MallowbyNames

Sekai

世界seh-KYE · A Japanese word meaning 'world' or 'the world,' also used as a given name in various cultures.

2025 rank (boys)
#2,421
Babies named in 2025
56
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 30,501 boys
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Rising since 2014

Rising since 2014, #2,421 for boys today.

Popularity of Sekai since 2000

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

193756200020102020Most births 2025GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
2000s5746
2010s653
2020s25185

Meaning & origin

Sekai is a name with dual origins, drawing from Japanese and African roots. In Japanese, it directly translates to 'world,' offering a global perspective. The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 2001 and has been steadily rising in popularity, particularly since 2014. By 2025, it reached a rank of 2421, with an incidence of about 1 in 30,501 births, and peaked in usage that same year. Its top three states of occurrence are North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Florida, reflecting its spread across diverse regions. Sekai is used for both genders, though recent data shows a slight preference for girls. The name's cross-cultural appeal and positive meanings make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with international flair.

Sekai is a Japanese word (世界) meaning 'world,' composed of the characters for 'generation' (世) and 'boundary' (界). It has been adopted as a given name in Japan, often for its aspirational connotation. Separately, Sekai appears as a name in some African cultures, with varying meanings such as 'joy' or 'happiness' in Shona (Zimbabwe) or as a variant of Seke. The name's use in the United States has been increasing since the early 2000s, reflecting broader multicultural naming trends.

Where Sekai is most popular

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

Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Sek, Kai

Variants: Sekai, Sekaye

Sibling names for Sekai

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

Sisters: Suki, Mira, Aya, Nia, Zara

Brothers: Kai, Kenji, Sora, Jabari, Amari

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

S is for Sekai, our favorite little person.

S is for Sekai…”

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

Make Sekai's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Sekai mean?
Sekai is derived from a Japanese word meaning 'world' or 'the world.' It can also have African origins as a name meaning 'joy' or 'happiness' in some traditions.
How popular is the name Sekai?
Since first appearing in U.S. records in 2001, Sekai's use has been rising. As of 2025, it ranked #2421, with about 1 in 30,501 newborns given the name. Its peak year so far is 2025.
Is Sekai a boy or girl name?
Sekai is used for both boys and girls, with records showing unisex usage. In the U.S., it has been more commonly used for girls in recent years.