Declining since 2022, #6,546 for girls today.
Popularity of Chi since 1970
Babies named Chi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 159 | 94 |
| 1980s | 192 | 167 |
| 1990s | 125 | 107 |
| 2000s | 65 | 80 |
| 2010s | 91 | 38 |
| 2020s | 131 | 77 |
Meaning & origin
Chi is a short, cross-cultural name that has gained modest use in the United States. First recorded in Social Security data in 1970, it reached its peak rank of 6,546 in 2023, with its highest raw count in that year. However, it has been falling in popularity since 2022. The name's brevity and spiritual resonance, possible connections to Igbo or Chinese roots, make it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a minimalist yet meaningful name. With a 1-in-94,545 occurrence in 2025, Chi remains unusual but recognizable.
Chi is a short form found in several cultures. In Igbo, it is often a prefix or suffix in names like Chioma (good spirit) or Chidera (God is great), where Chi refers to the personal spirit or guardian angel. In Chinese, Chi can be a romanization of 气 (qì), the vital life force, or a transcription of various characters. Its use as an independent given name in English-speaking countries emerged in the late 20th century, sometimes as a diminutive of longer names or as a cross-cultural choice.
Sibling names for Chi
Names that share Chi's style, for a brother or sister.
