K-Baby

Kirrily, which rhymes with cheerily, is a name that's uniquely popular in Australia. It originated in recent decades as an elaboration of several similar names – the European Kyra or Keira, the Maori Kiri which means tree bark, or the Aboriginal word kira which means leaf – plus the lee sound.

A word in the Yankton-Yanktonai and Santee dialects of the Lakota Sioux language, meaning "friend" or "ally", used for one of the main characters in the movie Brother Bear. Also a common Japanese surname or a respelling of the musical name Coda.

Kyler was once a creative solution for 90s parents who enjoyed the sounds of Kyle and Tyler but didn't want to use anything so popular. Now a well-established name on the US charts, it is given to more than 1000 babies every year.

Kiki is one of the Coco-Gigi-Fifi-Lulu bohemian-type French nickname names from the turn of the last century, which have endless energy and sparkle. Artist Kiki Smith is its most well-known contemporary representative, and Kiki was the inspiring heroine of Zadie Smith's On Beauty. Kiki can be a nickname for any name beginning with the K sound, from Katherine to Christina to Kayla.

Kaius is a K-ization of the Latin Caius, the name of an ancient poet, introduced by style maven Rachel Zoe. More recently, it was used by Derek Jeter for his son.

Short, sharp, and pretty, Kaja is an international choice with multiple origins. Favored in Slovenia, Norway, and Poland, the similar Kaia is currently popular more widely.

Kay, a cigarette-smoking, nightclubbing name of the 1930's, could be ready for a comeback along with cousins May/Mae and Ray/Rae.

Keaton is an engaging surname with warmth, energy and a sense of humor, identified with silent comedian Buster Keaton and contemporary actors Michael and Diane Keaton. Given to around 290 boys in a recent year, it currently sits within the latter end of the US Top 1000.

A Scottish surname name, more popular as the Presidential McKinley, meaning "son of the fair hero".

German, Slavic and Scandinavian form of Clara, which is a Top 100 girl name in multiple European countries, including Austria, Croatia, Iceland and Poland. While Clara is fashionable in the US, the Klara spelling retains an Old World air.

Kenna is the Scottish version of Kendra, both of which are feminine versions of Kenneth. Used in the TV show Reign for one of the supporting characters.

Keely is well-used in modern Ireland, also found as Keeley and Keela. The boys' form is Keelan. Largely unknown in the US, this could make an interesting update for Kelly or Kaylie or Kylie -- though it might ultimately prove to close to one of those trendy names.

Ksenia is a feminine name with deep Slavic roots, particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries. Derived from the Greek word "xenos" meaning "stranger" or "hospitality," it carries connotations of welcoming and generosity. Traditionally spelled "Xenia" in Western countries, the Slavic spelling with 'K' maintains its authentic cultural connection. The name gained wider recognition through figures like Russian Saint Ksenia of Petersburg and various contemporary celebrities. With its exotic sound and relatively uncommon usage in English-speaking countries, Ksenia offers a distinctive choice that's still accessible in pronunciation. The name combines strength and femininity with its crisp 'k' sound and melodic ending.

Keeva, the name chosen by "How I Met Your Mother" star Alyson Hannigan for her daughter, has recently been a Top 20 name in Ireland, using the authentic spelling Caoimhe. The male version is Caomhin--anglicized as Kevin.

Kaleb is one of several boys' names starting with k that started life as a classic C name, Caleb. Kevin Federline named his boy Kaleb Michael Jackson.

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

Although this surname name is closely related to the more common Irish name Kieran, Kiernan is also a well used family name, tied to thirty-three ancient chieftains. It has on a few occasions been used for girls.

Kera is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Greek, it relates to the word for 'horn' and could symbolize strength. In Slavic languages, it may be a variant of Kira, meaning 'throne' or 'ruler.' Some associate it with the Sanskrit word for 'ray of light.' Kera's simplicity and international adaptability have contributed to its modest usage across different countries. The name is appreciated for its brevity and contemporary sound while maintaining a timeless quality. Kera strikes a balance between uniqueness and accessibility, making it appealing to parents seeking a name that's distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

Kerris is a much easier if less authentic phonetic spelling of the popular and pretty Welsh name Cerys.

Kae is a concise, gender-neutral name that has been more commonly used for girls in Western contexts. It has multiple origins: it can be a short form of Katherine or names beginning with K; in Japanese, it means "support" or "blessing"; and in Hawaiian, it relates to "the essence" or "the core." This brief, one-syllable name carries a striking minimalist quality that appeals to modern naming preferences for simplicity. Despite its brevity, Kae's cross-cultural connections give it depth and versatility. The name has maintained a consistent but uncommon presence in naming records, making it distinctive without being completely unfamiliar.