What does Kaz mean and where does it come from?
Kaz is often used as a nickname. In Japanese culture, it is often a masculine name related to 'peace' (和, 'kazu'). It can also be a unique name in Western contexts, sometimes used for its brevity and modern sound. The name has been used in various media, including characters in anime and video games
Cultural significance
Kaz has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the name kaz can mean 'peace' or 'harmony' in japanese..
Peak popularity
Reached #2644 in 1989 — currently #2560 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Kaz?
Kaz works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kaz Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kaz Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kaz Claire
French influence · crisp
Kaz Jane
Literary · strong
Kaz Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kaz right now?
Rising — up 42 spots — currently #2560 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2560 | 52 | ▲ up 42 |
| 2022 | #2602 | 52 | ▲ up 610 · +41% births |
| 2021 | #3212 | 37 | ▼ down 297 · -7% births |
| 2020 | #2915 | 40 | ▲ up 1516 · +82% births |
| 2015 | #4431 | 22 | ▲ up 3791 · +144% births |
| 2010 | #8222 | 9 | ▼ down 2606 · -36% births |
| 2005 | #5616 | 14 | ▲ up 2716 · +100% births |
| 2000 | #8332 | 7 | ▼ down 4672 · -56% births |
| 1990 | #3660 | 16 | ▲ up 2072 · +167% births |
| 1980 | #5732 | 6 | — |
The story of Kaz
Kaz entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 517 total births recorded, Kaz remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5732 in 1980 to #2560 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kaz in 1989:
Kaz by decade
Kaz peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 25 | |
| 1980s | 73 | |
| 1990s | 98 | |
| 2000s | 96 | |
| 2010s ★ | 180 | |
| 2020s | 40 | |
💎Kaz has only 517 total recorded births since 1918 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kaz?
What names sound and feel like Kaz?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kaz also consider these
Common questions about the name Kaz
What does the name Kaz mean?
Kaz means "The name Kaz can mean 'peace' or 'harmony' in Japanese." — 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 Kaz?
Kaz is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kaz have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Kaz?
Kaz 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 does Kaz sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Kaz flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Kaz ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Kaz trending right now?
Kaz is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.