Kai vs Rae

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Rae

Girl #1,260 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"ewe, female sheep"

Origin: Hebrew (via Rachel)

Cultural Roots

English American Jewish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,260
Total SSA Count
184
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Rae →

Popularity Comparison

Kai Rank #76
Rae Rank #1,260

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 vs #1260 for Rae.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Kai ___

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

Rae ___

  • Rae Ellen
  • Rae Marie
  • Rae Louise
  • Rae Elizabeth
  • Rae Ann
  • Rae Christine

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Kai

Zara Nova Mila Leo Finn

If you choose Rae

Leo June Mae Beau Nora

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 Kai or Rae more popular?

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 compared to Rae at #1260 in the United States.

What do Kai and Rae mean?

Kai means "sea" (Hawaiian origin). Rae means "ewe, female sheep" (Hebrew (via Rachel) origin).

Are Kai and Rae boy or girl names?

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

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