A 1980s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Kiri since 1963
Babies named Kiri per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 35 |
| 1980s | 305 |
| 1990s | 255 |
| 2000s | 159 |
| 2010s | 138 |
| 2020s | 92 |
Meaning & origin
Kiri is a short, soft-sounding name that has seen modest use in the United States since the 1960s. First recorded in 1963, its popularity peaked in 1984, placing among the top 5,000 names in certain years. After a period of decline, the name has been rising again since 2003, reflecting a broader revival of concise, vowel-ending names. In 2025, with a rank of 5,917 and a 1-in-80,363 incidence rate, Kiri remains a rare choice. While its etymology is debated, the name's appeal may lie in its cross-cultural resonances, from Maori to modern English origins. Its trajectory shows a slow but steady increase, and though no single state stands out as a stronghold, it has a quiet, international character.
Kiri is a name of multiple possible origins. In modern English usage, it may have arisen as a short form of names like Kiran (a Sanskrit-derived name meaning 'beam of light') or Kiera (an Irish name). It also appears as a standalone name in Maori, where it means 'skin' or 'bark'. Its use in English-speaking countries has been sporadic, with occasional spikes in popularity.
Sibling names for Kiri
Names that share Kiri's style, for a brother or sister.
