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 Ireland: #175
Total births: 1,870
History: Kai is a name heard in Ireland's boxing clubs, from Belfast's Holy Family to Dublin's inner city, where discipline and courage forge champions. Ireland's Olympic boxing tradition from McGuigan to Katie Taylor gives this name a fighter's heart.
Explore more at Irish Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #34 |
| Babies named Kai in 2025 | 140 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 1,870 |
| Peak year | 2022 (163 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #30 |
| Years in records | 1997–2025 (28 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↑ 24 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 Ireland?
Kai ranked #34 in Ireland in 2025 — given to 140 babies that year.
When was Kai most popular?
Kai peaked in 2022 with 163 babies registered that year in Ireland.
Is Kai a boy or girl name?
Kai is predominantly a boys' name in Ireland — over 90% of Kais in registered births are male.
Is the name Kai rising or falling in popularity?
Kai has risen 24 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Ireland — from #58 in 2020 to #34 in 2025.
How long has Kai been recorded in Ireland?
Kai appears in birth records in Ireland across 28 years — from 1997 through 2025.