steady — currently #61 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1950–2023#61 · Top 0.05%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#61
4,967
▼ down 2 · -7% births
2022
#59
5,366
▲ up 11 · +16% births
2021
#70
4,638
▲ up 23 · +22% births
2020
#93
3,812
▲ up 52 · +34% births
2015
#145
2,847
▲ up 60 · +63% births
2010
#205
1,746
▲ up 34 · +24% births
2005
#239
1,412
▲ up 164 · +127% births
2000
#403
622
▲ up 133 · +74% births
1995
#536
357
▲ up 392 · +188% births
1990
#928
124
▼ down 16 · +25% births
1985
#912
99
▲ up 79 · +19% births
1980
#991
83
▲ up 120 · +43% births
1975
#1111
58
▼ down 34
1970
#1077
58
▲ up 281 · +76% births
1965
#1358
33
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Kai
2022Rank #59
5,366
#804
↗Rising
1950 - 202318 years
The story of Kai
Kai entered American naming records in 1926 and has been in use for over 98 years. Its peak popularity was #93 in 2020. A total of 53,990 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2747 in 1950 to #61 in 2023. Kai is used for both genders: 13% female and 87% male.
Kai means "sea" — a name rooted in Hawaii 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 Kai?
Kai is currently ranked #61 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kai have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Kai?
Kai originates from Hawaii tradition. Hawaii names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Kai?
Kai is a one-syllable name pronounced K AY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Kai sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Kai flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Kai ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Sibling names that pair with Kai
For a sister
Kai & Leilani♡
Kai & Malani♡
Kai & Makai♡
Kai & Camani♡
For a brother
Kai & Leilani♡
Kai & Malani♡
Kai & Makai♡
Kai & Haloa♡
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