MallowbyNames

Kai

KY · In Hawaiian, kai means "sea"; the name also exists independently in Scandinavian and Frisian tradition, where its origin is uncertain.

2025 rank (boys)
#93
Babies named in 2025
3,768
Peak popularity
2022
2025 frequency
1 in 453 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 1985

Rising since 1985, #93 for boys today.

Popularity of Kai since 1926

Babies named Kai per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1.8k3.6k5.4k19602000Most births 2022GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1920s06
1930s06
1940s010
1950s33148
1960s102341
1970s429592
1980s413958
1990s9052,640
2000s1,77312,620
2010s3,02025,984
2020s1,80326,927

Meaning & origin

Short, open, and at home in half a dozen languages, Kai is what a global name looks like in the American data. It first registered in 1926 and idled for decades before the taste for compact, travel-proof names took hold; the rise has run continuously since 1985, with the name's share of births peaking in 2022 and settling at 93rd place in 2025, about 1 in 453 newborn boys.

No state embraces it like Hawaii, where kai is simply the word for "sea" and the name carries none of the imported feel it might elsewhere. Rhode Island and New Mexico round out its top three, coastal and desert states, oddly enough, united mainly by openness to shorter, newer-sounding names.

Kai needs no nickname, fits behind almost any surname, and answers to Danish, Hawaiian, Chinese, and Japanese traditions at once, the rare name whose ambiguity of origin works as a feature. Its plateau just inside the top 100 looks comfortable rather than precarious.

Kai is a name with several independent sources rather than one lineage. In Hawaiian, kai is the word for "sea," and the name and its compounds (Kailani, Keanu's cousin-names, Malakai) are longstanding in the islands. Separately, Kai, with the variants Kaj and Kay, has been used in Denmark, Frisia, and the wider Nordic world since the Middle Ages; its origin there is debated, with theories pointing to Gerhard, to the Latin Gaius, and to Frisian roots, none of them settled. The syllable also appears widely in Chinese and Japanese names, with meanings that depend entirely on the characters used. American records show it from 1926, with sustained growth beginning in the 1980s as parents embraced short, border-crossing names.

Read more: Kai on Wikipedia

Where Kai is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Kai” around the world

Where Kai lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    25

    babies in 2024

  • Ireland

    #34

    in 2025

  • New Zealand

    34

    babies in 2025

  • Quebec

    35

    babies in 2025

  • Australia (NSW)

