Kai

Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings

How to pronounce the name Kai
Pronunciation guide for Kai
ARPA
K AY1
IPA
kaɪ

Pronunciation Breakdown

Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Kai

Syllables (1)

K AY1

Bold syllables indicate primary stress

Sound Breakdown

K
key (k)
AY1
hide (aɪ)

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

kaɪ

Standard international representation

Pronunciation Tips

• This is a single-syllable name, pronounced in one smooth sound.

• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.

Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Kai

Structure

Character Count
3
Syllable Count
1
Vowel Ratio
67%
Name Family
kai

Usability

Pronunciation Difficulty3/10

Easy to pronounce

International Friendliness10/10

Works well across languages

DNA profile of the name Kai
Unique character and personality of the name Kai

Name Personality

The Classic
Classic
Timeless
Strong

Key Characteristics

Length
Short

Concise and memorable

Rhythm
Monosyllabic

Simple and direct

Sound
Open

Vowel-rich and flowing

Ease
Simple

Easy for most speakers

Global
Universal

Works across cultures

Heritage
kai

Part of this name family

Letter Frequency

k×1
a×1
i×1

Most frequent letters in Kai

Visual Pattern

Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants

Name Statistics

📊
Syllables
1 syllable
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Easy
3/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison

How does Kai compare to the average name?

Kai3/10 😊
3.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0

Kai is easier than average by 2.0 points.

Difficulty Scale:

Very Easy (02)
Easy (24)Kai
Moderate (46)
Challenging (68)
Difficult (911)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Name Family

Names related to Kai (root: kai)

Current Name

Kai

Related Names (9)

Medium variations:

Kai'mi
Kai-len
Kai-lyn

Long variations:

Kai-carson
Kai-derek
Kai-james
Kai-lewis
Kai-logan
Kai-lynne

Kai belongs to a family of 10 related names.

What does the name Kai mean?
The meaning and origin of Kai

The name Kai has no known meanings.

Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Kai's meanings

Primary Theme

📖
Descriptive

Based on origin, place, or historical context

Theme Distribution

Descriptive
2
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Kai

Life Path Number

3
The Creative

Creative spirits who bring joy and inspiration through self-expression.

Expressive
Social
Artistic
Joyful

Most Common Letters

k×1
a×1
i×1

Sound Composition

Vowels
2(67%)
Consonants
1(33%)

Vowel-heavy names tend to sound more open and flowing

Numerology Breakdown

k2
a1
i9

Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.

Notable People Named Kai
Famous individuals named Kai
👤

Kai G. Henriksen

Norwegian politician (1956-2016)

Born: 1956

👤

Kai Gehring

German politician

Born: 1977

👤

Kai Ewans

Danish jazz reedist

Born: 1906

👤

Kai Diekmann

German journalist

Born: 1964

👤

Kai Holst

Norwegian seaman, fur farmer and resistance fighter during World War II

Born: 1913

👤

Kai Wegner

German politician

Born: 1972

👤

Kai Normann Andersen

Danish film composer (1900–1967)

Born: 1900

How popular is the name Kai?
Popularity rankings for Kai around the world
CountryGenderRankYears
Australiaboy#542019-2019
Canadaboy#352018-2018
Germanyboy#201972-1972
Irelandboy#672019-2019
Netherlandsboy#822019-2019
Norwayboy#891979-1979
United Kingdomboy#1012018-2018
United Statesboy#1132018-2018
United Statesgirl#8542018-2018
Country Comparison
How Kai ranks across different countries

Showing top 9 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)

What words rhyme with the name Kai?
Rhyming words for Kai
adl-tabatabai
ai
akai
alai
ally
altai
api
apply
ati
awry
ay
aye
bae
bandai
barkai
belie
bely
bi
bligh
bly

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce Kai?
IPA: /kaɪ/ ARPA: K AY1 This name is very easy to pronounce.
How many syllables are in Kai?
Kai has 1 syllable.
Is Kai easy to pronounce?
Kai is relatively easy to pronounce for most English speakers. It doesn't contain uncommon sound combinations.
Is Kai easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Kai is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named Kai?
There are 100 notable people named Kai. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Kai?
Names similar to Kai include: Kai'mi, Kai-carson, Kai-derek, Kai-james, Kai-len. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Kai a good baby name?
Kai makes an excellent baby name! It's easy to pronounce and internationally friendly, making it a great choice for parents looking for these qualities in a name.
Is Kai a boy or girl name?
Kai can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Kai?
The name is spelled K-a-i. Common spelling variations include: Kai'mi, Kai-carson, Kai-derek.
What does the name Kai mean?
The name Kai has multiple meaningful interpretations. Primary meanings include "Kai /kai/ embankment, quay, wharf" and "kai when, while, as See also: {kada}". This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Kai?
Middle names that pair well with Kai include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Kai?
Sibling names that pair well with Kai include: Kai'mi, Kai-carson, Kai-derek, Kai-james. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Kai?
Yes, Kai is very straightforward to pronounce. Teachers and other adults will have no difficulty with this name. It uses common sound patterns that are familiar to most English speakers.
What culture is the name Kai from?
Kai has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Kai suitable for a professional career?
Kai is well-suited for professional contexts. It's easy to pronounce in professional settings and internationally friendly for global careers. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Kai a long or short name?
Kai is a very short name with 3 letters (1 syllable). Short names are easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. They work well for children who are learning to write their names.
What are common misspellings of Kai?
Common spelling variations of Kai include: none - this name has a straightforward spelling. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Kai and Kai'mi?
Kai and Kai'mi are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Kai is spelled Kai while Kai'mi is spelled Kai'mi. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.