Declining since 2022, #8,910 for boys today.
Popularity of Kaeo since 1979
Babies named Kaeo per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2014, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kaeo's real moment was 2022.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 14 |
| 1990s | 30 |
| 2000s | 93 |
| 2010s | 145 |
| 2020s | 78 |
Meaning & origin
Kaeo is a rare name in the United States, first recorded in Social Security data in 1979. Its peak year came in 2022, when the name saw its highest usage, though it remains uncommon with a rank of 8,910 in 2025. The name's trajectory has been falling since 2022, indicating a recent decline in popularity. Parents who choose Kaeo are often drawn to its melodic sound and possible Hawaiian or Māori connections, though its meaning remains uncertain. With a 1-in-213,510 occurrence rate, Kaeo is a distinctive choice that avoids the top names while offering a cultural touchpoint.
Kaeo may have roots in Hawaiian or Māori, but its precise meaning is unclear. In Hawaiian, similar words suggest associations with 'the sea' or 'dawn', though no direct derivation is confirmed. The name has seen occasional use in the United States since the late 20th century, with a slight increase in popularity during the 2010s and early 2020s.
Sibling names for Kaeo
Names that share Kaeo's style, for a brother or sister.
