Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kairi
GirlJapanese· “uncertain; Japanese name with varied meanings”
- Meaning
- uncertain; Japanese name with varied meanings (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- KY-ree
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,041
- US babies 2025
- 239
- Best rank
- #689 (2019)
- Peak year
- 2019
Meaning and origin of Kairi
Kairi is often said to mean “uncertain; Japanese name with varied meanings”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Japanese roots.
Kairi is a Japanese name whose meaning depends on the characters used to write it; common versions include characters for sea and for village or reason, so no single meaning applies. In the United States the name became known through the video game series Kingdom Hearts, in which Kairi is one of the main characters. Kairi has a light, breezy sound that fits with names such as Kai and Kira. It is used mostly for girls in English-speaking countries. Kai is a natural nickname.
Popularity over time
Kairi first appears in US Social Security records in 1980. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 14 different years, starting in 2010. Its best national rank was #689 in 2019, the same year it reached its highest count of 421 babies. In 2025, 239 babies were named Kairi, and it ranked #1,041 nationally. That is 35% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #11,094 in 1980, #16,213 in 2000, #960 in 2010, and #1,041 in 2025. Of the 6,256 US girls named Kairi since records began, 53% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,684 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Milena, Nala, Kamiyah, Livia, and Mercy.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kairi ranked highest in Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
Gender, sound and spelling
About 93% of US babies named Kairi over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Kairi is usually pronounced KY-ree, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-ri”.
Middle names for Kairi
A few middle names that flow with Kairi: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kairi
Similar names
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Lists that include Kairi
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kairi mean?
Kairi is often said to mean “uncertain; Japanese name with varied meanings”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Japanese roots.
What is the origin of the name Kairi?
Kairi has Japanese roots. Kairi is a Japanese name whose meaning depends on the characters used to write it; common versions include characters for sea and for village or reason, so no single meaning applies.
Is Kairi a popular name?
Not especially. Kairi ranked #1,041 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kairi a boy or girl name?
Kairi is mainly a girl's name. About 93% of US babies named Kairi over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Kairi?
Kairi is usually pronounced KY-ree. 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