Kye Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: Kye //kaɪ//
Origin: Scottish; Korean
Meaning: Scottish: 'keeper of the keys'; Korean: 'victory'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Kye has roots that can be traced back to Old English, where it is derived from the word "cāg," meaning "rejoice" or "to be glad." This term evolved through various linguistic stages, including Middle English, before being adopted into modern English usage. The name is also thought to have connections to the Welsh name "Cai," which is derived from the Latin "Gaius," a name that has historical significance in Roman culture.
The transition into English likely occurred through the influence of Celtic languages and the integration of Welsh names into English vernacular during the medieval period. Historically, the name Kye has been associated with notable figures, particularly in the context of Arthurian legends, where Cai is depicted as a knight of the Round Table.
This association with chivalry and valor contributed to the name's enduring presence in literature and folklore. Additionally, the name has been linked to various saints and biblical figures, although direct references to Kye in religious texts are limited.
The name's resonance in historical narratives, particularly those involving heroism and loyalty, has helped maintain its significance over the centuries. Culturally, Kye embodies themes of joy and celebration, which are reflected in its etymological roots.
The notion of rejoicing has made it a fitting choice for various traditions and ceremonies, particularly those celebrating milestones or achievements. The name's simplicity and phonetic appeal have also allowed it to adapt across different cultures and languages, further solidifying its place in the lexicon of personal names.
While diminutive forms or variations may exist, Kye stands out for its directness and historical depth, making it a name with rich cultural and linguistic heritage.
Famous people named Kye
In this section, you will find notable people named Kye. 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 Kye who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Kye 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.
Kye Whyte is a BMX racer best known for competing in the Olympics and winning the British Championships.
Kye McCullough is a musician best known for his work with the band The Kye.
Kye Gibbons is a professional rugby player best known for playing with the New Zealand national team.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Kye, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Kye. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Kye was first seen in the United States in 1956.
Kye has ranked as high as #1069 nationally, which occurred in 2016, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Florida, Louisiana, and Georgia.
In the past 5 years the name Kye has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Kye 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 Kye was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Kye (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 18 | |
| FL | 17 | |
| CA | 12 | |
| IL | 10 | |
| PA | 8 | |
| NY | 7 | |
| KY | 7 | |
| TN | 7 | |
| OH | 6 | |
| MI | 6 | |
| MO | 5 | |
| NC | 5 | |
| GA | 5 | |
| OK | 5 | |
| LA | 5 |
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 Kye.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 171 |
| 2023 | 240 |
| 2022 | 277 |
| 2021 | 260 |
| 2020 | 284 |
| 2019 | 288 |
| 2018 | 310 |
| 2017 | 310 |
| 2016 | 356 |
| 2015 | 211 |
| 2014 | 173 |
| 2013 | 148 |
| 2012 | 154 |
| 2011 | 157 |
| 2010 | 148 |
| 2009 | 150 |
| 2008 | 122 |
| 2007 | 123 |
| 2006 | 108 |
| 2005 | 127 |
| 2004 | 94 |
| 2003 | 105 |
| 2002 | 109 |
| 2001 | 71 |
| 2000 | 74 |
| 1999 | 51 |
| 1998 | 41 |
| 1997 | 46 |
| 1996 | 35 |
| 1995 | 45 |
| 1994 | 42 |
| 1993 | 43 |
| 1992 | 42 |
| 1991 | 44 |
| 1990 | 34 |
| 1989 | 35 |
| 1988 | 33 |
| 1987 | 35 |
| 1986 | 26 |
| 1985 | 27 |
| 1984 | 19 |
| 1983 | 23 |
| 1982 | 13 |
| 1981 | 16 |
| 1980 | 15 |
| 1979 | 11 |
| 1978 | 11 |
| 1977 | 12 |
| 1976 | 11 |
| 1975 | 10 |
| 1974 | 17 |
| 1973 | 9 |
| 1972 | 9 |
| 1971 | 7 |
| 1970 | 12 |
| 1969 | 6 |
| 1968 | 8 |
| 1966 | 5 |
| 1964 | 5 |
| 1963 | 8 |
| 1962 | 9 |
| 1961 | 7 |
| 1960 | 6 |
| 1959 | 7 |
| 1958 | 7 |
| 1956 | 9 |