Kyoto is a Japanese city name not yet on the map for babies, but why not?

Name with genuine roots that nevertheless feels synthetic.

This diminutive of Kimberley is gaining momentum as a standalone name. For our part, we're stumped by its rise.

A nouveau creation inspired by Paisley.

Kiley is one of the more reasonable of the Kylie variations, which also include Kilea, Kilee, Kileigh, Kili, Kilie, Kylee, Kyley, Kyli, ad infinitum. Despite its similarity to the popular Riley, the high ranking Kylie will ensure that this choice comes with spelling confusion. For our part, we'd rather people stuck with the original Kylie, especially seeing as that is a Noongar Aboriginal word.

Karita and Karitas are the Icelandic spins on Charity, also found as Carita and Caritas throughout Scandinavia. While to the English speakers, these names may feel like a Latinate endearment, they are popular names in their own right.

Kazuko is a Japanese feminine name that combines the character kazu ("harmony") with ko ("child"), creating a name that in total symbolises a child of peace. In Japan, names ending in ‘ko’ are rarely used as they now sound oldfashioned. More ‘trendy’ names are Kazumi (which means beautiful peace and can me used on both boys and girls), Kazuki (a masculine name meaning hope of peace) and Kazuo (also a masculine name meaning man of peace). The emphasis is on the first syllable, so it is said "KA-zoo-ko".

Seen in Nordic countries as a nickname for Karolina or Karl.

Japanese classic with optimistic meaning.

Keilani is among the fastest rising girls' names in some US states, a once-unusual name perhaps popularized by its similarity to both Leilani and Kayla. Its rhythmic appeal cannot be denied.

Cute diminutive of Francisca.

Kakia was the goddess of vice and abomination, who tempted others to evil. Basically, a female devil. As a baby name, just....no.

Kodiak Island, off the coast of Alaska, is the second largest island in the US as well as a baby name getting some attention, especially for boys and especially in Washington State.

Kichi is a feminine name with Japanese origins, where it carries the meaning of 'fortunate,' 'lucky,' or 'blessed.' In traditional Japanese usage, it often appears as part of a longer name rather than standing alone. The name is concise and has a pleasant, gentle sound that's relatively easy to pronounce across different languages. While uncommon in Western countries, Kichi represents a trend toward adopting cross-cultural names with positive meanings. The name's association with good fortune makes it particularly meaningful. Parents might choose Kichi seeking a name that's both distinctive and carries uplifting connotations, while appreciating its connection to Japanese cultural heritage.

The Koi is a variety of carp especially popular in ornamental gardens in Japan, where they are a symbol of good fortune. In Buddhist culture, the koi is associated with courage. Being one letter away from trendy Kai boosts its prospects as one of the new unique unisex names.

Judge Kimba Wood, failed Clinton nominee for attorney general, made us aware of this one, but few baby namers picked it up. Kim, Kimberly, and all her variations are taking a well-deserved rest.

Some sources cite a Polynesian goddess of shellfish named Kiwa, though others name Kiwa as only a male figure in Maori mythology, connected with the ocean. Kiwa is one of the fastest-rising boys' names in New Zealand. but in the US, no babies of either sex were named Kiwi last year.

Katana is a male name in Old Persian and a well-used word in Japanese, but as a girls' name is these days found more often as Kitana, the name of a princess in the video game Mortal Kombat II.

Y is often used to feminize a variant spelling of a name, though of course there's nothing intrinsically gendered about it. The Karsyn spelling is slightly off its peak for girls, but rising for boys.