Joyce vs Kai

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Joyce

Girl #1,042 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"lord"

Origin: Breton via Old French

Cultural Roots

English Irish American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,042
Total SSA Count
240
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Joy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Joyce →

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

Joyce Rank #1,042
Kai Rank #76

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 vs #1042 for Joyce.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Joyce ___

  • Joyce Ann
  • Joyce Marie
  • Joyce Elizabeth
  • Joyce Louise
  • Joyce Carol
  • Joyce Ellen

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 Joyce

Shirley Gloria Dorothy Raymond Donald

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 Joyce or Kai more popular?

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 compared to Joyce at #1042 in the United States.

What do Joyce and Kai mean?

Joyce means "lord" (Breton via Old French origin). Kai means "sea" (Hawaiian origin).

Are Joyce and Kai boy or girl names?

Joyce is primarily a girl name. Kai is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

Kai vs Joyce Joyce vs Kori Joyce vs Renley Joyce vs Isis Joyce vs Evelina
← Full profile: Joyce ← Full profile: Kai Browse all baby names