Kyle

♂ Boy

Pronounced KYL /kaɪl/High

Meaning: From Scottish Gaelic caol meaning 'narrow' or 'narrow strait,' referring to a narrow channel of water between an island and the mainland; adopted first as a surname, then as a given nameHigh

In 30 seconds: Kyle is a crisp, one-syllable Scottish surname-name meaning 'narrow strait.' A staple of the 1980s–90s generation, it carries easy, unpretentious confidence and remains in steady use.

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Origin HighScottish Gaelic

MeaningFrom Scottish Gaelic caol meaning 'narrow' or 'narrow strait,' referring to a narrow channel of water between an island and the mainland; adopted first as a surname, then as a given name

U.S. rank (2025)#509 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births594 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1990

Total births (all-time)≈ 485,764

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Kyle originated as a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic toponym caol ('narrow strait'). Several places in Scotland bear the Kyle name, most famously Kyle of Lochalsh. The surname transitioned to a given name in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States and Australia.

Kyle was enormously popular in the United States from the 1970s through the 1990s, consistently ranking in the top 20–30 boys' names. It has since settled into a comfortable mid-range position. Pop-culture associations include South Park's Kyle Broflovski and various sports figures.

Did you know? The Kyle of Lochalsh is a famous narrow strait in the Scottish Highlands where a ferry crossing (and later the Skye Bridge) connects the mainland to the Isle of Skye — one of the most photographed spots in Scotland.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Kyle — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KylerKylie

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Kyle…

Cole— one-syllable classic boys' name with the same clean, no-fuss energy

Brent— Scottish/English one-syllable surname-name from the same naming era

Brett— one-syllable surname-style boys' name popular in the same generational window

Trace— clean one-syllable boys' name with the same easy American feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kyle mean?

Kyle comes from Scottish Gaelic caol meaning 'narrow strait' — a geographic term for a channel of water between landmasses, adopted as a personal name.

How do you pronounce Kyle?

It is said KYL — one syllable, rhyming with 'mile.'

Is Kyle a boy or girl name?

Kyle is used primarily as a boys' name; Kylie is the feminine form.

How popular is Kyle?

Kyle peaked in the U.S. top 20 in the 1980s–90s and now ranks in the top 200–300 boys' names.