MallowbyNames

Kidus

kee-DOOS · Saint, holy one

2025 rank (boys)
#4,139
Babies named in 2025
25
Peak popularity
2016
2025 frequency
1 in 68,323 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2015

Declining since 2015, #4,139 for boys today.

Popularity of Kidus since 1996

Babies named Kidus per year in U.S. Social Security records.

183755200020102020Most births 2014Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1990s12
2000s211
2010s435
2020s203

Meaning & origin

Kidus is an Amharic name that entered U.S. birth records in 1996, reflecting the Ethiopian diaspora's growing presence. It has been primarily given to boys, reaching its peak popularity in 2016 with a rank of 4,139 in 2025, though its trajectory has been falling since 2015. The name was most common in Maryland, which has a significant Ethiopian community. With an occurrence rate of 1 in 68,323 newborns, Kidus remains a distinctive name that carries strong religious meaning, rooted in the word for 'saint' or 'holy one' in Ge'ez. Parents choosing Kidus often value its cultural and spiritual significance.

Kidus is an Amharic name derived from the Ge'ez word 'qǝddus,' meaning 'holy' or 'saint.' It is a common name in Ethiopia, among both Christians and Muslims, reflecting a religious devotion. The name entered U.S. records in 1996 and has been used primarily by Ethiopian-American families.

Where Kidus is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Kidus” around the world

Where Kidus lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    5

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Kido, Kiki

Variants: Kiduss, Kiddus

Sibling names for Kidus

Names that share Kidus's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

K is for Kidus, our favorite little boy.

K is for Kidus…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Kidus's letter becomes Kidus's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Kidus's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Kidus mean?
Kidus means 'saint' or 'holy one' in Amharic, derived from the Ge'ez word 'qǝddus.'
How popular is the name Kidus?
In the most recent year of data (2025), Kidus ranked 4,139 in the U.S., with about 1 in 68,323 newborn boys given the name that year.
Is Kidus a boy's name or a girl's name?
Kidus is traditionally a boy's name, though it is sometimes used for girls. In the U.S., it is predominantly given to boys.