Ki

“Stream, joy”

Korea origin · Unisex name

♂ 81% boys♀ 19% girls

#10371US 2022

7Births / yr

↓Falling

509All-time births

📅 Since 195700

What does Ki mean and where does it come from?

Ki can be of Korean or Japanese origin. In Korea, the name often signifies 'stream' (기, gi) or 'joy.' In Japanese culture, 'Ki' (木 or 希, among others) can denote 'tree' or 'hope,' depending on the kanji characters used. Ki is a short, simple name with profound natural imagery in both cultures, embod

Cultural significance

Ki has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Korea-speaking communities, where it reflects values of stream, joy.

Peak popularity

Reached #5220 in 1957 — currently #10371 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Ki?

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

Ki Grace

How popular is Ki right now?

Falling — down 1072 spots — currently #10371 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2022#10371 · Top 7.7%

1980

2000

2005

2021

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#10371	7	▼ down 1072 · -12% births
2021	#9299	8	▲ up 7490 · +60% births
2005	#16789	5	▼ down 4784 · -29% births
2000	#12005	7	▼ down 1198 · +40% births
1980	#10807	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ki

Best Year2021Rank #9299

Peak Count8

Average Rank#11854

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1980 - 20225 years

The story of Ki

Ki entered American naming records in 1957 and has been in use for over 67 years. With 509 total births recorded, Ki remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10807 in 1980 to #10371 in 2022. Ki is used for both genders: 19% female and 81% male.

Names that peaked alongside Ki in 1957:

Mary Susan Linda Debra Karen

Ki by decade

Ki peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

Decade	Births
1940s	5
1950s	27
1960s	38
1970s	23
1980s	62
1990s	97
2000s ★	152
2010s	100
2020s	5

💎Ki has only 509 total recorded births since 1957 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What names sound and feel like Ki?

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

Kim

Korea · gold

Kid

American · young goat, child

Kip

American · A short form

Kix

American · to kick

Kit

American · pure; keeper of

Kiz

Japan · Japanese

Kin

American · family; relative

Ski

American · English

Common questions about the name Ki

What does the name Ki mean?

Ki means "Stream, joy" — a name rooted in Korea 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 Ki?

Ki is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby 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 Ki?

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

How does Ki sound with different last names?

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

Is Ki a common or rare name?

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