Kalae
the beloved one
American origin · Unisex name
29% boys71% girls
#1733US 2023
467Births / yr
Stable
17All-time births
📅 Since 198000
How to pronounce Kalae
KAL·AY
/ˈkæl.ˈeɪ/ · stress on KAL · 3 syllables
the beloved one
American origin · Unisex name

What does Kalae mean and where does it come from?

Kalae is a Hawaiian name that is often given to girls and can signify someone who is loved or cherished. The name has roots in Hawaiian culture and is reflective of the Hawaiian appreciation for beautiful and meaningful names. It may not be widely used outside of Hawaii, but it is gaining popularity

Cultural significance
Kalae has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the beloved one.
Peak popularity
Reached #10977 in 1990 — currently #1733 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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What middle names flow best with Kalae?

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

Kalae Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kalae Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kalae Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kalae Claire
French influence · crisp
Kalae Jane
Literary · strong
Kalae Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Kalae
Browse ideas →

How popular is Kalae right now?

Holding steady — currently #1733 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19802023#1733 · Top 1.3%
1980
1990
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#1733467▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022#1738447▲ up 5 · +7% births
2021#1743417▲ up 9234 · +5857% births
1990#109777▲ up 967 · +40% births
1980#119445

The story of Kalae

Kalae is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1980. With 17 total births recorded, Kalae remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11944 in 1980 to #1733 in 2023. Kalae is used for both genders: 71% female and 29% male.

Names that peaked alongside Kalae in 1990:

Kalae by decade

Kalae peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

DecadeBirths
1980s5
1990s7
2010s5
💎Kalae has only 17 total recorded births since 1980 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kalae?

Common
KalKalieKaly

Common questions about the name Kalae

What does the name Kalae mean?
Kalae means "the beloved one" — 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 Kalae?
Kalae 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 Kalae?
Kalae 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.
How do you pronounce the name Kalae?
Kalae is a three-syllable name pronounced K AE1 L EY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Kalae?
Kalae pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.