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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Related Reading
Hawaiian-speaking region-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Kailei Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kailei Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kailei Claire
French influence · crisp
Kailei Jane
Literary · strong
Kailei Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kailei right now?
Rising — up 6 spots — currently #8250 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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
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.