    #23

    in 2025

Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Kye, Cai, Kaj

Famous people named Kai

Sibling names for Kai

Names that share Kai's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Luna, Isla, Skye, Maya, Leilani, Ailani, Alora, Layla, Nova, India, Leila, Nia, Nyla, Rae, Yasmin, Aila, Aja, Akia, Alaia, Alani, Alaya, Alayah, Alea, Alita, Amaya, Ami, Anaya, Anela, Aniah, Anika, Aniya, Ariya, Ariyah, Arya, Aryana, Asia, Avaya, Ayana, Ayla, Aylin, Chyna, Cianna, Daisha, Dalia, Endia, Era, Fantasia, Hana, Ima, Irie, Jadah, Janaya, Jayna, Jenesis, Kaia, Kailani, Kairi, Kaiya, Kaiyah, Kala, Kalani, Kali, Kalia, Kaliyah, Kalli, Kami, Karma, Kaya, Kaylani, Kehlani, Keilani, Keyara, Kia, Kiah, Kiana, Kimora, Kora, Kya, Lani, Laya, Leia, Mai, Makena, Malaya, Maleah, Malia, Maven, Mika, Miki, Milani, Mina, Mira, Miya, Myla, Mylah, Naisha, Nala, Nalani, Nami, Navi, Naya, Nikia, Niyah, Nya, Nyah, Nylah, Ola, Raya, Rayn, Reign, Rhea, Rue, Rya, Sade, Saige, Sama, Saniya, Sariyah, Shani, Shyla, Sloane, Suri, Taja, Tana, Taya, Tehya, Tia, Tyra, Yara, Zamya, Zariah, Zariya, Zayla, Ziya, Zuri, Zya, Aarya, Adia, Aira, Airam, Ajah, Alaiyah, Alasia, Aleeah, Aleigha, Aleya, Alizae, Alyana, Amaiya, Amerie, Amoni, Amyah, Anai, Anaiya, Ani, Anja, Anylah, Ara, Arika, Ashia, Asiah, Avni, Avyanna, Ayda, Aylani, Ayra, Azari, Azia, Chany, Chenoa, Chi, Daira, Daja, Dajah, Damya, Danya, Dea, Dejah, Denali, Dyani, Elani, Erykah, Evolet, Imari, Inara, Indya, Isha, Jaeda, Jahzara, Jaila, Jalia, Janai, Jani, Jazlene, Jhene, Jiana, Jina, Journi, Jovi, Jurnee, Kaelani, Kahlani, Kahlia, Kailany, Kaili, Kaira, Kalaya, Kalea, Kalei, Kaliah, Kamani, Kamaya, Kamia, Kamiah, Kamiya, Kaniya, Kapri, Kasha, Katara, Keaira, Keana, Keiry, Kelani, Kelis, Kena, Keona, Keya, Khalani, Khali, Khalia, Kiani, Kiarah, Kiari, Kimi, Kina, Kiona, Kirra, Kitana, Kiya, Kiyah, Kiyana, Korra, Kyah, Kyana, Kyanna, La, Lailani, Lala, Laniya, Layah, Laylani, Leilany, Lexa, Leylani, Liyah, Liyana, Luana, Maile, Maiya, Makia, Makiah, Makiya, Malea, Mali, Maliya, Mayah, Mazikeen, Mea, Meilani, Mileena, Monae, Myasia, Myia, Nahomi, Naia, Naida, Nailea, Naiya, Naja, Naliyah, Nariah, Nariyah, Neena, Niah, Nilah, Nirvana, Niya, Noelani, Nori, Novah, Nyra, Raniya, Ravin, Rayah, Raye, Reya, Riki, Risa, Romi, Rumi, Ryah, Sada, Samaira, Samari, Saraya, Sariya, Sayra, Sela, Sena, Sequoia, Shaila, Shala, Shamia, Shanya, Shera, Sia, Sina, Siya, Skyy, Sury, Taina, Tala, Talaya, Tama, Tamya, Tanaya, Taniya, Tari, Tea, Teya, Tiare, Tobi, Toi, Tomi, Tyana, Vayda, Xyla, Yazmine, Yuna, Zarah, Zari, Zaya, Zayda, Zendaya, Zhuri, Ziah, Ziyah, Zyla, Aaira, Aalyah, Aalyiah, Aamiyah, Aariyah, Aavya, Adaia, Aela, Ahmani, Ahmya, Ahri, Aija, Aina, Aisa, Aithana, Aiya, Aizah, Ajia, Akirah, Akiya, Ala, Alahia, Alaiah, Alaila, Alanie, Alanni, Aleaha, Alika, Aliyanna, Allayah, Aloha, Aloni, Alyia, Alyiah, Alyzah, Ama, Amaiyah, Amariyah, Amarra, Amori, Amri, Amylah, Amyrah, Anaia, Anaira, Analea, Analeia, Anari, Anesia, Anevay, Anilah, Anuhea, Any, Anyia, Aolani, Arisa, Arisha, Ariza, Aryam, Aryia, Asani, Ashari, Ashiya, Ashya, Asra, Atiana, Aulani, Avanti, Ave, Ayanah, Ayani, Ayannah, Ayari, Ayiana, Ayonna, Ayzal, Ayzel, Azara, Azelia, Azuri, Bay, Baya, Breah, Caela, Caiya, Calani, Calina, Camora, Camya, Ceirra, Choyce, Ciji, Cyra, Dajia, Dalani, Dalylah, Damaya, Danai, Danay, Dari, Dayani, Dayja, Daylani, Deaira, Dezi, Diara, Diva, Draya, Dreya, Eevee, Ehlani, Eiley, Elayah, Emonie, Eniyah, Eri, Erza, Esli, Esra, Fanta, Ha, Haili, Halia, Havanna, Hina, Iasia, Ieasha, Ikea, Ilani, Imoni, Indi, Indiya, Infinity, Itza, Iyanah, Iylah, Iyona, Jahlani, Jahna, Jaiana, Jaiya, Jaiyana, Jakara, Jakia, Jalah, Jaliah, Jalina, Janaiya, Jasani, Jasia, Jayah, Jojo, Juna, Jurni, Ka, Kadi, Kahli, Kaiah, Kaida, Kailei, Kaleia, Kaleya, Kaliana, Kalisa, Kalise, Kaliya, Kaloni, Kama, Kamoni, Kamorah, Kamori, Kamyah, Kamyia, Kana, Kanani, Kania, Kaoir, Karia, Kariah, Kariyah, Karman, Kashia, Katalaya, Kattaleya, Kayah, Kayda, Kayra, Keala, Kealani, Keani, Keela, Keianna, Keilana, Keilany, Keili, Keiona, Keishla, Kela, Kelia, Kemya, Kendi, Keniya, Kenyah, Keylani, Keyri, Khaila, Khalea, Khaleah, Khaliya, Khelani, Khiara, Khori, Khyra, Kiaira, Kiauna, Kiki, Kila, Kilah, Kimara, Kimari, Kimorah, Kimya, Kionna, Kior, Kiri, Kiva, Kiyara, Klani, Kleo, Koral, Kyaira, Kyia, Kyiah, Kylani, Kyna, Kyri, Laelah, Laiyah, Lalani, Lamaya, Lanai, Lanya, Layana, Laylanie, Laysha, Leeyah, Lei, Leiana, Leiani, Leighla, Leilana, Leiloni, Leina, Lelani, Lexani, Leylanie, Liani, Liara, Lilo, Lira, Loa, Lua, Lyriq, Madai, Maeli, Mahari, Mahina, Mahlia, Maika, Mailee, Makaia, Makya, Malaia, Malaiya, Malana, Maleia, Malie, Mana, Maniya, Mar, Maraya, Mataya, Matia, Mayan, Meeka, Meela, Meia, Meika, Meisha, Meka, Melah, Mele, Melea, Meliyah, Mera, Meron, Mesha, Mi, Miasia, Mikaya, Mikia, Mikiah, Mikka, Milaya, Mili, Minha, Mio, Miraya, Moana, Monay, Mulan, Mylani, Myleah, Mysha, Mystique, Naiari, Naija, Nailani, Naira, Naiyah, Nakiah, Nalah, Nalayah, Nalia, Nani, Nariya, Nasia, Nasiyah, Nataya, Navia, Nayah, Naylah, Naylani, Neah, Neyda, Neyla, Niasia, Nigeria, Nija, Nikeya, Nikka, Nissi, Niyana, Niyla, Niylah, Normani, Nuvia, Nyana, Nyari, Nyia, Nyoka, Oceana, Oceanna, Ohana, Omni, Onika, Pang, Raeya, Raha, Raia, Raiya, Ramiah, Ramiya, Rei, Reniyah, Rheya, Rica, Rinoa, Riyah, Romee, Roza, Runa, Rylah, Saachi, Sadi, Safari, Sahily, Saleen, Samayah, Samyia, Samyra, Saya, Seaira, Senna, Seriyah, Sevynn, Shalimar, Shi, Shina, Shyra, Skai, Soila, Sole, Soriya, Suki, Suni, Synia, Taia, Taija, Taijah, Taira, Taiya, Tajae, Tajah, Talea, Taliya, Talula, Tamari, Tamaya, Tanae, Tanea, Tani, Teana, Tehani, Teia, Tesia, Tiah, Tiandra, Tiasia, Timia, Tiya, Tyara, Tylia, Veyda, Viana, Viha, Xandria, Xara, Xaria, Xia, Xiana, Xylah, Yaire, Yarel, Yeni, Yuli, Yumi, Yuvia, Zahari, Zaia, Zaiah, Zaila, Zaiya, Zalaya, Zalia, Zaliyah, Zamaya, Zanaya, Zania, Zanya, Zarria, Zaryah, Zayah, Zaylah, Zeena, Zemira, Zemirah, Zeniyah, Zhamira, Ziana, Zianna, Ziara, Ziona, Zo, Zorah, Zori, Zoria, Zowie, Zuly, Zuriah, Zurie, Zury, Zyah, Zyana, Zyanna, Zykeria, Zyra, Zyria, Aalani, Aalaya, Aaleah, Aaliah, Aamani, Aaniya, Aaria, Aariya, Aasia, Aayra, Abri, Adanya, Adeya, Adream, Aerith, Ahlani, Ahlia, Ahliyah, Ahmaya, Ahmiya, Ahmiyah, Ahniya, Aiana, Ailah, Aima, Airyana, Aiyah, Ajee, Akela, Akera, Akeya, Akeyla, Akiera, Akyra, Alaiia, Alaja, Alanii, Alayha, Alee, Aleni, Aliani, Aliayah, Alilah, Aliz, Alizeh, Alonni, Aluna, Amahia, Amai, Amanii, Ameri, Amika, Amyri, Anaaya, Anaeli, Anaja, Anani, Anavi, Aneli, Anesa, Aniaya, Anija, Anira, Anishka, Aniylah, Anyae, Aquanetta, Areesha, Areya, Arha, Arria, Arriyah, Ase, Ashana, Ashara, Asuna, Atira, Avaiah, Avanni, Avya, Ayaana, Ayanni, Ayasha, Aylany, Aylee, Ayona, Ayriana, Aysa, Ayza, Azana, Azani, Azarah, Azaya, Azaylia, Azhani, Azula, Azyla, Bali, Beya, Beyla, Blen, Bri, Briya, Brya, Bryah, Calaya, Calayah, Calea, Camaya, Catori, Caya, Caylani, Chae, Chania, Chanika, Chia, Chiana, Chisa, Cianni, Cimani, Coi, Cyana, Cyrah, Dailany, Dalaya, Dalayla, Dali, Danaja, Dashanti, Dasiah, Dayanira, Dazia, Deijah, Dejia, Delayla, Der, Deylani, Dia, Diani, Dmya, Domino, Eilany, Elienai, Elira, Eloni, Eluney, Emanie, Emaya, Emiya, Eniya, Enjoli, Erial, Eyana, Halea, Halona, Hanalei, Hania, Harmani, Hiya, Hydeia, Ikia, Ileah, Illyana, Imaya, Indiah, Indiyah, Irania, Itali, Itzayanna, Iyah, Iyani, Iyanla, Iysis, Izara, Izel, Jaala, Jadia, Jady, Jaeli, Jahdai, Jahnia, Jaia, Jaiah, Jaira, Jaisa, Jakaya, Jalea, Jaleia, Jamaiya, Jamine, Janaia, Jarae, Jasa, Jasira, Jasma, Jatara, Jaylanni, Jaylia, Jazari, Jazline, Jazman, Jazzelle, Jazzmyne, Jhade, Jia, Jinora, Jirah, Jiyah, Jla, Jouri, Joury, Juvia, Kaari, Kachina, Kacia, Kahlea, Kaiana, Kailana, Kaileia, Kailoni, Kairah, Kairy, Kalah, Kalana, Kalii, Kamaile, Kamaiya, Kamarah, Kamea, Kamira, Kamylah, Kanari, Kanaya, Kaomi, Kasiyah, Katori, Katura, Kaula, Kawena, Kayana, Kayani, Kayomi, Kayori, Kazia, Kaziyah, Kea, Keeana, Keenya, Kehlany, Keia, Keimani, Keliyah, Kema, Kemiya, Keni, Kerah, Kesi, Keyari, Keydi, Keymani, Khamila, Kharma, Khia, Khiana, Khiya, Khya, Kiala, Kianah, Kianni, Kiaya, Kiela, Kierrah, Kiko, Kilani, Kinda, Kinya, Kioni, Kiwana, Kla, Klea, Kohana, Kova, Krimson, Kyani, Kyari, Kyarra, Kyliah, Kyliana, Kyona, Kyrra, Kysa, Lace, Laela, Laelani, Lahela, Laiana, Lailany, Lailoni, Laiya, Lamyia, Lanaiya, Laniah, Lanika, Lanyah, Laraya, Lariya, Layani, Leani, Lehlani, Lehua, Leilanie, Leilanni, Leilanny, Leiliana, Leiyah, Lekia, Lenaya, Lilinoe, Lilou, Lilu, Loveah, Luma, Luxe, Ly, Lylla, Lynix, Mahlani, Mailani, Maili, Maiyah, Makaiyah, Makira, Malahni, Malaiah, Maleaha, Maleea, Maleni, Maley, Malu, Malya, Malyah, Manna, Maylani, Mayven, Maziah, Maziyah, Meesha, Meleana, Meli, Meyah, Miakoda, Mialani, Miaya, Mikea, Mikiya, Mikya, Mikyah, Miyani, Miyori, Mulani, Myca, Myliah, Myliyah, Na, Naba, Naelani, Nahlia, Nai, Najai, Nakea, Naleah, Naliah, Namaari, Namiah, Namiyah, Namya, Nanea, Nari, Nasiya, Natori, Nautica, Nautika, Navah, Navey, Naveya, Naveyah, Naviah, Naysa, Nayvee, Nayvie, Ndea, Ndia, Neeka, Neeva, Neilani, Nelani, Nema, Nene, Neya, Neylani, Neytiri, Niana, Niang, Niani, Niaya, Nica, Nikya, Nil, Niyanna, Nohea, Novia, Noya, Nyaira, Nyara, Nyela, Nyelli, Nyiah, Nyja, Nylia, Nyliah, Nysa, Nysha, Olina, Omaria, Oni, Osa, Osha, Ota, Pachia, Padme, Pharrah, Quana, Quiara, Quorra, Rahi, Ramaya, Ramia, Ramyah, Rashi, Ravan, Rayen, Reah, Reeya, Rehanna, Reyah, Reyne, Rhya, Rhyanna, Rika, Riko, Rin, Roniya, Rukia, Rumani, Saavi, Sabree, Sahari, Saia, Sairah, Saiya, Sakiya, Sakiyah, Sala, Salayah, Saleah, Samani, Sameria, Samika, Samyrah, Sanaia, Sanari, Sanayah, Sani, Sanii, Sanyah, Sarabi, Sarya, Senai, Serenidy, Shanik, Sharaya, Shasha, Shiah, Shiya, Shiza, Shya, Shyana, Siarah, Siedah, Sireen, Siyah, Siyana, Sola, Soley, Solymar, Sorayah, Soriyah, Sua, Synai, Syra, Syrai, Taaliyah, Taeya, Tahara, Tahja, Taila, Talani, Talasia, Taleia, Talyah, Tanayah, Tangi, Tarita, Tariya, Tayen, Tazia, Teliyah, Teyah, Teyla, Thara, Thia, Thy, Thyri, Tiaira, Tiasha, Tika, Tikia, Tila, Timaya, Timya, Tiye, Tria, Tris, Tya, Tyia, Tyria, Umi, Vala, Vee, Vivika, Vyla, Xariah, Xayla, Xela, Xianna, Xiara, Xin, Xuri, Yachet, Yakima, Yalani, Yamari, Yani, Yarah, Yariah, Yazmyn, Yeira, Ysela, Zaela, Zailah, Zaiyah, Zakhia, Zakya, Zala, Zalani, Zamyah, Zanayah, Zanovia, Zanyia, Zarai, Zaraya, Zarayah, Zareth, Zavia, Zaylani, Zayli, Zeanna, Zenaya, Zenya, Zeya, Zhavia, Zionna, Zira, Ziyana, Ziyanna, Ziyonna, Zurii, Zyiah, Zykira, Zylah, Zynia, Zyrah, Zyriah, Aizal, Aleeha, Allani, Alyanah, Amouri, Ayssa, Azori, Ceairra, Dehlani, Deriyah, Diasia, Elaijah, Emberli, Halana, Jadaya, Jadi, Jaid, Javae, Javaeh, Jenisis, Jnya, Kahleah, Kalanie, Kanda, Kasani, Kaylanii, Kelahni, Khaloni, Kiasha, Kimimila, Kita, Kuuipo, Kween, Lakea, Lakina, Lavaya, Meha, Meiah, Miraal, Monai, Naliya, Naz, Niala, Nyella, Nyna, Onya, Pama, Rubani, Sakara, Salia, Shayra, Zakyla, Zaliah, Aaila, Aailyah, Aala, Aaliyan, Aaliyana, Aamori, Absalat, Acasia, Adaja, Adasha, Adeja, Ahja, Ahlayah, Ahmi, Ahni, Ahriyah, Ahsha, Ailanie, Ailanni, Ailanys, Ainoah, Airah, Aiyanah, Aiyannah, Aiylah, Ajanay, Ajanee, Ajene, Ajna, Akaiya, Akaya, Akeila, Akeira, Akiah, Akita, Akya, Alaija, Alaira, Aleila, Alejah, Aleli, Alila, Alinea, Alisi, Aliyha, Alliya, Alori, Alsha, Alyzae, Amairah, Amariyana, Amarrah, Amavi, Amazin, Ameah, Ameka, Amiaya, Amiyrah, Amyre, Anahia, Anahla, Anahli, Anaka, Analei, Anasha, Aneri, Anikah, Aniqua, Annisha, Anori, Anye, Anyi, Aoki, Aquinnah, Araeya, Araia, Araiah, Areal, Ariday, Ariea, Arijana, Arriona, Aryani, Arzoi, Arzoyi, Asenat, Ashantae, Ashaya, Ashiyah, Ashyra, Asyah, Atzi, Aunesti, Aunya, Aveena, Avira, Avisha, Ayira, Aylanni, Ayliana, Aymara, Ayrah, Ayzia, Azalyn, Azlin, Azya, Azylah, Baneen, Beza, Blia, Brenn, Cahlani, Cailah, Cailani, Camani, Cariah, Casha, Cashay, Ceasia, Ceniya, Cerria, Chala, Chamika, Chey, Cina, Cionna, Cova, Daia, Dailah, Dajae, Dajai, Dajsha, Dakia, Dakiya, Daliya, Damyia, Danayah, Dariyah, Darriona, Dazaria, Daziya, Deah, Deia, Demii, Denai, Denaly, Denya, Deya, Deyani, Deysha, Dim, Dmiyah, Dreyah, Ebonye, Ecko, Eilani, Eimi, Elahni, Ellani, Emika, Emiri, Emmani, Envi, Enyla, Eriyah, Eryss, Essance, Falana, Faya, Ferrah, Fey, Geniyah, Gera, Giah, Haila, Halani, Halei, Haniah, Hanya, Hara, Hiilani, Hilinai, Hokulani, Ia, Icey, Ikeya, Ilany, Imanie, Imanii, Indyah, Inesha, Iolana, Iolani, Ishi, Ishia, Issis, Ivi, Iwalani, Iyahna, Jaanai, Jaasia, Jacoya, Jadda, Jahnai, Jahni, Jaiona, Jaisha, Jaiyah, Jaiyla, Jalaia, Jalei, Jamacia, Janah, Janasha, Jatia, Javaya, Javia, Jayona, Jazma, Jazminn, Jazyah, Jazzmon, Jeilany, Jemya, Jeylani, Jezel, Jhane, Jiah, Jiyana, Jlani, Jnai, Joci, Jolani, Jora, Julani, Justise, Jyra, Kada, Kaena, Kahliya, Kahliyah, Kahri, Kaianna, Kaijah, Kailanie, Kailanni, Kailiana, Kailiyah, Kaisy, Kaiyana, Kaiyla, Kalahni, Kalaia, Kalaiya, Kalanii, Kalany, Kalasia, Kaleeah, Kalya, Kamalei, Kamina, Kamy, Kanae, Kariya, Karmani, Kashae, Kashi, Kasmira, Kataya, Kaveah, Kayari, Kayia, Kayliani, Keah, Kehlanie, Kehlanii, Keimya, Keina, Kelaya, Kemaya, Kemba, Kenniya, Keomi, Kesa, Keyah, Keyanah, Keyira, Khaia, Khailani, Khaniya, Khaya, Khianna, Khila, Khlani, Khodi, Kiaria, Kida, Kieana, Kima, Kimmora, Kimori, Kimyah, Kiora, Kiori, Kitara, Kiyani, Kiyona, Knyla, Kosha, Kouvr, Krina, Kuulei, Kwana, Kymia, Laasia, Laena, Lai, Laiani, Lailanie, Lailee, Lalia, Lalisa, Lamira, Larimar, Layaan, Leeani, Leeloo, Leighlani, Leilahni, Leilanii, Leilene, Leily, Leinani, Leniya, Leyani, Leylany, Lien, Linah, Ling, Livana, Liylah, Lokelani, Loza, Luxury, Macaiah, Mahia, Maiana, Maiza, Makhya, Malaka, Malan, Malanii, Malanni, Malashia, Malay, Malayasia, Maleeah, Maleiah, Malita, Manaia, Maneh, Marliyah, Marsai, Mavi, Maylah, Mayling, Mei, Meilah, Meili, Meilin, Meleane, Meleni, Merliah, Miasha, Mida, Mikaia, Milahni, Milian, Mililani, Millani, Milliani, Miniya, Miski, Moani, Moet, Moksha, Moorea, Moriya, Myan, Myani, Naasia, Nahara, Nahlani, Naiah, Naijah, Naika, Naiyana, Naje, Nakaiya, Naleia, Naloni, Namine, Nare, Naryiah, Nashia, Nashya, Natiya, Navani, Navee, Navil, Navira, Naviyah, Naw, Nayali, Nayari, Naylee, Nazyia, Neelah, Neesa, Nehlani, Neira, Neka, Neveen, Nevia, Neyah, Niaja, Niajah, Nialah, Niari, Niayla, Nicha, Nikala, Nikaya, Nikeria, Nikira, Nikyah, Nini, Nioka, Niyomi, Nolani, Nyaja, Nyajah, Nyala, Nyelah, Nylaa, Nyrie, Nyrobi, Omani, Omeka, Omi, Oneka, Oriya, Ovi, Pele, Pharah, Phiona, Piya, Qianna, Qiara, Raea, Raisha, Raivyn, Raiyah, Ramiyah, Rasa, Rayvn, Reha, Reia, Remee, Reniya, Rhaya, Rhena, Rhina, Riata, Rikia, Rini, Rmoni, Roselani, Ryka, Saaya, Saharah, Saharra, Sahory, Saide, Saila, Sakia, Sakira, Samai, Samaia, Samariya, Samauri, Samyiah, Samyria, Sanaiyah, Sanoe, Sanye, Saphia, Saree, Sashay, Sashia, Satoya, Savaya, Saveah, Savreen, Sayana, Saylem, Schae, Seela, Semaya, Seniya, Senya, Serai, Seraya, Seva, Sevi, Shaasia, Shadaya, Shadie, Shaia, Shaili, Shakeera, Shalah, Shalan, Sham, Shandiin, Shantai, Sherah, Shuna, Shuree, Shyah, Shyna, Siennah, Sila, Sinaya, Siniya, Siniyah, Sithara, Ski, Skii, Skyrah, Smaya, Snoh, Solani, Soli, Soni, Soniyah, Soo, Sophea, Sundai, Sunjai, Suriah, Sya, Syan, Syla, Tabia, Taeja, Taima, Taimane, Taiyana, Tajia, Talah, Talayia, Talayla, Tamaka, Tamani, Tanai, Tanee, Tanji, Tanza, Tarae, Taraya, Tasi, Tasmia, Tata, Tavaria, Tayia, Tayjah, Taylani, Tenea, Thula, Tiaja, Tiajah, Tianni, Tima, Timiko, Timiya, Tinaya, Tiyona, Tokyo, Tonga, Traeh, Ulanni, Umeka, Unika, Vali, Valynn, Vaya, Viya, Waniya, Xalia, Xalori, Xana, Xariyah, Xayah, Xee, Xoie, Xola, Xya, Yahvi, Yali, Yania, Yanna, Yasha, Yasmyn, Yasna, Yeilani, Yeily, Yiyi, Yolani, Yori, Yue, Yun, Yuriah, Zadia, Zaeda, Zaha, Zaily, Zakara, Zakyia, Zalea, Zamorah, Zamyra, Zanae, Zanai, Zanaiya, Zanari, Zani, Zannah, Zanova, Zanylah, Zarahi, Zariana, Zarie, Zariel, Zarra, Zaryia, Zayana, Zaylia, Zema, Zemora, Zenayah, Zeni, Zeniah, Zeniya, Zeriyah, Zeyna, Zi, Ziasia, Zienna, Zierra, Ziora, Ziza, Zoriyah, Zoua, Zuley, Zuree, Zurri, Zyaira, Zyanne, Zyara, Zyelle, Zyia, Zyona

