Rising since 2003, #3,181 for boys today.
Popularity of Kanai since 1999
Babies named Kanai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 0 | 5 |
| 2000s | 29 | 83 |
| 2010s | 70 | 157 |
| 2020s | 70 | 161 |
Meaning & origin
Kanai is a name of uncertain origin, first recorded in U.S. birth data in 1999. Its peak year so far is 2025, with a ranking of 3,181 and a rate of 1 in 46,164 births. The name has been on a rising trajectory since 2003, suggesting growing appeal, especially in Hawaii where it is most common. Despite its modest national popularity, Kanai holds a distinctive, multicultural character that attracts parents seeking a name with possible Hawaiian or Japanese roots. The name's relatively recent appearance and lack of widely accepted meaning contribute to its modern, open-ended charm.
The name Kanai does not have a well-attested single origin. In Hawaiian, it may be related to the word 'kanai' meaning 'to carry' or 'to bear', or it could be a variant of the name Kana. In Japanese, it could be a surname or given name with various meanings depending on the kanji used, e.g., 金井 (gold well) or 加奈井 (add a sound and well). The name appears in modern use in the United States since the late 1990s, with a notable association with Hawaii.
Where Kanai is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Kanai
Names that share Kanai's style, for a brother or sister.
