Kai
Kai is a boy's name of Hawaiian origin.
Meaning
Sea or ocean in Hawaiian; also means shell, recovery, or key in other traditions.
Origin and history
Kai is a versatile name with roots in multiple cultures, most prominently Hawaiian where it means 'sea' or 'ocean'. It also has independent origins in Frisian, Japanese, and Scandinavian traditions. In the United States, Kai has experienced a rapid rise in popularity, becoming a trendy and modern choice for boys.
Popularity in the United States
70,232 babies in the United States have been named Kai since 1880. It ranks #405 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #71.
States where it is most popular
- CA (17.9 %)
- TX (8 %)
- FL (8 %)
- NY (5.7 %)
- WA (3.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 6 |
| 1930-1940 | 6 |
| 1940-1950 | 10 |
| 1950-1960 | 148 |
| 1960-1970 | 341 |
| 1970-1980 | 592 |
| 1980-1990 | 958 |
| 1990-2000 | 2,640 |
| 2000-2010 | 12,620 |
| 2010-2019 | 25,984 |
| 2020-2029 | 26,927 |
Famous people named Kai
- Kai Widdrington: Dancer, Choreographer
- Kai Havertz: Athlete, Soccer Player
- Kai Cenat: Streamer, Content Creator
Fun facts
- In the Hawaiian language, Kai is a neutral element word meaning 'sea' or 'ocean water'.
- Beyond Hawaii, Kai functions as a independent name in Germanic, Scandinavian, Japanese, and Chinese linguistic roots.
- Kai entered broader usage in the U.S. in the late 20th century and quickly rose into the top 100 boy names in the 2020s.