Kai Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Kai Name Meaning

Fact: Kai has constantly been in the top 200 names for boys in USA.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Kai Overview

Meaning

Sea or ocean (Hawaiian)​; keeper of the keys, earth (Welsh)​; shell, restoration, or ocean (Japanese); food (Māori); pier (Estonian)​; strong (Burmese);

Gender

Boy, Gender-neutral

Origin

Hawaiian, Welsh, Japanese, Scandinavian, Germanic

Etymology

Derived from the same kai sound in Hawaii (kai), Japan (海 or 貝), China (凯), and, Scandinavia (Kári).

Pronunciation

/kaɪ/

Popularity

Increasingly popular in various countries, particularly in the US, UK, and Australia.

Syllable

1 syllable

Length

3 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Exotic, Nature-inspired, Short, Cute

Associated Traits

Strong, calm, natural, versatile, modern

Name Day

February 10th
A Deep Dive

Kai Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Kaj, Cai, Kaio, Kaius, Kaye, Kye, Ky, Kaia, Kay, Kajetan

Common Nicknames

Ky, Kaikai, KJ, Kai-Man, Kai-Kai

Diminutives

Ka, Ki, Kio, Kye, Kaik

Famous People

  • Kai Greene
    (American Bodybuilder)
  • Kai Havertz
    (German Footballer)
  • Kai Ryssdal
    (American Radio Host)
  • Kai Winding
    (American Trombonist)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Kai
    ("Ninjago," Animated TV Series)
  • Kai
    ("Kung Fu Panda 3," Animated Movie)
  • Kai
    ("Exo," K-Pop Group)
  • Kai
    ("Mortal Kombat," Video Game)

Places

  • Kai Tak Airport
    (Kowloon, Hong Kong)
  • Kai Iwi Lakes
    (Northland, New Zealand)

What Is the Meaning of Kai?

The name Kai has diverse meanings in various cultures. In Hawaiian, Kai means “sea” or “ocean,” suggesting a free-spirited and nature-connected personality. In Welsh, it translates to “keeper of the keys” or “earth,” indicating responsibility and a grounded nature.

The Japanese interpretation includes “shell,” “restoration,” and “ocean,” symbolizing resilience and renewal. For the Māori, Kai means “food,” highlighting a nurturing and sustaining essence. In Estonian, Kai means “pier,” symbolizing stability and connection, while in Burmese, it means “strong,” reflecting resilience and power.

What Is the Origin of The Name Kai?

The name Kai has diverse origins, including Hawaiian, Welsh, Japanese, Scandinavian, and Germanic roots. Each culture offers its own unique interpretation and significance to the name.

Kai Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Kai in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#712021#592022#612023
Top 3 Rankings#592022#612023#712021

