Kailei

“beloved, treasured”

Hawaiian-speaking region origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#8250US 2023

13Births / yr

↑Rising

571All-time births

📅 Since 198800

What does Kailei mean and where does it come from?

The name Kailei is of Hawaiian origin, combining 'Kai,' meaning 'ocean,' and 'Lei,' which refers to a garland or wreath of flowers. Together, it conveys a sense of being treasured like the ocean's beauty. This name has become popular in the United States but retains its cultural significance in Hawa

Cultural significance

Kailei has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaiian-speaking region-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beloved, treasured.

Peak popularity

Reached #4148 in 2004 — currently #8250 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Kailei?

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

Kailei Grace

How popular is Kailei right now?

Rising — up 6 spots — currently #8250 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#8250 · Top 6.1%

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#8250	13	▲ up 6
2022	#8256	13	▼ down 15
2021	#8241	13	▲ up 3120 · +63% births
2020	#11361	8	▼ down 3168 · -43% births
2015	#8193	14	▼ down 3735 · -58% births
2010	#4458	33	▲ up 335 · +18% births
2005	#4793	28	▼ down 172 · +8% births
2000	#4621	26	▲ up 8164 · +333% births
1995	#12785	6	▼ down 178
1990	#12607	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kailei

Best Year2010Rank #4458

Peak Count33

Average Rank#8357

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1990 - 202310 years

The story of Kailei

Kailei is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1988. With 571 total births recorded, Kailei remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #12607 in 1990 to #8250 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Kailei in 2004:

Emily Emma Madison Olivia Hannah

Kailei by decade

Kailei peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	14
1990s	83
2000s ★	282
2010s	184
2020s	8

💎Kailei has only 571 total recorded births since 1988 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kailei?

Common

KaiKailKailieKailyIlei

What names sound and feel like Kailei?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kailei also consider these

Kaislei

American · a combination of

Kaizlei

Unknown · Unknown

Karlei

Germanic · Free man; strong

Kaylei

American · Modern English

Kahlei

American · English

Bailei

American · from the city

Kaelei

American · The bright one

Kalei

Hawaii · A beloved child

Common questions about the name Kailei

What does the name Kailei mean?

Kailei means "beloved, treasured" — a name rooted in Hawaiian-speaking region 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 Kailei?

Kailei is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kailei have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Kailei?

Kailei originates from Hawaiian-speaking region tradition. Hawaiian-speaking region names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Kailei trending right now?

Kailei is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.

Is Kailei a common or rare name?

Kailei is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.