Kai vs Tate

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 →

Tate

Boy #210 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"cheerful, pleasant"

Origin: Old English

Cultural Roots

American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#210
Total SSA Count
1,697
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Tate →

Popularity Comparison

Kai Rank #76
Tate Rank #210

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 vs #210 for Tate.

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

Tate ___

  • Tate William
  • Tate Henry
  • Tate James
  • Tate Oliver
  • Tate Alexander
  • Tate Reid

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Kai

Zara Nova Mila Leo Finn

If you choose Tate

Knox Beau Sloane Quinn Jude

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 Tate more popular?

Kai is more popular, ranked #76 compared to Tate at #210 in the United States.

What do Kai and Tate mean?

Kai means "sea" (Hawaiian origin). Tate means "cheerful, pleasant" (Old English origin).

Are Kai and Tate boy or girl names?

Kai is primarily a boy name. Tate is primarily a boy name.

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