Kai

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Kai

Kai is a Hawaiian unisex name, which has 3 letters.

Kai is a unisex name of Welsh, Hawaiian, and Scandinavian origin, and is thought to mean “sea”, “forgiveness”, “victory”, and “uniqueness”.

Alternate Meaning Ocean

Origin or Current Usage Hawaiian

Gender U

Rating

Log in to save this name to your favorites.

Detailed Information About The Name Kai

Kai is a unisex name of various origins and carries multiple meanings in different cultures. Derived from several languages, the name Kai holds significance in Japanese, Hawaiian, German, Frisian, and Chinese cultures, among others. In Japanese, Kai means "ocean" or "shell," reflecting its strong association with water and the sea. It also symbolizes strength, endurance, and adaptability. In Hawaiian, Kai means "the seashore" or "the sea," honoring the deep-rooted connection of the Polynesian people to the ocean. This name is often associated with qualities such as tranquility, harmony, and determination.

In German, Kai is primarily a masculine given name and is a shortened form of the name "Kajetan." It represents a person with a noble and generous character. In Frisian, a West Germanic language spoken in the Netherlands and Germany, Kai is used as a diminutive for the name "Gerhard," referring to a valorous and brave person.

Additionally, Kai is also a name of Chinese origin where it can have various meanings depending on the specific characters used. One common meaning is "victory" or "triumph," while another interpretation is "start" or "ignite." The name Kai is often linked to dynamic individuals with an adventurous spirit and a strong sense of purpose.

Due to its diverse cultural associations and positive connotations, the name Kai has gained popularity around the world, transcending cultural boundaries. Many parents are drawn to this name for their children, seeking to instill qualities of strength, perseverance, and harmony. Whether it's the connection to the ocean, nobility, bravery, or success, Kai has managed to capture the hearts of parents seeking a name with various interpretations and rich cultural history.

Similar Hawaiian Baby Names

Search Baby Names & Meanings

Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!

Celebrity Baby Names

Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.

Celebrity Baby Names

Naming Your Baby

Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.

Naming Your Baby

Unusual Baby Names

Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.

Unusual Baby Names

Biblical Baby Names

Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!

Biblical Baby Names

Types of Baby Names

The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.

Types of Baby Names