In the diverse and ever-evolving world of baby names, names starting with the letter “K” continue to be both trendy and timeless in American culture. From classic and well-established names to fresh and creative inventions, “K” names offer a broad spectrum of options. Whether you’re looking for something traditional, spiritual, modern, or even uniquely gender-neutral, “K” has you covered.
This comprehensive guide explores 70 American baby names beginning with K, categorized by gender and including unisex options. Each name includes its origin, meaning, and cultural significance, helping expecting parents make a well-informed choice.
Baby Boy Names Starting With K
1. Kevin
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Handsome, kind
A long-time favorite, Kevin reached peak popularity in the mid-20th century and remains a strong choice today.
2. Kyle
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: Narrow channel, strait
This name has been a staple in American households, often associated with coolness and charisma.
3. Kenneth
Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: Born of fire, handsome
Classic and timeless, Kenneth is both dignified and versatile with the nickname Ken.
4. Kaleb
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Whole-hearted, faithful
A phonetic twist on Caleb, this spelling is trendy among modern American families.
5. Kingston
Origin: English
Meaning: King’s town
Regal and stylish, Kingston is a bold choice that has gained popularity due to celebrity influence.
6. Kaden
Origin: American
Meaning: Companion, fighter
Modern and strong, Kaden is one of many names in the “aden” trend family.
7. Knox
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: Round hill
Short, sharp, and powerful, Knox has surged in popularity as a cool, masculine name.
8. Kai
Origin: Hawaiian, Japanese, Scandinavian
Meaning: Sea, forgiveness, keeper of the keys
Kai is multicultural and rising fast in popularity for its simple yet global appeal.
9. Karter
Origin: English (modern spelling)
Meaning: Cart driver
A trendy variation of Carter, Karter adds modern flair to a traditional surname-name.
10. Kameron
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: Crooked nose
Another stylish spin on a classic (Cameron), Kameron is modern and sophisticated.
11. Kristian
Origin: Latin/Greek
Meaning: Follower of Christ
This variant of Christian has a softer, more European touch.
12. Kason
Origin: American
Meaning: Modern invention
Fresh and youthful, Kason is part of the growing trend of “-son” names.
13. Kellan
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Slender
Charming and slightly mysterious, Kellan is perfect for parents looking for something unique yet approachable.
14. Kian
Origin: Irish, Persian
Meaning: Ancient; king
Pronounced “kee-an,” this name is short and regal with multicultural depth.
15. Kamari
Origin: African
Meaning: Moonlight
Kamari brings an exotic and lyrical tone to American naming trends.
16. Kolton
Origin: English
Meaning: Coal town
A fresh spelling of Colton, Kolton adds a touch of modern ruggedness.
17. Krew
Origin: American
Meaning: Group of people
A cool, edgy name that reflects camaraderie and strength.
18. Keaton
Origin: English
Meaning: Place of hawks
Elegant and slightly vintage, Keaton works well across age groups.
19. Kyler
Origin: American
Meaning: Bow or archer
Kyler blends the best of Kyle and Tyler for a truly modern twist.
20. Killian
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Church, strife
A strong and bold Irish name that’s catching on in the U.S. for its commanding tone.
Baby Girl Names Starting With K
21. Kayla
Origin: Hebrew/Arabic
Meaning: Crown of laurels, beloved
A soft and feminine name that surged in popularity in the 1990s and remains beloved.
22. Kimberly
Origin: English
Meaning: Royal fortress meadow
Once among the top names in the U.S., Kimberly remains elegant and classic.
23. Kinsley
Origin: English
Meaning: King’s meadow
Modern and trendy, Kinsley blends nature and royalty in one stylish name.
24. Kennedy
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Helmeted head, chief
Powerful and presidential, Kennedy is a favorite unisex name used increasingly for girls.
25. Kylie
Origin: Australian Aboriginal
Meaning: Boomerang
Popularized by pop star Kylie Minogue, it’s a sweet yet modern name.
26. Kaia
Origin: Scandinavian/Hawaiian
Meaning: Pure, sea
Elegant and global, Kaia is versatile and trendy.
27. Karina
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Beloved
Romantic and graceful, Karina brings a touch of European sophistication.
28. Kiera
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Little dark one
A lovely Gaelic name with both strength and beauty.
29. Kiara
Origin: Irish/Italian
Meaning: Bright, clear
Popular among diverse communities, Kiara is lyrical and feminine.
30. Kaitlyn
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Pure
A contemporary classic, often spelled multiple ways—Kaitlyn, Katelyn, Caitlin.
31. Kamila
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Attendant, helper
A variant of Camila, Kamila feels international and elegant.
32. Kadence
Origin: English
Meaning: Rhythm, flow
Musically inspired and increasingly modern.
33. Kalani
Origin: Hawaiian
Meaning: The heavens
Beautiful and ethereal, Kalani is a serene choice.
