Find out how popular the first name Kai has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kai by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kai is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 89% of people named Kai being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 4,946 male babies and 280 female babies born with the name Kai.

The history of the first name Kai

The name Kai has its origins in a variety of languages and cultures across the world. It is believed to have derived from the Hawaiian word "kai," which means "sea" or "ocean." This connection to the natural world has given the name a sense of beauty and strength.

In Japanese, the name Kai can be written with the kanji characters 海 (meaning "ocean") or 開 (meaning "open" or "begin"). This suggests associations with new beginnings, expansiveness, and the vastness of the sea. The name has been popular in Japan for centuries and has been borne by notable figures such as Kai Shiden, a 16th-century samurai warrior.

The name Kai also has roots in Scandinavia, where it is derived from the Old Norse word "kær," meaning "beloved" or "affectionate." In this context, the name carries a sense of warmth and endearment. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is in the Icelandic Sagas, where Kai Øvundsson was a prominent figure in the 13th century.

In Greek mythology, Kai was the name of one of the Titans, the primordial deities who ruled the cosmos before the Olympian gods. This association with ancient mythology and cosmic power has imbued the name with a sense of grandeur and timelessness.

Moving through history, we find notable individuals bearing the name Kai. In the 17th century, Kai Lykke was a renowned Danish naval admiral who played a pivotal role in the Kalmar War against Sweden. In the world of literature, Kai Hōffding was a Danish philosopher and psychologist who lived from 1853 to 1928 and made significant contributions to the field of ethics.

Another historical figure of note is Kai Hwang, a Chinese-American computer scientist born in 1936, who is widely recognized for his pioneering work in parallel processing and computer architecture. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the field of computer engineering.

These are just a few examples of the rich history and diverse cultural influences that have shaped the name Kai over the centuries. From its roots in Hawaiian and Japanese traditions to its Norse origins and connections to Greek mythology, the name has carried a tapestry of meanings and associations, making it a timeless and evocative choice.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kai was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kai, please contact us.

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