Kairi
Kairi is a girl name of Japanese origin meaning “Ocean village”, pronounced KY-ree. It ranked #1041 in the United States in 2025, given to 239 babies, and peaked at #689 in 2019. Common nicknames: Kai, Ri.
How popular is Kairi in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Kairi mean, and where does it come from?
Kairi is a Japanese name typically written with kanji combining "umi" (sea) with characters for "village" or "reason," giving readings such as "ocean village." The name reached international audiences through Kairi, a central character in Square Enix's long-running Kingdom Hearts video game series, which introduced it to a generation of players worldwide. Its clean, two-syllable sound and watery meaning give it broad cross-cultural appeal.
How is Kairi used around the world?
Kairi is used in 2 languages worldwide.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Kairi?
Famous People Named Kairi
- Kairi Sane — Japanese professional wrestler signed with WWE
- Kairi remains a rare given name outside Japan and popular culture, with growing recognition worldwide
Similar Names to Kairi
If you like Kairi, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Kairi
Looking for names that pair well with Kairi? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Kairi mean?
Kairi is a girl name of Japanese origin meaning "Ocean village." Kairi is a Japanese name typically written with kanji combining "umi" (sea) with characters for "village" or "reason," giving readings such as "ocean village." The name reached international audiences through Kairi, a central character in Square Enix's long-running Kingdom Hearts video game series, which introduced it to a generation of players worldwide.
How do you pronounce Kairi?
Kairi is pronounced KY-ree. Common variations include Kairee, Kyrie, Kairy.
Is Kairi a girl name?
Yes, Kairi is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Kai, Ri.