Brothers: Asher, Ari, Jasper, Amir, Ezra, Koa, Tate, Amaree, Amari, Anakin, Aryan, Ayven, Bodhi, Cairo, Creed, Crew, Damari, Davian, Ender, Grey, Iker, Jai, Jamir, Jasiah, Juelz, Kanan, Kash, Keanu, Khyree, Koda, Kolbe, Kruz, Kymani, Kyree, Lex, Lian, Makai, Mekhi, Niko, Raiden, Rey, Rio, Riyan, Ronin, Sami, Soren, Taj, Tye, Unknown, Von, Zaire, Zavier, Zayden, Zayne, Zyaire, Adi, Aizen, Ajani, Amarii, Amere, Anay, Aram, Aslan, Atreyu, Avyan, Azai, Azaiah, Aziah, Azlan, Azrael, Bayron, Cedar, Chan, Chosen, Cj, Cru, Davien, De, Emari, Fenix, Jae, Jahlil, Javan, Javari, Jin, Jionni, Jrue, Jun, Kael, Kage, Kaizer, Kal, Kalel, Kaleo, Kayvon, Kee, Kekoa, Keoni, Khamari, Khaza, Kiel, Kion, Koah, Koi, Kyaire, Kyro, Kyron, Lake, Makaio, Makari, Makhi, Makoa, Masiah, Maxx, Mazi, Nakoa, Neko, Neo, Nikko, Nima, Notnamed, Nyjah, Om, Ren, Riot, Shia, Sire, Tahj, Tai, Tou, Trae, True, Xavian, Xavior, Yerik, Zade, Zaine, Zakai, Zayvion, Zen, Zyan, Zyon, Acen, Aero, Agam, Aki, Alakai, Amarius, Amarri, Amier, Amillion, Anias, Arien, Ariyan, Ariyon, Arjan, Arnez, Asahd, Avant, Avante, Aveon, Avin, Axyl, Ayce, Bodi, Bohdi, Bruin, Cage, Caige, Cayman, Chay, Cire, Cobe, Cordae, Dameion, Damier, Deen, Demauri, Dex, Deyon, Domani, Drey, Ehan, Eon, Eryk, Evaan, Eziah, Iam, Ikaika, Ja, Jahi, Jahseh, Jaice, Jaidin, Jakhi, Jaxiel, Jayon, Jerico, Ji, Jj, Jyaire, Kahari, Kailan, Kailo, Kaimana, Kaio, Kamarri, Kanai, Kani, Kanin, Kanoa, Kao, Kashmere, Kato, Kawhi, Kawika, Kei, Keng, Keoki, Keone, Khary, Khiry, Ki, Kimo, Koe, Kona, Kong, Kove, Kree, Kriss, Kru, Kwan, Kyair, Kyon, Lakai, Lamari, Lazer, Lyfe, Mahki, Makhai, Makye, Malakhai, Maliek, Marqus, Masai, Matai, Matix, Maui, Mekhai, Melo, Metro, Mikai, Miklo, Ming, Nainoa, Nakai, Namari, Nasiah, Nasier, Neeko, Neev, Neiko, Neizan, Nirvan, Nyaire, Nyles, Nyzir, Oshay, Phi, Quay, Rael, Rai, Rajon, Ras, Reo, Reyan, Reyli, Rip, Riven, Rune, Ry, Sakai, Samaj, Shah, Shalin, Shant, Shiven, Shyne, Siah, Sylar, Syon, Tae, Tajh, Takai, Takari, Tarus, Tavarus, Tavien, Taye, Tayte, Tian, Tidus, Toma, Treyon, Tri, Tu, Tytan, Tyus, Wanya, Xaden, Xane, Xian, Xion, Xzander, Xzavian, Yeng, Yohance, Yong, Yu, Yug, Yul, Zael, Zakhi, Zalen, Zan, Zarek, Zarian, Zarion, Zaviyar, Zayaan, Zaydan, Zayde, Zaylan, Zayvian, Zayyan, Ziaire, Zian, Ziare, Zidan, Ziyon, Zyhir, Zyier, Zyir, Zyire, Zylan, Zymere, Aarian, Aeon, Aijalon, Akhari, Aking, Akoni, Alem, Amyr, Anav, Ario, Ariv, Ariz, Arjay, Armias, Armonte, Aryaan, Asai, Atzel, Aum, Aysen, Azaire, Azavier, Azion, Bawi, Behr, Brahm, Brazen, Calel, Camauri, Cashus, Chamar, Chanze, Chen, Chon, Cobain, Cruze, Cyaire, Cypher, Cyris, Dae, Daion, Dakai, Damiri, Dashan, Deniro, Devanta, Dez, Dezmon, Dhilan, Dio, Dj, Djimon, Drako, Dre, Edahi, Eilam, Ein, Faizon, Hemi, Ihan, Imir, Iroh, Iyan, Izen, Izick, Izyan, Jadrien, Jaeceon, Jahki, Jahziah, Jairen, Jakhai, Jaki, Jamai, Janari, Jardani, Jasai, Jasier, Jayan, Jayjay, Jayko, Jayvier, Jaz, Jemari, Jeno, Jese, Jhamir, Jivan, Jobani, Joon, Jru, Julez, Jw, Jyair, Kaemon, Kaeo, Kaimani, Kalief, Kamali, Kamarii, Kamilo, Kano, Kanon, Kapono, Kashon, Kastiel, Kaymen, Kayn, Kayo, Keahi, Keano, Keian, Kel, Keo, Khairo, Khani, Khaos, Khazi, Khyre, Kino, Kirin, Kiro, Kiron, Kitai, Kmari, Kodah, Kohan, Kongmeng, Kron, Kyo, Kypton, Kyriee, Kyzir, Lejon, Lio, Lj, Machai, Machi, Maciah, Mahkai, Mahzi, Makana, Makani, Mako, Malekai, Maleki, Marquee, Marqui, Marz, Mase, Maurion, Mavric, Mehkai, Meko, Mikhi, Miko, Min, Mj, Montay, Myheir, Mylez, Nakota, Nalu, Nekhi, Nekoda, Nessiah, Nieko, Nox, Nyair, Nyko, Nysir, Nyzaiah, Obi, Odyn, Ohm, Omere, Osiah, Pao, Pharell, Quadre, Quante, Ra, Rakai, Ramari, Rein, Reyn, Roc, Romani, Romari, Ryaan, Ryzen, Sakani, Sanav, Saw, Sayvon, Sekai, Sevon, Sony, Tacari, Tajai, Taje, Taji, Tajon, Talik, Tarius, Tayo, Teng, Thorin, Tiki, Tion, Tra, Trai