Rising since 2001, #2,884 for boys today.
Popularity of Qais since 1999
Babies named Qais per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 55 |
| 2010s | 216 |
| 2020s | 191 |
Meaning & origin
Qais entered U.S. birth records in 1999 and has been rising steadily since 2001, reaching its peak rank so far in 2025 at #2884. At current popularity, about 1 in 39,723 boys receives the name, making it a distinctive but recognizable choice. The name is especially concentrated in Illinois, New York, and California, reflecting its appeal in Arab-American communities. Its association with the tragic poet Qays ibn al-Mulawwah gives it literary depth, while its simple, strong sound suits contemporary tastes. Qais remains a meaningful link to Arabic heritage without being overly common.
Qais is an Arabic name (قيس) deriving from the root q-y-s, associated with 'measure' or 'judgment,' but also linked to the legendary Bedouin poet Qays ibn al-Mulawwah (renowned for his tragic love story with Layla). The name has been used throughout the Arab world, often symbolizing passion and poetic devotion.
Where Qais is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Qais” around the world
Where Qais lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Qays
Sibling names for Qais
Names that share Qais's style, for a brother or sister.
