Kai
Kai first appears in US records in 1926. It peaked in 2022, when 5,374 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 3,768.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Kai popular?
Rising Kai has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.
| 2020s | 26,927 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 25,984 | |
| 2000s | 12,620 | |
| 1990s | 2,640 | |
| 1980s | 958 | |
| 1970s | 592 | |
| 1960s | 341 | |
| 1950s | 148 | |
| 1940s | 10 | |
| 1930s | 6 | |
| 1920s | 6 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Kai mean?
Most commonly taken from Hawaiian 'kai', meaning 'sea' or 'ocean'. The same short sound exists independently in several languages (Japanese, Scandinavian forms of names like Kajus, and others), but its modern Western popularity leans on the Hawaiian 'sea' meaning.
Variants & spellings
- Kaii
- Cai
Names like Kai
hawaiian names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Kai
Popular hawaiian names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Kai
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kai mean?
Kai means sea. Most commonly taken from Hawaiian 'kai', meaning 'sea' or 'ocean'. The same short sound exists independently in several languages (Japanese, Scandinavian forms of names like Kajus, and others), but its modern Western popularity leans on the Hawaiian 'sea' meaning.
What is the origin of the name Kai?
Kai is of hawaiian origin.
How do you pronounce Kai?
Kai is pronounced “KY.”
Is Kai a boy or a girl name?
Kai is most commonly used as a unisex name.
Is Kai a popular name right now?
Kai has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.
How popular is the name Kai?
In 2025, Kai ranked #93 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Kai most popular?
Kai was most popular in 2022, when about 5,374 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Kai?
Names similar to Kai include Rowan, Finn, Sage, Reef.
What names go well with Kai?
hawaiian names that pair well with Kai include Leilani, Kehlani, Alani, Malia, Kailani.