Updated October 2026
Across 17 pages
of 17
Variation of Kaison
Kai is the it syllable of the moment, spawning this Kai - Jason hybrid. Kaisen made the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022, along with similar name Kaizen.
Variation of Kaylee, English
"laurel, crown"
The -leigh suffix seems to be losing its luster; several names in this category, including Kayleigh, Kyleigh and Ryleigh, peaked in popularity a few years back but have since lost quite a bit of…
Spelling variation of Kayla
While Kayla has been a mainstay in the US Top 1000 list since the 1960s, alternate version Keyla is relatively new, first entering the charts in 2002. While this spelling also has the possibility of…
German
"Emperor"
Kaiser, as in roll and Wilhelm, appeared for the first time on the US Top 1000 in 2017. It fits the two-syllable -er ending style that's all the rage, and it lends itself to the short form Kai. But…
Modern invented name
"Kyle's land; little Kyle"
This relatively new name appears to have been created by adding the trendy -en suffix to Kyle, or by tweaking the spelling of the more popular and slightly older Kylan. While its invented status…
Variation of Colson, English
"son of Nicholas"
Colson was made familiar by author Colson Whitehead, who helped popularize the K variation as well. Both Colson and Kolson rapidly ascended the charts in 2017, the year following the release of…
Hawaiian
"the voice"
Kaleo is one of a number of fast-rising Hawaiian names, thanks to its cool combination of sounds reminiscent of Kainoa and Mateo.
Variation of Kailani, Hawaiian
"sea and sky"
Khalani debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2020 thanks to the influence of Khalani Simon — known as Lani Love — a child model and budding star.
Diminutive of Kimberley
This diminutive of Kimberley is gaining momentum as a standalone name. For our part, we're stumped by its rise.
Variation of Crew, English word name
A little bit of Crew, a little bit of True, plus a K initial equals a recipe for one of the fastest-rising boy names of the year.
Japanese
"second son; healthy + second; wise + second; modest second"
A international feeling name of Japanese origin that could be used to refer to a child's place in the family, Kenji has attracted notice in the US as the name of The Food Lab chef, James Kenji…
Modern invention, from Cawston or Casey
"calf town; brave in battle"
One of many spelling variations of Cason, Caysen, Kasen, and so on, Kaycen made its debut in the US charts in 2025 when it was one of the fastest rising choices for boys. Climbing 241 places, it may…
American
A newcomer to the US popularity charts, likely influenced by the popularity of similar names Camila and Camilla.
Spelling variation of Carter
"transporter of goods by cart"
The K-spelling of Carter has been in the boys' Top 1000 since 2005. In 2014, Karter cracked the girls' Top 1000, too. Karter joins the plethora of surnames turned boys' names that are now entering…
Modern invented name or variation of Casey, Irish
"brave in battle"
The American appetite for boys names starting with the Kay-sound seems unlimited: Think Cason, Kaison, Caiden, Kayden... and Kace. Which hit the Top 1000 for the first time in 2017, remained there…
Spelling variation of Kellen
"swamp; slender"
Kellan Lutz is the attractive young actor who plays Emmett Cullen in the Twilight series.
"sea"
Kairi is the name of the main female character in the popular role-playing video game series, Kingdom Hearts . Voiced by Hayden Panettiere in the main series, Kairi is one of the seven Princesses of…
Modern Indian name, Hindi
"dark and kind; farrner"
Krishiv is a modern Indian boys name, which feels both familiar and fresh. The origins of Krishiv are debated, but it may be newly created blend of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva's names, meaning…
Hawaiian, English, Greek
Kalia is name of Hawaiian origin, light, sparky, and easily accessible in various languages. It could be a variation of Kalei meaning "the flower wreath" or "the child"; a form of Kalea, meaning…
German; Irish
Kellen is German in origin and Irish in spirit. Kellen has fallen a bit in popularity for boys since its peak in 2012, but it has possibilities for girls too. In fact, Kellen's similarity to such…