Rising since 1998, #3,513 for boys today.
Popularity of Kais since 1994
Babies named Kais per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 13 |
| 2000s | 70 |
| 2010s | 181 |
| 2020s | 159 |
Meaning & origin
Kais is a masculine name of Arabic origin that has been used in the United States since at least 1994. It has seen a gradual rise in popularity since 1998, reaching its peak rank of 3,513 in 2025. The name is about as common as 1 in every 53,377 births nationally, with notable concentrations in New York and Texas. This steady but modest growth reflects increasing cultural diversity and the appeal of concise, strong-sounding names. Kais carries a sense of determination and moderation, qualities that resonate across many naming traditions.
Kais derives from the Arabic root q-y-s, conveying notions of firmness, determination, or moderation. It is a traditional masculine name in the Arab world, historically borne by pre-Islamic poets and tribal figures. The name has seen modest use among Muslim communities globally and gained some recognition in Western countries through cultural exchange.
Where Kais is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kais” around the world
Where Kais lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#54
in 2024
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Qais, Kays
Sibling names for Kais
Names that share Kais's style, for a brother or sister.