, Truu, Tyan, Tyee, Tyjai, Vash, Vian, Wong, Xan, Xayne, Xylo, Xylon, Xyon, Xzavien, Yan, Yee, Yerick, Yi, Yida, Yordy, Yuan, Yuma, Yuvin, Zae, Zai, Zaide, Zaiel, Zamier, Zaron, Zaryan, Zavian, Zavior, Zavon, Zaydyn, Zayin, Zayven, Zayvien, Zayvon, Zerek, Zhaire, Ziair, Zyden, Zylon, Zymeir, Zyren, Auryn, Daruis, Enzi, Izic, Javel, Jeriko, Jiaire, Kache, Kaelum, Khalee, Khriz, Khyro, Koki, Kyros, Nakhi, Ruxin, Zakhai, Zamere, Aari, Aarik, Aaris, Aaro, Acari, Aceon, Acxel, Adoni, Ahzir, Aimen, Ajahni, Akaay, Akiel, Akiem, Akon, Alakay, Alekai, Alikai, Aliyas, Amahri, Amair, Amais, Amareon, Amazi, Amiris, Anir, Anzel, Aquan, Aragorn, Ariez, Armanni, Asah, Asan, Asaya, Ashai, Ashyr, Atari, Aviyon, Axzel, Azair, Baer, Bash, Benz, Bex, Boen, Bravery, Cace, Cavani, Caz, Cha, Chao, Cheveyo, Ching, Cordai, Cyree, Dayvian, Demiri, Destan, Deuce, Deyvi, Dhani, Dinari, Dmir, Dong, Drae, Dragon, Draken, Edge, Eizen, Ej, Ejay, Ekko, Equan, Eze, Ezryn, Fennec, Fenyx, Fue, Goku, Gor, Grimm, Hairo, Haize, Han, Icker, Ikal, Indio, Iniko, Inri, Iori, Isair, Ishir, Jaan, Jacai, Jachai, Jader, Jahaire, Jahden, Jaheir, Jahon, Jahron, Jaimin, Jaja, Jaqua, Jasire, Jathen, Javanni, Jaxel, Jayr, Jayvan, Jazael, Jazai, Jaze, Jazir, Jekhi, Jerik, Jian, Jie, Jiren, Jkai, Joa, Joziyah, Junah, Jung, Kado, Kaido, Kaii, Kainoah, Kalo, Kamai, Kanaloa, Kap, Karmine, Karo, Kashe, Katai, Kaulana, Kawai, Kayan, Kayman, Kazen, Keawe, Keimari, Keimon, Keiyon, Kelii, Kenay, Khing, Khmari, Khy, Khye, Khyir, Khymir, Kiam, Kie, Kieon, Kiing, Kilo, Kionte, Kire, Kiree, Kito, Kobee, Kovi, Kyen, Kyi, Kyrus, Kysin, Kyzeir, Lamelo, Li, Livan, Lopaka, Lukka, Luxx, Lycan, Lynk, Macai, Maejor, Matrix, Maziyon, Mazzi, Meba, Meeko, Mega, Micai, Michi, Mico, Mikhai, Miking, Miquan, Montre, Mori, Mung, Mykai, Mykale, Mylik, Nagi, Nakari, Nasai, Naujour, Nazai, Nazair, Neco, Neer, Neziah, Nikai, Nio, Nix, Noctis, Nyan, Nyheim, Nylo, Ondre, Onyxx, Oshen, Ozil, Phoenixx, Prish, Quamel, Que, Rad, Raden, Ran, Rashee, Rev, Riott, Rjay, Rykar, Ryze, Saban, Saiyan, Samba, Savir, Schon, Semaje, Sevn, Seyon, Shaft, Shakai, Shayde, Shiquan, Siyon, Sly, Sou, Stylez, Suvan, Sye, Syer, Syere, Tahje, Tahji, Taika, Taino, Tajee, Talis, Tamaj, Tandre, Tane, Tao, Taos, Tavio, Teion, Tejay, Tiam, Tiwan, Tjay, Tkai, Toa, Trei, Tyjay, Tyme, Ukiah, Uno, Voyd, Vyan, Wen, Xael, Xai, Xaine, Xaire, Xamir, Xavious, Xavyer, Xayvier, Xen, Xeng, Xiong, Xxavier, Yasiah, Yeico, Yeiden, Yojan, Yoon, Yunay, Zahkai, Zahki, Zaion, Zair, Zakkai, Zakye, Zale, Zamire, Zandon, Zavi, Zay, Zaydn, Zayir, Zekai, Zeon, Zeph, Zhion, Zihan, Zimir, Zoel, Zohaan, Zohan, Zolan, Zuma, Zyel, Zyen, Zylin, Zylus, Zyonn, Zyrion, Zyron, Zyrus

Names like Kai

Names whose popularity has moved with Kai's over the last 50 years.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

K is for Kai, our favorite little boy.

K is for Kai…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Kai's letter becomes Kai's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Kai's book

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Questions parents ask

What does Kai mean?
In Hawaiian, kai means "sea." The name also has separate Scandinavian and Frisian roots of uncertain origin, and it appears in Chinese and Japanese names with character-dependent meanings.
How popular is Kai?
Kai ranked 93rd for boys in 2025, given to about 1 in 453 boys. It has been rising since 1985, with its share of births peaking in 2022.
Is Kai a boy or girl name?
In the United States it is used mostly for boys, though it appears on the girls' chart in smaller numbers, and its short, open sound keeps it flexible.
What sibling names pair well with Kai?
Short nature-adjacent names fit: Luna, Isla, or Skye for a sister; Ari, Ezra, or Asher for a brother, or Leilani to lean into the Hawaiian connection.