Brandon vs Kai

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Brandon

Boy #230 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"broom-covered hill"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

English American Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#230
Total SSA Count
1,553
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Bran, Brand

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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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
Full profile for Kai →

Popularity Comparison

Brandon Rank #230
Kai Rank #76

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 vs #230 for Brandon.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Brandon ___

  • Brandon James
  • Brandon Lee
  • Brandon Scott
  • Brandon Michael
  • Brandon Tyler
  • Brandon Cole

Kai ___

  • Kai James
  • Kai Alexander
  • Kai Michael
  • Kai Robert
  • Kai William
  • Kai Thomas

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Brandon

Tyler Taylor Jordan Ashley Cody

If you choose Kai

Zara Nova Mila Leo Finn

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brandon or Kai more popular?

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 compared to Brandon at #230 in the United States.

What do Brandon and Kai mean?

Brandon means "broom-covered hill" (Old English origin). Kai means "sea" (Hawaiian origin).

Are Brandon and Kai boy or girl names?

Brandon is primarily a boy name. Kai is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Brandon ← Full profile: Kai Browse all baby names