Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Kye
BoyAmerican (modern coinage)· “variant of Kai or Kyle”
- Meaning
- variant of Kai or Kyle (origin disputed)
- Origin
- American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- KY
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,369
- US babies 2025
- 136
- Best rank
- #693 (2016)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Kye
Kye is often said to mean “variant of Kai or Kyle”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) roots.
Kye is a modern name of uncertain origin, often seen as a variant of Kai or Kyle. Kai has roots in several languages, including Hawaiian, where it means "sea," while Kyle comes from the Scottish Gaelic caol, "narrow." Kye blends the sound of both into one short syllable. It has a crisp, adventurous feel and works well with longer middle names. It is easy to spell and pronounce, and it suits families who like minimalist boy names such as Jax and Rhys.
Popularity over time
Kye first appears in US Social Security records in 1956. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 9 different years, starting in 2015. Its best national rank was #693 in 2016, the same year it reached its highest count of 356 babies. In 2025, 136 babies were named Kye, and it ranked #1,369 nationally. That is 36% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3,037 in 1980, #1,598 in 2000, #1,206 in 2010, and #1,369 in 2025. Of the 5,557 US boys named Kye since records began, 41% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,368 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Blaze, Graysen, Franco, Jedidiah, and Brecken.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kye ranked highest in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Indiana.
Gender, sound and spelling
About 95% of US babies named Kye over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Kye is usually pronounced KY, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with K and ends in “-ye”.
Middle names for Kye
A few middle names that flow with Kye: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kye
Similar names
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Lists that include Kye
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kye mean?
Kye is often said to mean “variant of Kai or Kyle”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) roots.
What is the origin of the name Kye?
Kye has modern American roots. Kye is a modern name of uncertain origin, often seen as a variant of Kai or Kyle.
Is Kye a popular name?
Not especially. Kye ranked #1,369 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kye a boy or girl name?
Kye is mainly a boy's name. About 95% of US babies named Kye over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Kye?
Kye 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