Kaili

“sea, ocean” — Associated with the sea and ocean

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 1% boys♀ 99% girls

#1209US 2023

991Births / yr

→Stable

2.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 197700.01% of births at peak

What does Kaili mean and where does it come from?

Kaili has dual origins. In Hawaiian, it is associated with the sea and ocean, representing a connection to nature and the environment. It can also be considered a variant of Kylie, which has Australian origins meaning 'boomerang'. The name has gained popularity in the United States, especially in ar

Cultural significance

Kaili has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sea, ocean.

Peak popularity

Reached #1277 in 2003 — currently #1209 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Kaili?

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

Kaili Grace

How popular is Kaili right now?

Holding steady — currently #1209 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#1209 · Top 0.89%

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1209	991	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1214	971	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1219	941	▲ up 3338 · +3145% births
2020	#4557	29	▼ down 1232 · -41% births
2015	#3325	49	▼ down 1257 · -49% births
2010	#2068	96	▼ down 441 · -23% births
2005	#1627	124	▲ up 2 · +14% births
2000	#1629	109	▲ up 583 · +79% births
1995	#2212	61	▲ up 861 · +65% births
1990	#3073	37	▲ up 1363 · +106% births
1985	#4436	18	▲ up 796 · +29% births
1980	#5232	14	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kaili

Best Year2023Rank #1209

Peak Count991

Average Rank#2650

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 202312 years

The story of Kaili

Kaili is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1977. With 2,785 total births recorded, Kaili remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5232 in 1980 to #1209 in 2023. Kaili is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.

Names that peaked alongside Kaili in 2003:

Emily Emma Madison Hannah Olivia

Kaili by decade

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

Decade	Births
1970s	33
1980s	242
1990s	650
2000s ★	1,241
2010s	590
2020s	29

💎With 2,785 total births, Kaili is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Kaili?

Common

KaiKailKailieKaily

What names sound and feel like Kaili?

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

Kailib

American · American English

Baili

American · a variant of

Kaeli

American · slender, fair, or

Kairi

Japanese · Japanese

Kaily

American · Narrow, slender

Kayli

American · pure

Paili

Hindu Culture · of great significance

Kamili

Swahili-speaking regions · Meaning 'perfect' or

Common questions about the name Kaili

What does the name Kaili mean?

Kaili means "sea, ocean" — a name rooted in American 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 Kaili?

Kaili 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 Kaili?

Kaili originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Kaili a common or rare name?

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

Is Kaili more of a girl or boy name?

Kaili is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.