Unisex name · Hawaiian
Kai
“sea”
Vibes
Explore Kai further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Kai — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Kai is Hawaiian — "sea" — with parallel lives in Māori (food), Japanese (shell, restoration), Scandinavian (a Kaj lineage), and Chinese (victory): a one-syllable name the whole Pacific claims.
Kai has climbed into the American top 100 for boys with strong unisex use — the minimalist nature name with the most passports.
One wave of a syllable. It pairs well with longer middles (Kai Alexander, Kai Evangeline). On our vibe map it is Modern Minimalist tide with Cultural Fusion currents and Nature-Inspired salt.
More Hawaiian names
Kai sits in our Hawaiian set — these share its roots.
All Hawaiian names →Kai — common questions
Is Kai a boy or girl name?
Kai is a unisex name — it is given to boys and girls alike, and we list it that way (Hawaiian origin).
What does the name Kai mean?
Kai means “sea” of Hawaiian origin. Kai is Hawaiian — "sea" — with parallel lives in Māori (food), Japanese (shell, restoration), Scandinavian (a Kaj lineage), and Chinese (victory): a one-syllable name the whole Pacific claims.
Where does the name Kai come from?
Kai is Hawaiian in origin. Kai has climbed into the American top 100 for boys with strong unisex use — the minimalist nature name with the most passports.
How popular is Kai?
Kai ranked #93 in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which puts it solidly in everyday use.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Kai you might want for the nursery.