Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Kai
BoyHawaiian, Scandinavian· “sea (Hawaiian)”
- Meaning
- sea (Hawaiian)
- Origin
- Hawaiian, Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- KY
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #93
- US babies 2025
- 3,768
- Best rank
- #59 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Kai
Kai is a Hawaiian and Scandinavian name that is usually said to mean “sea (Hawaiian)”.
Kai arises independently in several languages, which is part of its appeal. In Hawaiian, kai means "sea" or "ocean", and this is the sense most American parents have in mind. In Scandinavia and northern Germany, Kai is a traditional name of uncertain origin, possibly linked to the Roman name Gaius. Readers may know it from Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale The Snow Queen, in which a boy named Kai is rescued by his friend Gerda. The name is a single bright syllable, easy to say in many languages, and it carries a relaxed, coastal feel. It fits well with both short and long surnames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Cai, Chi.
Popularity over time
Kai first appears in US Social Security records in 1926. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 45 different years, starting in 1979. Its best national rank was #59 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 5,374 babies. In 2025, 3,768 babies were named Kai, and it ranked #93 nationally. That is 32% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #2,671 in 1950, #994 in 1980, #403 in 2000, #205 in 2010, and #93 in 2025. Of the 70,232 US boys named Kai since records began, 38% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 25,984 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Ezekiel, Walker, Theo, Micah, and Maverick.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kai ranked highest in Hawaii, California, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #13 | 30 |
| California | #58 | 601 |
| Florida | #58 | 328 |
| Utah | #65 | 68 |
| Washington | #68 | 105 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 91% of US babies named Kai over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Kai is usually pronounced KY, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with K and ends in “-ai”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Cai and Chi.
Middle names for Kai
A few middle names that flow with Kai: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kai
Similar names
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Lists that include Kai
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kai mean?
Kai is a Hawaiian and Scandinavian name that is usually said to mean “sea (Hawaiian)”.
What is the origin of the name Kai?
Kai has Hawaiian and Scandinavian roots. Kai arises independently in several languages, which is part of its appeal.
Is Kai a popular name?
Yes. Kai ranked #93 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Kai a boy or girl name?
Kai is mainly a boy's name. About 91% of US babies named Kai over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Kai?
Kai is usually pronounced KY. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings