Cai Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: Kye //kaɪ//
Origin: Welsh; Latin; Chinese
Meaning: Welsh: pure; Latin: rejoice; Chinese: talent
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Cai has its roots in ancient languages, primarily deriving from the Latin name 'Caius,' which is believed to have originated from the Roman family name 'Caius' or 'Gaius.' The etymology of Caius can be traced back to the Latin verb 'capere,' meaning 'to seize' or 'to take.' This name was commonly used in ancient Rome and has been associated with various notable historical figures, including several early Roman emperors and prominent citizens, which contributed to its enduring presence in history. In the context of biblical history, Caius appears in the New Testament, notably as a companion of the Apostle Paul.
The name is mentioned in the Book of Acts and in the letters of Paul, indicating its significance in early Christian communities. The Latin form 'Caius' was later translated into Greek as 'Kaios,' further embedding the name within Christian texts and traditions.
The name's biblical connections helped to sustain its use throughout the centuries, particularly in Christian contexts. Culturally, the name Cai has been associated with strength and leadership, reflecting its etymological roots in the concept of seizing or taking.
This association has allowed the name to resonate within various cultures, particularly in regions influenced by Roman and Christian traditions. In some cultures, diminutive forms such as 'Cai' or 'Kai' have emerged, reflecting a softer or more familiar version of the name while still retaining its historical significance.
Overall, the name Cai embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution, historical milestones, and cultural resonance that has contributed to its lasting legacy.
Famous people named Cai
In this section, you will find notable people named Cai. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Cai who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Cai who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Cai Guo-Qiang is an artist best known for his explosive artworks, including Sky Ladder and the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony.
Fictional characters named Cai
The following list of fictional characters named Cai is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Cai is a fictional character from the novel The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin. He is a key figure in the story, representing the human perspective in the complex interactions with an alien civilization.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Cai, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Cai was first seen in the United States in 1989.
Cai has ranked as high as #2983 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in Texas, Florida, California, Georgia, and North Carolina.
In the past 5 years the name Cai has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Cai is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Cai was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Cai.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 81 | 69 | 12 |
| 2024 | 101 | 83 | 18 |
| 2023 | 111 | 86 | 25 |
| 2022 | 131 | 108 | 23 |
| 2021 | 111 | 87 | 24 |
| 2020 | 104 | 66 | 38 |
| 2019 | 94 | 66 | 28 |
| 2018 | 86 | 65 | 21 |
| 2017 | 93 | 68 | 25 |
| 2016 | 116 | 82 | 34 |
| 2015 | 107 | 82 | 25 |
| 2014 | 92 | 71 | 21 |
| 2013 | 76 | 55 | 21 |
| 2012 | 77 | 54 | 23 |
| 2011 | 66 | 39 | 27 |
| 2010 | 47 | 38 | 9 |
| 2009 | 57 | 41 | 16 |
| 2008 | 54 | 39 | 15 |
| 2007 | 39 | 29 | 10 |
| 2006 | 33 | 23 | 10 |
| 2005 | 41 | 29 | 12 |
| 2004 | 41 | 27 | 14 |
| 2003 | 33 | 25 | 8 |
| 2002 | 29 | 20 | 9 |
| 2001 | 22 | 17 | 5 |
| 2000 | 23 | 16 | 7 |
| 1999 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1998 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 1997 | 16 | 7 | 9 |
| 1996 | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| 1995 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1994 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 1993 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 1990 | 10 | 10 | 0 |
| 1989 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Top States for Cai (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 9 | |
| FL | 7 | |
| TX | 7 | |
| PA | 6 | |
| LA | 5 |