Kai Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationKye / /kaɪ/Hawaiian; Japanese; Chinese
Meaning
Hawaiian: sea; Japanese: forgiveness; Chinese: victory
Historical & Cultural Background
In Hawaiian culture, Kai is often associated with the ocean and nature. In Japan, it can be linked to various meanings depending on the kanji used. The name is also found in Chinese, where it can signify success or victory. It has gained popularity in various cultures, particularly in Western countries, over the past few decades.
Trend Summary
Kai has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past two decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Kye
International Variants
- Kai (German)
- Kai (Norwegian)
- Kai (Swahili)
Famous people named Kai
Kai Greene is an American bodybuilder and actor known for his appearances in the Mr. Olympia competition.
Kai L. Greene is a notable figure in the fitness industry and has appeared in various films and television shows.
Kai Havertz is a German professional footballer who plays for Chelsea FC and the German national team.
Kai Winding was a Danish-American jazz trombonist and composer, known for his work in the 1950s and 1960s.
Fictional characters named Kai
Kai is a character in the animated series 'Ninjago,' known for being a skilled ninja.
Kai is a character in the video game series 'Kingdom Hearts,' serving as a key figure in the storyline.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Kai was first seen in the United States in 1926. Kai has ranked as high as #93 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Washington. In the past 5 years the name Kai has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Kai (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 585 | |
| TX | 434 | |
| FL | 370 | |
| NY | 210 | |
| GA | 153 | |
| NC | 139 | |
| WA | 135 | |
| PA | 130 | |
| OH | 130 | |
| VA | 128 | |
| AZ | 108 | |
| IL | 95 | |
| MI | 91 | |
| IN | 86 | |
| MA | 85 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1926 | 6 |
| 1932 | 6 |
| 1944 | 5 |
| 1949 | 5 |
| 1950 | 9 |
| 1951 | 14 |
| 1952 | 5 |
| 1953 | 10 |
| 1954 | 14 |
| 1955 | 22 |
| 1956 | 12 |
| 1957 | 16 |
| 1958 | 20 |
| 1959 | 26 |
| 1960 | 20 |
| 1961 | 23 |
| 1962 | 29 |
| 1963 | 35 |
| 1964 | 32 |
| 1965 | 33 |
| 1966 | 36 |
| 1967 | 40 |
| 1968 | 47 |
| 1969 | 46 |
| 1970 | 58 |
| 1971 | 40 |
| 1972 | 53 |
| 1973 | 53 |
| 1974 | 50 |
| 1975 | 58 |
| 1976 | 54 |
| 1977 | 66 |
| 1978 | 74 |
| 1979 | 87 |
| 1980 | 83 |
| 1981 | 89 |
| 1982 | 95 |
| 1983 | 75 |
| 1984 | 85 |
| 1985 | 99 |
| 1986 | 96 |
| 1987 | 105 |
| 1988 | 93 |
| 1989 | 140 |
| 1990 | 124 |
| 1991 | 155 |
| 1992 | 159 |
| 1993 | 182 |
| 1994 | 215 |
| 1995 | 357 |
| 1996 | 297 |
| 1997 | 322 |
| 1998 | 363 |
| 1999 | 465 |
| 2000 | 622 |
| 2001 | 718 |
| 2002 | 1,108 |
| 2003 | 1,217 |
| 2004 | 1,324 |
| 2005 | 1,413 |
| 2006 | 1,451 |
| 2007 | 1,399 |
| 2008 | 1,609 |
| 2009 | 1,759 |
| 2010 | 1,749 |
| 2011 | 1,790 |
| 2012 | 1,938 |
| 2013 | 1,983 |
| 2014 | 2,411 |
| 2015 | 2,852 |
| 2016 | 2,895 |
| 2017 | 3,155 |
| 2018 | 3,462 |
| 2019 | 3,741 |
| 2020 | 3,863 |
| 2021 | 4,638 |
| 2022 | 5,366 |
| 2023 | 4,967 |
| 2024 | 4,276 |