Find out how popular the first name Kaiser has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kaiser by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Kaiser is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Kaiser being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 335 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kaiser.

The history of the first name Kaiser

The name Kaiser is derived from the German word meaning "emperor" or "sovereign ruler." It has its origins in the Roman imperial title "Caesar," which was later adopted by the Holy Roman Empire and other German-speaking kingdoms and principalities.

The name's earliest recorded use can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was commonly given to noble families or those with close ties to the imperial court. During this time, the name was often associated with power, authority, and prestige.

One of the most notable historical figures to bear the name Kaiser was Frederick I, also known as Frederick Barbarossa (c. 1122-1190), who was the Holy Roman Emperor from 1155 until his death. He was known for his military campaigns in Italy and his efforts to assert imperial authority over the German princes.

Another famous Kaiser was Charles V (1500-1558), who was the Holy Roman Emperor from 1519 to 1556. He ruled over a vast empire that spanned much of Europe, as well as territories in the Americas and Asia. Charles V played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation and the conflicts between Catholics and Protestants during his reign.

In the 19th century, the name Kaiser gained renewed prominence with the establishment of the German Empire in 1871. The first German Emperor, Wilhelm I (1797-1888), was often referred to as the "Kaiser" or "Kaiser Wilhelm," setting a precedent for subsequent German monarchs.

One of the most well-known Kaisers in modern history was Wilhelm II (1859-1941), who was the last German Emperor and ruled from 1888 until his abdication in 1918 following Germany's defeat in World War I. His reign was marked by a period of intense militarization and expansionist policies that ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the First World War.

Beyond the German context, the name Kaiser has also been used in other cultures and languages, although less commonly. For instance, in Persian, the word "Kaysar" is derived from the same root as "Caesar" and has been used as a name or title for rulers and noblemen.

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 Kaiser was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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