Kai

Unisex

Meaning

Victorious

Origin

Chinese

Pronunciation

/kaɪ/

EDITOR'S NOTE

Emily P.

PupNames.com Contributor

Kai is another one that has become quite popular lately, so let me explain why I love this multi-dimensional pup name.

First off, it's short, snappy, and easy for dogs to recognize. And it's also like the canine equivalent of a superhero name -- think Kai, the Kibble Crusader!

In Hawaiian, Kai means "sea," so it's perfect for water-loving retrievers. In Japanese, it translates to "recovery," so it's likewise ideal for rescue dogs.

And if these aren't cool enough facts, it's also the name of a character in the classic video game series, "Street Fighter."

So there are tons of reasons to love the name Kai. Whether your pup is a beach bum, a second-chance sweetheart, or a button-mashing gamer, Kai is a name that's versatile, meaningful, and just plain cool.

Traits associated with the name Kai:

Dogs named Kai tend to be loving, good-natured, and resilient. This name is also associated with companionship, intelligence, empathy, and friendship.

What does it say about you to have a dog named Kai?

That you have a creative and unique sense of style. Kai is an uncommon name for a dog, so it suggests that you like to stand out and express yourself in a unique way.

Is Kai a good dog name?

Kai is a one-syllable dog name, making it short and snappy. The name also ends in a vowel sound, so it's easy for dogs to recognize. Kai is a widely loved dog name for good reason. If you like it, go for it!

Popularity: Overall

41
PupNames logo
573
New York City Dog Name Database
735
Los Angeles Times 'Top Dogs'

Kai is one of the more popular dog names out there. According to our data, Kai outranks the great majority of names.

Popularity: Historical Trend

Kai was, in the past month, the 77th most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.

As of November 2024, Kai is becoming ever more niche with new puppy owners. Our stats suggest that the name is less fashionable than it was at this time last year.

In general, this name has held steady in popularity with PupNames.com visitors.

In the past week, Kai was viewed 312 times, and liked 7 times.

Popularity: United States

The map below shows Kai's popularity across the United States, according to PupNames data.

Kai is most adored in Oklahoma, Delaware and Washington.

By contrast, the name has been shown the least amount of interest in Nebraska, Idaho and Wyoming.

Popularity: Around The World

And this world map shows which countries have the greatest love for the name Kai.

Most popular breeds named Kai:

  1. German Shepherd
  2. Labrador Retriever
  3. Akita Breed
  4. Rottweiler
  5. Australian Shepherd

Kai is found in these categories:

hipster dog names
hipster

Unconventional, with roots in Hawaiian culture, it screams nonconformity and individuality.

chinese dog names
chinese

Means "victory" in Mandarin and "open" or "start" in Cantonese.

playful dog names
playful

The name's short, simple structure and energetic, youthful sound evoke a sense of playfulness and fun.

sassy dog names
sassy

Kai means "rejoice", perfect for lively, cheeky pups!

unique dog names
unique

Hawaiian origins and surfer vibes make this canine moniker stand out!

Dog names like Kai:

Little battler
Kay
Nickname meaning clumsy.
Laughing baby girl.
Bright and shiny.
Daisy
the name of a star
Kai dog name meaning

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