Kyle
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Narrow strait; channel of water
Origin: Scottish Gaelic — from caol (narrow, a strait), originally a place name in southwestern Scotland
Popularity: Ranked #509 in 2025 with 594 babies born.
History: Kyle began as a Scottish geographical term for a narrow channel of water — the Kyle of Lochalsh being one famous example. It transitioned into a surname and then a first name in the 20th century. Kyle surged in the United States through the 1980s and 1990s, reaching the top 20 and becoming a defining name of that era. South Park's Kyle Broflovski cemented it as a recognizable American cultural touchstone. It carries a clean, athletic, distinctly modern energy with deep Scottish roots underneath.
Name length: 4 letters
How common is Kyle? About 1 in 5,448 babies born in 2025 were named Kyle, or roughly 1.7 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Kyle
What does the name Kyle mean?
Kyle means “Narrow strait; channel of water” from Scottish Gaelic — from caol (narrow, a strait), originally a place name in southwestern Scotland roots.
What is the origin of the name Kyle?
Kyle has Scottish Gaelic — from caol (narrow, a strait), originally a place name in southwestern Scotland origin. The traditional meaning is “Narrow strait; channel of water”.
How popular is Kyle?
Kyle ranked #508 in 2025 — given to 594 babies that year.
When was Kyle most popular?
Kyle peaked in 1990 with 22,710 babies registered that year.
Is Kyle a boy or girl name?
Kyle is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Kyles in registered births are male.
Is the name Kyle rising or falling in popularity?
Kyle has risen 2830 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #3338 in 2020 to #508 in 2025.
How long has Kyle been recorded?
Kyle appears in birth records across 136 years — from 1881 through 2025.