Kale
“the strong, solid one” — Associated with resilience and fortitude
Hawaiian origin · Unisex name
#1841US 2023
359Births / yr
→Stable
7.5kAll-time births
📅 Since 197900
How to pronounce Kale
KAYL
/ˈkeɪl/ · stress on KAYL · 1 syllable
“the strong, solid one”
Associated with resilience and fortitude · Hawaiian origin
What does Kale mean and where does it come from?
Kale is a name of Hawaiian origin that signifies strength. It is also popularly known as a leafy green vegetable in English-speaking countries but adopted as a name, it carries positive connotations associated with resilience and fortitude. While the use of Kale as a name is relatively modern, it is
Cultural significance
Kale has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hawaiian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the strong, solid one.
Peak popularity
Reached #5731 in 2006 — currently #1841 in the US.
How else can you spell Kale?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kale?
Kale works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kale Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kale Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kale Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kale Claire
French influence · crisp
Kale Jane
Literary · strong
Kale Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kale right now?
Holding steady — currently #1841 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
The story of Kale
Kale is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1979. With 7,507 total births recorded, Kale remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7689 in 1985 to #1841 in 2023. Kale is used for both genders: 3% female and 97% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kale in 2006:
Kale by decade
Kale peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 6 | |
| 1920s | 11 | |
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1940s | 6 | |
| 1950s | 41 | |
| 1960s | 117 | |
| 1970s | 327 | |
| 1980s | 786 | |
| 1990s | 1,109 | |
| 2000s ★ | 2,985 | |
| 2010s | 2,089 | |
| 2020s | 25 |
With 7,507 total births, Kale is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Kale?
ENGLISH
CharleyCharlieChasChazChipChuck
FINNISH
Kalle
FRENCH
Charlot
HUNGARIAN
Karcsi
What names sound and feel like Kale?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kale also consider these
How is Kale written in other languages?
Gender variants of Kale
Charlize AFRIKAANSCarolina ANCIENT GERMANICCarla CATALANKarla CROATIANKarolina CROATIANLina CROATIANKája CZECHKarolína CZECHCaroline DANISHCharlotte DANISHIna DANISHKarla DANISHKarolina DANISHKaroline DANISHLina DANISHLine DANISHLotte DANISHCarla DUTCHCarola DUTCHCarolien DUTCHCaroline DUTCHCharlotte DUTCHLien DUTCHLotte DUTCHCalleigh ENGLISHCallie ENGLISHCari ENGLISHCarla ENGLISHCarlene ENGLISHCarley ENGLISHCarlie ENGLISHCarly ENGLISHCarlyn ENGLISHCarol ENGLISHCarolina ENGLISHCaroline ENGLISHCarolyn ENGLISHCarrie ENGLISHCarry ENGLISHCaryl ENGLISHCharla ENGLISHCharleen ENGLISHCharlene ENGLISHCharlotte ENGLISHIna ENGLISHKallie ENGLISHKarlee ENGLISHKarlene ENGLISHKarly ENGLISHKarolyn ENGLISHKarrie ENGLISHLina ENGLISHLottie ENGLISHSharla ENGLISHSharleen ENGLISHSharlene ENGLISHTottie ENGLISHTotty ENGLISHIina FINNISHKaroliina FINNISHLiina FINNISHLotta FINNISHCarole FRENCHCaroline FRENCHCharline FRENCHCharlotte FRENCHLine FRENCHCarla GERMANCarola GERMANCarolin GERMANCaroline GERMANCharlotte GERMANIna GERMANKarla GERMANKarola GERMANKarolina GERMANKaroline GERMANLotte GERMANKarola HUNGARIANKarolina HUNGARIANLili HUNGARIANSéarlait IRISHCarla ITALIANCarlotta ITALIANCarola ITALIANCarolina ITALIANLina ITALIANKarolina LITHUANIANLina LITHUANIANKarolina MACEDONIANCaroline NORWEGIANCharlotte NORWEGIANIna NORWEGIANKarla NORWEGIANKarolina NORWEGIANKaroline NORWEGIANLina NORWEGIANLine NORWEGIANLotte NORWEGIANKarolina POLISHCarla PORTUGUESECarlota PORTUGUESECarolina PORTUGUESEKarolina SLOVENECarla SPANISHCarlota SPANISHCarolina SPANISHCarola SWEDISHCarolina SWEDISHCaroline SWEDISHCharlotta SWEDISHCharlotte SWEDISHIna SWEDISHKarla SWEDISHKarolina SWEDISHLina SWEDISHLotta SWEDISHLotte SWEDISHLottie SWEDISHCharlemagne HISTORY
Common questions about the name Kale
What does the name Kale mean?
Kale means "the strong, solid one" — a name rooted in Hawaiian 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 Kale?
Kale 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 Kale?
Kale originates from Hawaiian tradition. Hawaiian 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 Kale?
Kale is a one-syllable name pronounced K EY1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Kale sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Kale flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Kale ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
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