MallowbyNames

Zekai

zeh-KYE · According to Turkish etymology, it means 'intelligent, clever'.

2025 rank (boys)
#5,861
Babies named in 2025
15
Peak popularity
2024
2025 frequency
1 in 113,872 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #5,861 for boys today.

Popularity of Zekai since 2012

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

714212020Most births 2024Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
2010s47
2020s93

Meaning & origin

Zekai is a Turkish name that entered the U.S. Social Security data in 2012, reflecting a modern wave of Turkish and Kurdish influences in American naming. With a rank of 5,861 in the latest year (2025) and an occurrence of about 1 in 113,872 births, it remains quite rare. Its peak year for popularity was 2024, and its trajectory has been stable, indicating a steady if small presence. While not currently recorded in any top state data, the name carries a clear, positive meaning and a distinctive sound that appeals to parents seeking a name with cultural depth and a contemporary feel.

Zekai is a Turkish name derived from the word 'zeka', meaning intelligence or cleverness. It has been used in Turkey, particularly in the 21st century, and entered the U.S. Social Security data in 2012, reflecting growing cultural exchange. The name remains relatively rare in the United States.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Zek

Sibling names for Zekai

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

Sisters: Elif, Mira, Ayla, Dilara, Zara

Brothers: Kai, Efe, Deniz, Aydin, Cem

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

Z is for Zekai, our favorite little boy.

Z is for Zekai…”

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

Make Zekai's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Zekai mean?
Zekai means 'intelligent' or 'clever' in Turkish.
How popular is the name Zekai?
As of 2025, Zekai was ranked 5,861th and given to about 1 in 113,872 babies in the United States.
Is Zekai a boy or girl name?
Zekai is primarily a masculine name.