Is Khai a boy's or girl's name?

Khai is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 453 recorded births.

When was Khai most popular?

Khai reached its peak popularity in 2023 with 367 births that year. It is currently ranked #947 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Khai?

Khai is currently ranked #947 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 3,006 babies since 1977.

Khai

A familiar Vietnamese name with steady appeal.

Boy's name| Also girlsVietnameseRising fast Also a pet name

#947▼ 225in 2024

Meaning & Origin

Khai is a boy's and girl's baby name of Vietnamese origin, from the Vietnamese meaning "open" or "triumph," carrying a sense of victory and expansiveness. It is also used as a short form of names in Arabic and Thai traditions.

Model and author Chrissy Teigen chose Khai as the name for her child with John Legend in 2020, bringing the name significant media attention and driving it into U.S. name charts. The name's short, punchy quality and its uplifting meaning have resonated with many parents since.

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Popularity Over Time

Khai climbed 1417 spots in the last 20 years — from #2364 to #947.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Khai
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	1,251	#960	▲
2010s	1,087	#1608	▲
2000s	413	#2723	▲
1990s	166	#4387	▲
1980s	79	#5352	▲
1970s	10	#6473	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(47 years, 1977–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Khai
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	240	#947	-127 (-34.6%)
2023	367	#722	+89 (32.0%)
2022	278	#866	+57 (25.8%)
2021	221	#994	+76 (52.4%)
2020	145	#1269	-8 (-5.2%)
2019	153	#1236	-15 (-8.9%)
2018	168	#1146	+32 (23.5%)
2017	136	#1327	+11 (8.8%)
2016	125	#1408	+13 (11.6%)
2015	112	#1487	-7 (-5.9%)
2014	119	#1418	+48 (67.6%)
2013	71	#1955	+6 (9.2%)
2012	65	#2100	-8 (-11.0%)
2011	73	#1915	+8 (12.3%)
2010	65	#2085	+12 (22.6%)
2009	53	#2426	+10 (23.3%)
2008	43	#2812	-1 (-2.3%)
2007	44	#2745	-7 (-13.7%)
2006	51	#2431	+15 (41.7%)
2005	36	#2932	-12 (-25.0%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Khai as a Girl's Name

Though more common for boys, Khai has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 453 births since 1997.

#3670

Current rank

453

Total births

2024

Peak year

Compare Khai as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Khai be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Khai is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #947. As a girl's name, it ranks #3670.

Khai has two lives

Khai, the baby name

#947boys

3,006 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1977–2024) · Methodology