"firm, steadfast, hard"
Origin: Arabic
Language: English
Kais
Does Kais flow with your last name?
A classic Arabic name carrying a legendary love story
Arabic
Tunisian
Lebanese
Turkish
Strong
Classic
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"the one who is firm"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
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The Story of Kais
Kais (also spelled Qays) is a classical Arabic name meaning firm, hard, or steadfast. It has ancient pre-Islamic roots and was a common name among Arab tribes before the arrival of Islam. Most famously, Qays ibn al-Mulawwah was the legendary 7th-century poet whose doomed love for Layla bint Mahdi gave rise to one of the greatest love stories in Arabic literature, Layla and Majnun, which later inspired poets from Nizami Ganjavi to Lord Byron.
Kais is particularly popular in Tunisia, Libya, and among Berber communities. In recent years it has grown in favor across the Arab world and in European Muslim communities as a crisp, one-syllable alternative to longer Arabic names.
The legendary Qays (Majnun) from Layla and Majnun is one of the most celebrated figures in Arabic and Persian poetry — his name became synonymous with passionate, consuming love. This literary heritage gives Kais a romantic, poetic dimension beyond its dictionary meaning.
Historical Record
Kais first appeared in US Social Security records in 1994.
Over 391 babies have been named Kais in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kais is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #3,926 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Qays (Majnun) and Layla inspired Nizami Ganjavi epic poem Layla and Majnun, which in turn inspired Eric Claptons song Layla
- Kais Saied became the President of Tunisia in 2019, giving the name high political prominence
Kais in Other Languages
Arabic
قيس
French
Kais
Persian
قیس
Spanish
Kais
Turkish
Kays
Popularity Over Time
#3,926
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kais
K
Kais Saied
Politician
1958
Tunisian law professor and President of Tunisia since 2019
Q
Qays ibn al-Mulawwah (Majnun)
Writer
Legendary 7th-century Arab poet whose unrequited love for Layla inspired one of Arabics greatest romances
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #3,926
- Total SSA Count
- 28
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Tunisian Lebanese Turkish
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kais
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Arabic)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kais
What does the name Kais mean?
"firm, steadfast, hard" (from Arabic). "the one who is firm" (from Arabic). Kais (also spelled Qays) is a classical Arabic name meaning firm, hard, or steadfast. It has ancient pre-Islamic roots and was a common name among Arab tribes before the arrival of Islam. Most famously, Qays ibn al-Mulawwah was the legendary 7th-century poet whose doomed love for Layla bint Mahdi gave rise to one of the greatest love stories in Arabic literature, Layla and Majnun, which later inspired poets from Nizami Ganjavi to Lord Byron.
What is the origin of the name Kais?
Kais has Arabic, Tunisian, Lebanese, and Turkish origins. In Arabic, it means "firm, steadfast, hard". In Arabic, it means "the one who is firm".
Is Kais a boy or girl name?
Kais is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Kais?
Kais is currently ranked #3926 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Kais?
Popular middle name pairings include Kais Omar, Kais Ali, Kais Hassan, Kais Tariq, and Kais Nasser.
What are good sibling names for Kais?
Names that pair well with Kais as siblings include Ziad, Rami, Nadia, Layla, and Sana.
How many syllables does Kais have?
Kais has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kais a common or rare name?
Kais is an uncommon name, ranked #3926 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Kais?
About the Name Kais
Kais is a boy name with Arabic, Tunisian, Lebanese, and Turkish origins . The name means "firm, steadfast, hard" in Arabic .
Kais is currently ranked #3,926 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kais has 1 syllable, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Kais include Kai, Kaiden, Kairo, Kaizen, Kaison . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis