Holding steady.
Popularity of Kae since 1923
Babies named Kae per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1953, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kae's real moment was 1937.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 108 |
| 1940s | 195 |
| 1950s | 203 |
| 1960s | 116 |
| 1970s | 26 |
| 1980s | 24 |
| 1990s | 20 |
| 2000s | 20 |
| 2010s | 11 |
| 2020s | 25 |
Meaning & origin
The name Kae is a short, simple name that saw its highest usage in the late 1930s, peaking in 1937, according to U.S. Social Security data. However, its first recorded appearance dates back to 1923, and its trajectory has been stable but extremely low, with no births in the latest year of data (2025). The name is so rare that it does not even register a one-in-N statistic, and it does not appear among any top states. Kae likely functions as a variant of the more common Kay, which itself can be a diminutive of Katherine or a surname. Despite its obscurity, Kae retains a certain appeal for parents seeking a concise, vowel-friendly name with a vintage flair. Its simplicity means it pairs well with many middle names, and while it has no famous bearers, it carries a quiet charm for those who encounter it.
Kae is a short, simple name of uncertain derivation. It may have originated as a variant spelling of Kay, which itself can be a diminutive of Katherine or a surname. Alternatively, it could be a modern coinage or a respelling of the letter 'K'. The name saw modest use in the United States in the early 20th century, with a peak in 1937, but has since become rare.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Kae
Names that share Kae's style, for a brother or sister.
