Declining since 2017, #1,366 for boys today.
Popularity of Kye since 1956
Babies named Kye per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 0 | 23 |
| 1960s | 5 | 54 |
| 1970s | 5 | 109 |
| 1980s | 7 | 242 |
| 1990s | 66 | 423 |
| 2000s | 103 | 1,083 |
| 2010s | 107 | 2,255 |
| 2020s | 54 | 1,368 |
Meaning & origin
Kye entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1956 and reached its highest rank of 1366 in 2016, with a frequency of 1 in 12,559 boys in 2025. Since 2017, its usage has been declining, but it remains most concentrated in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. As a modern American coinage, Kye likely draws from the popular Kai and Kyle, offering a streamlined, two-letter variant that fits contemporary minimalist trends. Though its etymology is debated, the name carries a crisp, one-syllable sound that appeals to parents seeking a simple yet distinctive choice.
Kye likely originated as a modern American variant of the name Kai, which has multiple origins (Hawaiian, Scandinavian, Welsh), or as a short form of Kyle (from Scottish Gaelic 'caol,' meaning 'narrow or strait'). Records show isolated use since the mid-20th century, notably in the southern United States.
Where Kye is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Kye
Names that share Kye's style, for a brother or sister.
