Kaj

“pure” — Associated with purity

Denmark origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#9336US 2023

8Births / yr

↑Rising

464All-time births

📅 Since 196100

What does Kaj mean and where does it come from?

Kaj is a Scandinavian name that is often associated with purity. It is believed to have roots in Old Norse, where the meaning relates to 'to hold' or 'to keep'. It became popular across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, especially in the 20th century. Notable figures with this name include Kaj Munk, a Da

Cultural significance

Kaj has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Denmark-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.

Peak popularity

Reached #3552 in 1969 — currently #9336 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Kaj?

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

Kaj Grace

How popular is Kaj right now?

Rising fast — up 2231 spots — currently #9336 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#9336 · Top 6.9%

1975

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#9336	8	▲ up 2231 · +33% births
2022	#11567	6	▼ down 3708 · -40% births
2021	#7859	10	▲ up 951 · +25% births
2020	#8810	8	▼ down 3017 · -47% births
2015	#5793	15	▼ down 249 · -6% births
2010	#5544	16	▲ up 1688 · +60% births
2005	#7232	10	▼ down 2363 · -33% births
2000	#4869	15	▲ up 2364 · +114% births
1995	#7233	7	▼ down 1186 · -12% births
1990	#6047	8	▲ up 31 · +33% births
1985	#6078	6	▼ down 913
1975	#5165	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kaj

Best Year2000Rank #4869

Peak Count16

Average Rank#7128

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1975 - 202312 years

The story of Kaj

Kaj is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1961. With 464 total births recorded, Kaj remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5165 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9336 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Kaj in 1969:

Michael David James John Robert

Kaj by decade

Kaj peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	30
1970s	26
1980s	54
1990s	74
2000s ★	140
2010s	132
2020s	8

💎Kaj has only 464 total recorded births since 1961 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kaj?

Common

KajieKajy

What names sound and feel like Kaj?

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

American · The name Kaz

Kay

English · Rejoice

Common questions about the name Kaj

What does the name Kaj mean?

Kaj means "pure" — a name rooted in Denmark 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 Kaj?

Kaj is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Kaj?

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

How does Kaj sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Kaj flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Kaj ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.

Is Kaj a common or rare name?

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