Rising since 1986, #1,176 for boys today.
Popularity of Khai since 1977
Babies named Khai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 10 |
| 1980s | 0 | 79 |
| 1990s | 22 | 166 |
| 2000s | 93 | 413 |
| 2010s | 186 | 1,088 |
| 2020s | 185 | 1,428 |
Meaning & origin
Khai is a modern name that has seen a steady rise in popularity since the mid-1980s. First recorded in 1977, it peaked in 2023, reflecting a broader trend toward short, crisp names ending in 'ai.' In 2025, it ranked 1176th nationally, with 1 in 9760 boys receiving the name. It has been most popular in Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Florida. The name's appeal lies in its simplicity and cross-cultural resonance, though its exact etymology remains debated, adding an air of mystery.
Khai emerged in the United States in the late 20th century. It is often considered a variant of Kai, which has roots in various cultures including Hawaiian, Scandinavian, and Japanese, but Khai itself likely originated as a modern spelling adaptation. In Vietnamese, Khải means 'to begin' or 'peaceful' but the exact derivation of the given name Khai as used in English-speaking countries is unclear. The name gained traction in the 2010s and 2020s as parents sought short, distinctive names.
Where Khai is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Khai” around the world
Where Khai lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
14
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Kai
Sibling names for Khai
Names that share Khai's style, for a brother or sister.
