Holding steady.
Popularity of Kea since 1964
Babies named Kea per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 44 |
| 1970s | 185 |
| 1980s | 173 |
| 1990s | 143 |
| 2000s | 86 |
| 2010s | 14 |
| 2020s | 8 |
Meaning & origin
Kea is a rare and modern name with uncertain origins. First recorded in the U.S. in 1964, it reached its peak popularity in 1978, but has never entered the top 1,000 names. Its trajectory has been stable, with occasional small fluctuations. The name may draw inspiration from the New Zealand Kea bird, or from creative respellings of names like Kei or Key. Despite its rarity, Kea offers a short, distinctive sound similar to more common names like Kai or Lea. Its top states of usage are not well-documented, reflecting its niche appeal.
Kea is a name of uncertain origin. It may derive from the Cornish word for "key" or be a modern invented name. It also appears as a variant of the Japanese name Kei or as a feminine diminutive of names like Keaton. The name has seen sporadic use in the United States since the mid-1960s, possibly inspired by the New Zealand Kea bird or as a creative respelling.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Kea
Names that share Kea's style, for a brother or sister.
