Derek vs Kai

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Derek

Boy #258 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"ruler of the people"

Origin: Germanic

English American Dutch German

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Boy #76 Most Popular 1 Syllable

"sea"

Origin: Hawaiian

Hawaiian Scandinavian Japanese American Chinese

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Derek Rank #258

Kai Rank #76

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 vs #258 for Derek.

Is Derek or Kai more popular?

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 compared to Derek at #258 in the United States.

What do Derek and Kai mean?

Derek means "ruler of the people" (Germanic origin). Kai means "sea" (Hawaiian origin).

Are Derek and Kai boy or girl names?

Derek is primarily a boy name. Kai is primarily a boy name.