Baby Names That Start With K: 30 Girl & Boy Names With Meanings
K names feel crisp and modern, thanks to the strong opening sound. This list gathers 30 names that start with K, from classics like Katherine and Kenneth to global picks like Keanu and Kofi, with the meaning, origin and a short note on each.
Reviewed
Where an origin is uncertain, as with Kennedy and Keira, we say so. Names are grouped by gender and ordered roughly from classic to distinctive.
Our top picks
Girl names (13)
- KalaniHawaiianthe heavens, the chiefGentle and musical.
- KamalaSanskritlotusA name of Hindu goddesses.
- KaraItalian / Greekdear, belovedShort and sweet.
- KarenDanishpure (from Katherine)Vintage; it is rarely used for new babies.
- KarinaScandinavianpureA melodic form of Katherine.
- KateGreekpure (from Katherine)Short and timeless.
- KatherineGreekpure (the origin is debated)A regal classic with many nicknames.
- KaylaHebrew / Irishuncertain; variously linked to 'pure', 'laurel' or 'slender'A familiar modern name.
- KeiraIrishlittle dark oneMade popular by Keira Knightley.
- KendraEnglisha feminine form of Kenneth; also read as 'knowing'A modern, easy name.
- KiaraItalianclear, bright (from Chiara)A bright, flowing sound.
- KinsleyEnglishthe king's meadowA modern surname-name.
- KiraRussian / Persianuncertain; 'lady' (Russian) or 'sun' (Persian)Short and crisp.
Boy names (16)
- KaiHawaiian and otherssea (Hawaiian)Short and global.
- KaneIrish / Hawaiianuncertain; Irish 'battle' or Hawaiian 'man'Strong and short.
- KasperPersiantreasurerA Nordic form of Casper.
- KeanuHawaiianthe cool breeze over the mountainsA lyrical, lovely meaning.
- KeithScottishwood, forestA mid-century classic.
- KennethScottish Gaelicborn of fire; handsomeA classic with the nickname Ken.
- KentEnglishedge, coastA short, solid name.
- KevinIrishhandsome, gentleA saint's name and a mid-century favourite.
- KhalidArabiceternal, immortalA widely used name in the Muslim world.
- KianIrishancientSmooth and modern.
- KieranIrishlittle dark oneIrish and friendly.
- KingstonEnglishthe king's townRegal and a nod to Jamaica.
- KitGreekbearer of Christ (short for Christopher)Short and sweet.
- KnoxScottishround hillStrong and modern.
- KofiAkanborn on a FridayA traditional Ghanaian name.
- KyleGaelicnarrow straitA familiar, easygoing name.
Unisex names (1)
- KendallEnglishvalley of the River KentSleek and surname-based.
Found a name you like?
Swipe through names with your partner in Namely, and see which ones you both say yes to.
How to choose
K and C spelling
Many K names have a C twin: Katherine and Catherine, Kate and Cate, Kyle and Cyle. Both spellings are correct, so pick the one you like and use it consistently.
Global K names
Keanu (Hawaiian), Kofi (Akan), Khalid (Arabic) and Kenji (Japanese) are all easy to say and rich in meaning.
Nicknames
Katherine gives you Kate, Katie, Kit and Kat, which makes it one of the most flexible names.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular baby names that start with K?
Kate, Kayla and Kinsley are popular for girls, while Kai, Knox and Kingston are popular for boys.
What are unique baby names that start with K?
Kalani, Kamala, Keanu, Kofi and Kasper are rarer but easy to pronounce.
What are gender-neutral baby names that start with K?
Kendall and Kai are used for any gender.
What does the name Keanu mean?
Keanu is Hawaiian and means 'the cool breeze over the mountains'.
Save this list
Pin it for later, or share it with your partner.
More name lists
Choose a baby name together
Namely is the baby name app for couples: swipe on names, and celebrate when you both match.