Rising since 1997, #639 for boys today.
Popularity of Kasai since 1996
Babies named Kasai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 97 |
| 2010s | 206 |
| 2020s | 750 |
Meaning & origin
Kasai is a rare and modern given name that first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1996. It has been steadily rising in use ever since, reaching a peak rank of 639 in 2025, when about 1 in 3,909 boys were named Kasai. The trajectory has been upward since 1997, reflecting growing interest in short, internationally flavored names. Its exact origins remain uncertain; it may have Japanese roots meaning 'fire' or 'riverine,' or it could be a contemporary invention inspired by other popular 'Kai' names. Kasai has found modest popularity in Delaware, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania. The name's distinct sound and modern feel appeal to parents seeking a name that is both simple and uncommon.
Kasai appears to have two possible origins. In Japanese, Kasai (火災) means 'fire' or 'conflagration', and also exists as a surname. Alternatively, it may be a modern American coinage, possibly derived from the popular 'Kai' or influenced by the Japanese element. Its use as a given name in the United States began in the late 1990s.
Where Kasai is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kai
Sibling names for Kasai
Names that share Kasai's style, for a brother or sister.
