Kai vs Shay

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

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

Kai Rank #76
Shay Rank #1,156

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 vs #1156 for Shay.

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

Shay ___

  • Shay Lynn
  • Shay Marie
  • Shay Elizabeth
  • Shay Nicole
  • Shay Renee
  • Shay Paige

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Kai

Zara Nova Mila Leo Finn

If you choose Shay

Riley Quinn Reagan Rowan Finley

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 Shay more popular?

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 compared to Shay at #1156 in the United States.

What do Kai and Shay mean?

Kai means "sea" (Hawaiian origin). Shay means "stately, admirable" (Old Irish origin).

Are Kai and Shay boy or girl names?

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

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