Kai
Meaning: Sea; keeper of the keys; earth; forgiveness
Origin: Multiple origins — Hawaiian (sea), Welsh (keeper of the keys), Japanese (shell, ocean), Scandinavian (earth)
Gender: Boy
Rank in Australia: #137
Total births: 3,809
History: Kai surged in the 2010s as a multicultural name in Australia. The name means 'sea' in Hawaiian and works across many cultures present in modern Australia. Kai represents the multicultural, Pacific-connected identity of contemporary Australia.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #23 |
| Babies named Kai in 2025 | 206 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 3,809 |
| Peak year | 2021 (238 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #20 |
| Years in records | 2002–2025 (23 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↑ 27 spots |
Frequently asked about Kai
What does the name Kai mean?
Kai means “Sea; keeper of the keys; earth; forgiveness” from Multiple origins — Hawaiian (sea), Welsh (keeper of the keys), Japanese (shell, ocean), Scandinavian (earth) roots.
What is the origin of the name Kai?
Kai has Multiple origins — Hawaiian (sea), Welsh (keeper of the keys), Japanese (shell, ocean), Scandinavian (earth) origin. The traditional meaning is “Sea; keeper of the keys; earth; forgiveness”.
How popular is Kai in Australia?
Kai ranked #23 in Australia in 2025 — given to 206 babies that year.
When was Kai most popular?
Kai peaked in 2021 with 238 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Kai a boy or girl name?
Kai is predominantly a boys' name in Australia — over 90% of Kais in registered births are male.
Is the name Kai rising or falling in popularity?
Kai has risen 27 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #50 in 2020 to #23 in 2025.
How long has Kai been recorded in Australia?
Kai appears in birth records in Australia across 23 years — from 2002 through 2025.