Declining since 2015, #4,139 for boys today.
Popularity of Kidus since 1996
Babies named Kidus per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 211 |
| 2010s | 435 |
| 2020s | 203 |
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.

