Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Khai
BoyVietnamese, American (modern coinage)
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Vietnamese, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- KY
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,179
- US babies 2025
- 175
- Best rank
- #724 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Khai
Khai is usually linked to Vietnamese and American (modern coinage) roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
The origin of Khai is uncertain as an English given name. It appears in Vietnamese, where Khải and Khai carry meanings associated with triumph or opening, depending on the tone and character. It is also used in the United States as a variant of Kai, which has several unrelated roots. Khai sounds short, calm and modern, with a single syllable. It pairs well with longer middle names. Families often choose it for its sound and international feel.
Popularity over time
Khai first appears in US Social Security records in 1977. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 4 different years, starting in 2021. Its best national rank was #724 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 367 babies. In 2025, 175 babies were named Khai, and it ranked #1,179 nationally. That is 56% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #4,338 in 1980, #3,710 in 2000, #2,085 in 2010, and #1,179 in 2025. Of the 3,184 US boys named Khai since records began, 45% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,088 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Avi, Dutton, Yehuda, Avyaan, and Izan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Khai ranked highest in Massachusetts, Florida, and Louisiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #751 | 6 |
| Florida | #791 | 19 |
| Louisiana | #846 | 5 |
| North Carolina | #847 | 10 |
| Arizona | #894 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 86% of US babies named Khai over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Khai is usually pronounced KY, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with K and ends in “-ai”.
Middle names for Khai
A few middle names that flow with Khai: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Khai
Similar names
Jai Boy
JY
“victory” · Sanskrit
#1,460
Thai Unisex
TY
“great; peaceful” · Vietnamese
#11,846
Shai Unisex
SHY
“gift” · Hebrew
#1,032
Kai Boy
KY
“sea (Hawaiian)” · Hawaiian
#93
Kye Boy
KY
“variant of Kai or Kyle” · American (modern coinage)
#1,369
Zyan Boy
ZY-an
“modern name, meaning uncertain” · American (modern coinage)
#1,546
Boe Boy
BOH
“variant of Bo” · American (modern coinage)
#3,318
Jace Boy
JAYS
“modern short form of Jason” · American (modern coinage)
#114
Jayce Boy
JAYS
“modern short form of Jason” · American (modern coinage)
#167
Jax Boy
JAKS
“short for Jackson, son of Jack” · American (modern coinage)
#342
Kash Boy
KASH
“variant of Cash, an English surname” · American (modern coinage)
#286
Dax Boy
DAKS
“uncertain; possibly from a French town” · French
#692
Lists that include Khai
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Khai mean?
Khai is usually linked to Vietnamese and American (modern coinage) roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Khai?
Khai has Vietnamese and modern American roots. The origin of Khai is uncertain as an English given name.
Is Khai a popular name?
Not especially. Khai ranked #1,179 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Khai a boy or girl name?
Khai is mainly a boy's name. About 86% of US babies named Khai over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Khai?
Khai 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