Kaiyu
A boy's name of Chinese origin with 93 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Among U.S. boy's names, Kaiyu is not in the current national top 1,000. In fact, it is among the rarest names in the SSA dataset — a choice that signals bold individuality.
With records spanning 2001 to 2022, Kaiyu has a focused history that reflects a particular moment in naming culture rather than a centuries-old tradition.
Kaiyu is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Kaiyu is a boy's baby name of Chinese origin, from the Chinese characters meaning 'triumphant' or 'opening/beginning of jade' — combining kai (triumph, open, begin) and yu (jade, precious). Jade in Chinese culture represents virtue, beauty, and moral excellence, making this a name that wishes both success and noble character.
Kaiyu has the clean, auspicious quality of Chinese naming at its most direct — a name that carries triumph and preciousness in just four letters.
EtymologyShow more
Names travel. They cross oceans, change spelling, shift pronunciation, and accumulate new associations with each culture that adopts them. Kaiyu is rooted in the Chinese tradition, but its presence in American naming since 2001 means it has been shaped by English phonetics, local customs, and the cultural context of the families who chose it.
Kaiyu’s rarity (93 recorded births) may indicate it is strongly tied to a specific cultural community or family tradition, rather than part of the broader American naming mainstream.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Kaiyu has 13+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2001.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | #13283 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 25 | #11229 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 63 | #9209 | — |
The Story of Kaiyu
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2001, Kaiyu is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Kaiyu are most likely born between 2001 and 2011.
How rare is Kaiyu?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Kaiyu is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2001, peaked in the 2000s with 63 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Kaiyu by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(13 years, 2001–2022)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | #13283 |
| 2016 | 5 | #13199 |
| 2015 | 7 | #10075 |
| 2013 | 6 | #11446 |
| 2011 | 7 | #10194 |
| 2009 | 6 | #11710 |
| 2008 | 8 | #9425 |
| 2007 | 9 | #8566 |
| 2005 | 5 | #12369 |
| 2004 | 9 | #7869 |
| 2003 | 6 | #10231 |
| 2002 | 10 | #6798 |
| 2001 | 10 | #6707 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kaiyu a boy's or girl's name?
When was Kaiyu most popular?
How popular is the name Kaiyu?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2001–2022