34. Kaliyah
Origin: American
Meaning: Modern invention
A name growing in popularity due to its melodic sound.
35. Kiera
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Little dark-haired one
Mystical and earthy, perfect for parents drawn to Gaelic names.
36. Kourtney
Origin: French
Meaning: From the court
Known from celebrity culture, this name blends chic with familiarity.
37. Karma
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Fate, destiny
Spiritual and meaningful, Karma stands out for its philosophical roots.
38. Kassidy
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Curly-haired
A modern twist on Cassidy, popular with young families.
39. Kaylani
Origin: Hawaiian
Meaning: Sea and sky
Ethereal and modern, it’s a fusion of two natural elements.
40. Kailyn
Origin: American
Meaning: Pure
One of many stylish spins on the name Kaitlyn.
Gender-Neutral Baby Names Starting With K
41. Kai
Origin: Multicultural
Meaning: Sea, forgiveness
This short, powerful name is widely accepted for all genders.
42. Kendall
Origin: English
Meaning: Valley of the River Kent
Used for boys and girls alike, Kendall is professional and polished.
43. Kennedy
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Helmeted chief
Unisex and presidential, Kennedy is strong and refined.
44. Kasey
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Brave, vigilant
Flexible and familiar, Kasey suits any personality.
45. Kieran
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Little dark-haired one
Traditionally male, Kieran is also gaining ground as a girl’s name.
46. Kameron
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: Crooked nose
Gender-neutral and stylish with a bold spelling.
47. Kelsey
Origin: English
Meaning: Ship’s victory
Popular as a girl’s name, but also used for boys in some regions.
48. Kyrie
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Lord
Often seen in Christian hymns, Kyrie is spiritual and poetic.
49. Kael
Origin: Gaelic
Meaning: Mighty warrior
Rare and rugged, Kael suits either gender with its strong tone.
50. Keegan
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Son of Egan
A vibrant, athletic name that is firmly unisex in the U.S.
Unique and Rare K Names
51. Kalea (Girl)
Origin: Hawaiian
Meaning: Joy, happiness
A tropical name full of light and cheer.
52. Kairo (Boy)
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Victorious
Exotic and stylish, often seen as a modern twist on Cairo.
53. Kaelin (Unisex)
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Slender
A rare gem for families looking for something unique.
54. Kace (Boy)
Origin: American
Meaning: Modern invention
Edgy and youthful, part of the short-name trend.
55. Kaniyah (Girl)
Origin: American
Meaning: Modern invention
Melodic and pretty, often used in African-American communities.
56. Kion (Boy)
Origin: African
Meaning: King
A rare name with strong leadership vibes.
57. Koral (Girl)
Origin: English
Meaning: Coral, the sea
A creative spelling of Coral, evoking marine beauty.
58. Kaige (Boy)
Origin: American
Meaning: Warrior, fierce
Modern and commanding, with phonetic appeal.
59. Kimbra (Girl)
Origin: English
Meaning: Royal meadow
Rare and lyrical, reminiscent of vintage elegance.
60. Kalan (Boy)
Origin: Hawaiian
Meaning: The heavens
Peaceful and spiritual, ideal for families drawn to nature.
Celebrity-Inspired “K” Names
61. Kanye (Boy)
Origin: African
Meaning: Honor, tribute
Made famous by Kanye West, this name is bold and powerful.
62. Kim (Unisex)
Origin: English
Meaning: Chief
Short and sweet, Kim is a staple name across decades.
63. Kylie (Girl)
Origin: Aboriginal
Meaning: Boomerang
Popularized by Kylie Jenner and Kylie Minogue.
64. Kris (Unisex)
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Follower of Christ
Used by Kris Jenner, Kris is a short form with style.
65. Kourtney (Girl)
Origin: French
Meaning: From the court
Sophisticated and chic, Kourtney remains trendy due to celebrity culture.
66. Keanu (Boy)
Origin: Hawaiian
Meaning: Cool breeze
Globally recognized thanks to actor Keanu Reeves.
67. Kingston (Boy)
Origin: English
Meaning: King’s town
Chosen by Gwen Stefani for her son, this name oozes royalty.
68. Kulture (Girl)
Origin: American
Meaning: Invented
Used by rapper Cardi B for her daughter, this name is bold and unique.
69. Knox (Boy)
Origin: Scottish
Meaning: Hill
Used by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Knox is sharp and modern.
70. Kit (Unisex)
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Carrier of Christ
A vintage revival name growing in popularity for both boys and girls.
Final Thoughts
Names that begin with “K” have a unique charm. Whether you’re drawn to traditional names like Kevin and Kimberly, or more modern picks like Kinsley and Kai, the letter “K” offers a world of possibility. It’s strong, stylish, and often stands out in a crowd.
This list of 70 American baby names starting with K is designed to inspire and inform. Each name tells a story—of heritage, modernity, meaning, or trend. Whatever path you choose, may it bring joy and identity to the newest addition to your family.
