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Eric vs Kai

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Eric

Boy #252 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"ever powerful"

Origin: Old Norse

Cultural Roots

Scandinavian English German French American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#252
Total SSA Count
1,402
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Similar Names

Kai

Boy #76 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"sea"

Origin: Hawaiian

Cultural Roots

Hawaiian Scandinavian Japanese American Chinese

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#76
Total SSA Count
4,276
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Similar Names

Popularity Comparison

Eric Rank #252
Kai Rank #76

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 vs #252 for Eric.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Eric or Kai more popular?

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 compared to Eric at #252 in the United States.

What do Eric and Kai mean?

Eric means "ever powerful" (Old Norse origin). Kai means "sea" (Hawaiian origin).

Are Eric and Kai boy or girl names?

Eric is primarily a boy name. Kai is primarily a boy name.

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