Kai
Kai is a girl's name of Hawaiian origin.
Meaning
Sea, ocean, or water in Hawaiian; also has independent meanings in Scandinavian and Asian traditions.
Origin and history
Kai is a unisex name with roots in multiple cultures, most prominently Hawaiian where it means 'sea' or 'ocean'. It also appears independently in Scandinavian languages as a short form of Kaimund or Katherine, and in various East Asian languages. In the United States, Kai has grown steadily in popularity as a fresh, modern choice for both girls and boys.
Popularity in the United States
8,478 babies in the United States have been named Kai since 1880. It ranks #1818 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #857.
States where it is most popular
- CA (16 %)
- TX (10.9 %)
- NY (9.8 %)
- FL (9.7 %)
- GA (8.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 33 |
| 1960-1970 | 102 |
| 1970-1980 | 429 |
| 1980-1990 | 413 |
| 1990-2000 | 905 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,773 |
| 2010-2019 | 3,020 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,803 |
Famous people named Kai
- Kai Chase: Chef, Author
Fun facts
- Kai has independent etymological roots in Hawaiian, Scandinavian, Japanese, and Chinese traditions.
- In Hawaiian culture, Kai refers directly to the sea and ocean water.