Hayes vs Kai

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Hayes

Boy #160 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"hedge dweller, from the enclosure"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

English Irish American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#160
Total SSA Count
2,249
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Hay, Haie, Haykins

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

Hayes Rank #160
Kai Rank #76

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 vs #160 for Hayes.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Hayes ___

  • Hayes Alexander
  • Hayes James
  • Hayes William
  • Hayes Michael
  • Hayes Oliver
  • Hayes Thomas

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 Hayes

Parker Quinn Sawyer Reid Monroe

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 Hayes or Kai more popular?

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 compared to Hayes at #160 in the United States.

What do Hayes and Kai mean?

Hayes means "hedge dweller, from the enclosure" (Old English origin). Kai means "sea" (Hawaiian origin).

Are Hayes and Kai boy or girl names?

Hayes is primarily a boy name. Kai is primarily a boy name.

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