Khai Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KAI //kaɪ//
Origin: Vietnamese; Arabic
Meaning: Vietnamese: 'victory'; Arabic: 'king'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Khai has its roots in the Vietnamese language, where it is derived from the word "khai," meaning "to open" or "to unveil." This etymological origin reflects a broader cultural significance associated with new beginnings and enlightenment. The name is often linked to positive attributes such as clarity and revelation, which resonate within Vietnamese culture, where names frequently carry meaningful connotations that reflect virtues or aspirations for the individual.
Historically, the name Khai has been associated with various notable figures in Vietnamese history, particularly during the Nguyen dynasty, which lasted from the early 19th century until the mid-20th century. One significant figure is Emperor Gia Long, who was the founder of the Nguyen dynasty and ruled from 1802 to 1820.
His reign marked the consolidation of Vietnam as a unified nation, and names from this period often reflect the ideals of unity and strength. The use of Khai in this context symbolizes the opening of a new era for the Vietnamese people, aligning with the name's literal meaning.
Culturally, the name Khai is often used in conjunction with other names to create compound names that enhance its meaning. For instance, names like Khai Minh or Khai An combine Khai with other elements that signify brightness or peace, respectively.
This practice underscores the importance of names in Vietnamese culture, where they are not merely identifiers but also carry hopes and aspirations for the bearer. The enduring appeal of the name Khai can be attributed to its positive connotations and the cultural significance attached to the act of opening or revealing, which resonates deeply within Vietnamese traditions.
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Khai was first seen in the United States in 1977. Khai has ranked as high as #1015 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Khai has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Khai (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 32 | |
| CA | 27 | |
| FL | 19 | |
| NY | 19 | |
| GA | 13 | |
| LA | 12 | |
| OH | 10 | |
| PA | 10 | |
| VA | 10 | |
| AZ | 7 | |
| IN | 6 | |
| OK | 6 | |
| MI | 6 | |
| IL | 5 | |
| MD | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1977 | 5 |
| 1979 | 5 |
| 1980 | 9 |
| 1981 | 9 |
| 1982 | 7 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 8 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 10 |
| 1989 | 12 |
| 1990 | 14 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 7 |
| 1993 | 20 |
| 1994 | 17 |
| 1995 | 20 |
| 1996 | 20 |
| 1997 | 23 |
| 1998 | 17 |
| 1999 | 22 |
| 2000 | 22 |
| 2001 | 35 |
| 2002 | 34 |
| 2003 | 47 |
| 2004 | 48 |
| 2005 | 36 |
| 2006 | 51 |
| 2007 | 44 |
| 2008 | 43 |
| 2009 | 53 |
| 2010 | 65 |
| 2011 | 73 |
| 2012 | 65 |
| 2013 | 71 |
| 2014 | 119 |
| 2015 | 112 |
| 2016 | 125 |
| 2017 | 136 |
| 2018 | 168 |
| 2019 | 153 |
| 2020 | 145 |
| 2021 | 221 |
| 2022 | 278 |
| 2023 | 367 |
| 2024 | 240 |