Rising since 1990, #2,230 for boys today.
Popularity of Kavi since 1984
Babies named Kavi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 30 |
| 1990s | 53 |
| 2000s | 232 |
| 2010s | 324 |
| 2020s | 290 |
Meaning & origin
Kavi first appeared in U.S. records in 1984, slowly rising in use. By 2025 it reached rank 2,230, with a peak in popularity the previous year. Roughly 1 in 27,112 boys currently receive the name, a marked increase from earlier decades. The name is most common in New Jersey, California, and New York. Its Sanskrit meaning 'poet' appeals to parents seeking a name with literary resonance and cultural depth. The trajectory has been steadily rising since the 1990s, reflecting broader interest in short, vowel-ending names from Indian traditions.
Kavi is derived from Sanskrit 'kavi' (कवि), meaning 'poet' or 'wise one'. In Hindu tradition, it refers to a seer or sage endowed with insight. The name appears in ancient Indian texts and has been used across South Asia. It gained modernity as a short, international-sounding name in the late 20th century.
Where Kavi is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Kavee
Sibling names for Kavi
Names that share Kavi's style, for a brother or sister.

