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 (0–2)
Easy (2–4)← Kai
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨👩👧👦Name Family
Names related to Kai (root: kai)
Current Name
Kai
Related Names (15)
Medium variations:
Kai'mi
Kai-len
Kai-lyn
Long variations:
Kai-carson
Kai-derek
Kai-james
Kai-lewis
Kai-logan
Kai-lynne
Kai-mckenzie
Kai-morgan
Kai-reece
Kai-samuel
Kai-steven
Kai-thomas
Kai belongs to a family of 30 related names.Showing 15 most common variations.
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
Natural
1
Descriptive
1
Key Themes
research.
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
Where is Kai popular?
Countries where Kai ranks in the top baby names
How popular is the name Kai?
Popularity rankings and trends for Kai around the world
Kai Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for boys named Kai
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Kai Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named Kai
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Country Comparison
How Kai ranks across different countries
Showing top 9 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)
Parents who like Kai also like these names
Names similar to Kai in style, sound, and origin
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 popular is Kai in Australia?
Kai is very popular in Australia as of 2024, ranking at #20. It ranks in the top 20 boys' names.
How popular is Kai in Canada?
Kai is quite popular in Canada as of 2018, ranking at #35. It ranks in the top 50 boys' names.
How popular is Kai in Germany?
Kai is very popular in Germany as of 1972, ranking at #20. It ranks in the top 20 boys' names.
How popular is Kai in Ireland?
Kai is moderately popular in Ireland as of 2019, ranking at #67. It ranks in the top 100 boys' names.
How popular is Kai in Netherlands?
Kai is moderately popular in Netherlands as of 2019, ranking at #82. It ranks in the top 100 boys' names.
How popular is Kai in New Zealand?
Kai is moderately popular in New Zealand as of 2024, ranking at #94. It ranks in the top 100 boys' names.
How popular is Kai in Norway?
Kai is moderately popular in Norway as of 1979, ranking at #89. It ranks in the top 100 boys' names.
How popular is Kai in United Kingdom?
Kai is moderately popular in United Kingdom as of 2024, ranking at #72. It ranks in the top 100 boys' names.
How popular is Kai in United States?
Kai is moderately popular in United States as of 2024, ranking at #76. It ranks in the top 100 boys' names.
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 "Etymology for Kai pending research" 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: Kaia, Kaiah, Kaian. 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.