Kai
Gender: Mostly Boy
Meaning: Sea; keeper of the keys; earth; forgiveness
Origin: Multiple origins — Hawaiian (sea), Welsh (keeper of the keys), Japanese (shell, ocean), Scandinavian (earth)
Popularity: Ranked #93 in 2025 with 3,768 babies born.
History: Kai is one of the most genuinely multicultural names in the modern lexicon, carrying independent meanings in Hawaiian, Japanese, Welsh, Scandinavian, and African traditions simultaneously. It has been popular in Hawaii and among Pacific Islander communities for generations. Its surge onto mainland American charts came in the 2000s, and it has climbed steadily into the top 100 for both boys and girls. Its minimalist three-letter profile, its natural and oceanic associations, and its effortless cross-cultural appeal make it one of the most modern-feeling names with ancient global roots.
Famous people named Kai: Kai Havertz (soccer player), Kai from Ninjago
Name length: 3 letters
How common is Kai? About 1 in 832 babies born in 2025 were named Kai, or roughly 11 per day in the United States.
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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?
Kai ranked #93 in 2025 — given to 3,768 babies that year.
When was Kai most popular?
Kai peaked in 2022 with 5,366 babies registered that year.
Is Kai a boy or girl name?
Kai is used for both boys and girls. In the records, about 89% of Kais are boys and 11% are girls.
Is the name Kai rising or falling in popularity?
Kai has risen 699 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #792 in 2020 to #93 in 2025.
How long has Kai been recorded?
Kai appears in birth records across 80 years — from 1926 through 2025.