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Kai

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
202361
(-2 from 2022)
4946
(-413 from 2022)
0.27010
202259
(+12 from 2021)
5359
(+731 from 2021)
0.28612
202171
(+22 from 2020)
4628
(+767 from 2020)
0.24701
202093
(+7 from 2019)
3861
(+123 from 2019)
0.20874
2019100
(+12 from 2018)
3738
(+281 from 2018)
0.19451
2018112
(+14 from 2017)
3457
(+304 from 2017)
0.17785
2017126
(+19 from 2016)
3153
(+260 from 2016)
0.15931
2016145
No change from 2015
2893
(+41 from 2015)
0.14282
2015145
(+32 from 2014)
2852
(+441 from 2014)
0.13950
2014177
(+22 from 2013)
2411
(+429 from 2013)
0.11765
2013199
(-3 from 2012)
1982
(+44 from 2012)
0.09808
2012196
(+5 from 2011)
1938
(+148 from 2011)
0.09551
2011201
(+4 from 2010)
1790
(+41 from 2010)
0.08812
2010205
(+8 from 2009)
1749
(-10 from 2009)
0.08513
2009213
(+16 from 2008)
1759
(+150 from 2008)
0.08294
2008229
(+23 from 2007)
1609
(+210 from 2007)
0.07379
2007252
(-14 from 2006)
1399
(-52 from 2006)
0.06316
2006238
(+1 from 2005)
1451
(+38 from 2005)
0.06618
2005239
(+9 from 2004)
1413
(+89 from 2004)
0.06642
2004248
(+16 from 2003)
1324
(+107 from 2003)
0.06265
2003264
(+12 from 2002)
1217
(+109 from 2002)
0.05792
2002276
(+94 from 2001)
1108
(+390 from 2001)
0.05361
2001370
(+33 from 2000)
718
(+96 from 2000)
0.03471
2000403
(+75 from 1999)
622
(+157 from 1999)
0.02978
1999478
(+70 from 1998)
465
(+102 from 1998)
0.02281
1998548
(+27 from 1997)
363
(+41 from 1997)
0.01790
1997575
(+23 from 1996)
322
(+25 from 1996)
0.01612
1996598
(-65 from 1995)
297
(-60 from 1995)
0.01482
1995533
(+179 from 1994)
357
(+142 from 1994)
0.01775
1994712
(+71 from 1993)
215
(+33 from 1993)
0.01055
1993783
(+53 from 1992)
182
(+23 from 1992)
0.00881
1992836
(-5 from 1991)
159
(+4 from 1991)
0.00757
1991831
(+95 from 1990)
155
(+31 from 1990)
0.00731
1990926
(-79 from 1989)
124
(-16 from 1989)
0.00576
1989847
(+164 from 1988)
140
(+47 from 1988)
0.00668
19881011
(-83 from 1987)
93
(-11 from 1987)
0.00464
1987928
(+4 from 1986)
104
(+8 from 1986)
0.00533
1986932
(-22 from 1985)
96
(-3 from 1985)
0.00500
1985910
(+49 from 1984)
99
(+14 from 1984)
0.00514
1984959
(+63 from 1983)
85
(+10 from 1983)
0.00453
19831022
(-105 from 1982)
75
(-20 from 1982)
0.00402
1982917
(+36 from 1981)
95
(+6 from 1981)
0.00503
1981953
(+36 from 1980)
89
(+6 from 1980)
0.00478
1980989
(-43 from 1979)
83
(-4 from 1979)
0.00447
1979946
(+59 from 1978)
87
(+13 from 1978)
0.00486
19781005
(+59 from 1977)
74
(+8 from 1977)
0.00433
19771064
(+99 from 1976)
66
(+12 from 1976)
0.00386
19761163
(-62 from 1975)
54
(-4 from 1975)
0.00331
19751101
(+69 from 1974)
58
(+8 from 1974)
0.00357
19741170
(-47 from 1973)
50
(-3 from 1973)
0.00307
19731123
(-4 from 1972)
53
No change from 1972
0.00328
19721119
(+210 from 1971)
53
(+13 from 1971)
0.00317
19711329
(-259 from 1970)
40
(-18 from 1970)
0.00220
19701070
(+83 from 1969)
58
(+12 from 1969)
0.00304
19691153
(-71 from 1968)
46
(-1 from 1968)
0.00251
19681082
(+99 from 1967)
47
(+7 from 1967)
0.00265
19671181
(+78 from 1966)
40
(+4 from 1966)
0.00225
19661259
(+76 from 1965)
36
(+3 from 1965)
0.00198
19651335
(+49 from 1964)
33
(+1 from 1964)
0.00174
19641384
(-65 from 1963)
32
(-3 from 1963)
0.00158
19631319
(+160 from 1962)
35
(+7 from 1962)
0.00170
19621479
(+207 from 1961)
28
(+5 from 1961)
0.00133
19611686
(+127 from 1960)
23
(+3 from 1960)
0.00107
19601813
(-258 from 1959)
20
(-6 from 1959)
0.00092
19591555
(+213 from 1958)
26
(+6 from 1958)
0.00120
19581768
(+251 from 1957)
20
(+4 from 1957)
0.00093
19572019
(+341 from 1956)
16
(+4 from 1956)
0.00073
19562360
(-714 from 1955)
12
(-10 from 1955)
0.00056
19551646
(+468 from 1954)
22
(+8 from 1954)
0.00105
19542114
(+417 from 1953)
14
(+4 from 1953)
0.00068
19532531
(+1205 from 1952)
10
(+5 from 1952)
0.00050
19523736
(-1681 from 1951)
5
(-9 from 1951)
0.00025
19512055
(+525 from 1950)
14
(+5 from 1950)
0.00073
19502580
(+1111 from 1949)
9
(+4 from 1949)
0.00049
19493691
(-261 from 1944)
5
No change from 1944
0.00028
19480
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19470
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19443430
(-69 from 1932)
5
(-1 from 1932)
0.00036
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19323361
(+347 from 1926)
6
No change from 1926
0.00056
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19263708
First SSA data recorded
6
First SSA data recorded
0.00052
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Kai

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#572021#512022#552023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#382021#272022#352023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#892021#792022#782023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#732021#652022#682023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#412021#552022#612023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#502021#492022#462023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#972021#632022#852023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#832021#702022#742023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#642021#492022#562023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#782021#362022#592023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#952021#652022#802023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#1162021#712022#702023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#802021#622022#682023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#652021#482022#532023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#732021#542022#682023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#502021#522022#422023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#912021#532022#852023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#1262021#882022#772023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#22021#32022#62023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#652021#822022#872023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#1392021#922022#1132023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#852021#702022#812023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#742021#852022#1072023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#682021#452022#402023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#1352021#892022#652023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#1182021#1102022#942023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#622021#412022#632023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#642021#552022#642023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#752021#652022#632023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#962021#692022#722023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#1262021#1072022#722023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#1462021#1042022#642023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#1222021#982022#1152023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#1472021#712022#1272023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#922021#362022#1102023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#692021#522022#482023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#872021#982022#822023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#372021#172022#362023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#1242021#932022#652023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#1272021#1032022#912023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#552021#282022#422023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#592021#1642022#1402023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1622021#942022#692023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#1442021#1282022#1102023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1682021#1272022#942023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1462021#1092022#462023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#842021#762022#392023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1222020#932021#612023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#392021#1072022#1302023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1312019#992020#662022

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1232016#1262019#1012020

Popularity Rankings for Kai in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Other American Territories

American Samoa flag American Samoa
Guam flag Guam
Northern Mariana Islands flag Northern Mariana Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands flag U.S. Virgin Islands

Other American Territories flagOther American Territories#392017#302018#92022

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#462021#352022#192023

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#292021#262022#202023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#482021#322022#322023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#512021#332022#372023

Popularity in Basque Country, Spain

Basque Country, Spain flagBasque Country, Spain#632020#532021#492022

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#522021#672022#522023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#1092019#1032020#912021

Popularity in Spain

Spain flagSpain#1002021#912022

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#2262021#1052022#1082023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#2282021#1202022#1722023

Popularity in Austria

Austria flagAustria#1762004#1742007#1752008

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#2442020#1762021#1852022

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#1922021#2642022#2272023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#2072020#2252021#2252022

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland flagIceland#2292021

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#2332021#2542022#2472023

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#2982021#2892022#2742023

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#2862022#3382023

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Kai a Name for Boys or Girls?

Kai is a unisex moniker, commonly used for boys in many cultures. However, the name is also appreciated for girls due to its simplicity and natural meanings.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Kai

Kai in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Kai Greene (Bodybuilder, born 1975): American professional bodybuilder known for his successes in IFBB competitions and his influential role in the fitness industry.
  • Kai Havertz (Footballer, born 1999): German professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Arsenal and the German national team.
  • Kai Ryssdal (Radio Host, born 1963): American radio journalist and host of the public radio program "Marketplace," known for his insightful economic reporting.
  • Kai Winding (Trombonist, 1922-1983): Danish-born American jazz trombonist, famous for his work with the Stan Kenton Orchestra and his collaborations with J.J. Johnson.
  • Kai ("Ninjago," 2011, Animated TV Series): A character in the animated TV series "Ninjago," known for being the red ninja of fire.
  • Kai ("Kung Fu Panda 3," 2016, Animated Movie): A character in the animated movie "Kung Fu Panda 3," depicted as a powerful and vengeful spirit warrior.
  • Kai ("Exo," 2012, K-Pop Group): A member of the popular South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO, known for his exceptional dancing and singing skills.
  • Kai ("Mortal Kombat," 1997, Video Game): A character in the "Mortal Kombat" video game series, known for his martial arts skills and affiliation with the White Lotus Society.
  • Kai Tak (Kowloon, Hong Kong): A district known for its former airport, now being redeveloped into a modern urban area with residential, commercial, and recreational facilities.
  • Kai Iwi Lakes (Northland, New Zealand): A set of dune lakes known for their clear waters and recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

Similar Names to Kai

Sibling Names for Kai

Parents Who Like the Name Kai Also Like

Let me know more about your thoughts in the comment section about the name Kai. Also, you should share this name with others so they can add Kai to their name pool for babies.
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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