Holding steady, #4,539 for boys today.
Popularity of Kaio since 1993
Babies named Kaio per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 19 |
| 2000s | 115 |
| 2010s | 167 |
| 2020s | 128 |
Meaning & origin
Kaio is an uncommon name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1993. Its rarity is evident in its 2025 rank of 4,539, with approximately 1 in 77,640 newborn boys receiving the name that year. The name saw its peak popularity in 2023, though its trajectory has remained stable rather than surging. Kaio has not been concentrated in any particular U.S. state, reflecting its scattered usage. The name likely emerged as a modern variant of the more established Kai, fitting a trend of short, vowel-ending names that appeal to contemporary parents seeking a distinctive choice.
Kaio is a relatively modern name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1993. It may be a variant of the popular name Kai, which has diverse origins including Hawaiian (meaning 'sea'), Scandinavian (meaning 'keeper of the keys'), or Japanese (meaning 'forgiveness'). Alternatively, Kaio could be a respelling or combination inspired by other names ending in -io, such as Kaio in Japanese culture (though not a common given name there). The name remains rare with no established etymological consensus.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kai
Sibling names for Kaio
Names that share Kaio's style, for a brother or sister.
