Kais

♂ Boy

Pronounced KICE /ˈkaɪs/High

Meaning: From Arabic Qays, 'firm, measuring' — the poet-lover Qays of Layla-Majnun fameLow

In 30 seconds: Love's original casualty: Kais is Qays — the poet driven majnun (mad) for Layla. Firm by etymology, smitten by legend.

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Origin MediumArabic

MeaningFrom Arabic Qays, 'firm, measuring' — the poet-lover Qays of Layla-Majnun fame

U.S. rank (2025)#3554 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births32 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 423

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Kais is a spelling of Qays — Arabic 'firm, measured' (readings vary, which we note) — the Layla-mad poet of legend.

In the U.S. it appears in Arab families. Rare, firm-yet-lovestruck, and sung.

Did you know? Qays loved Layla into literary immortality — Eric Clapton's 'Layla' covers his madness; Tunisia's president Kais Saied files the modern spelling.

Overall data confidence 68%

References — Qays/Layla — readings vary

Variations

QaysQaisKays

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Kais Saied (1958–present)
Tunisian president.

If you like Kais…

Qais— the classical spelling

Kai— the global sound-neighbor

Tariq— a fellow Arabic classic

Faris— another Arabic name

Younis— echoes that soft -is sound

Explore names like Kais

By themeuncertain arabic literary

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kais mean?

Kais spells Qays, Arabic for 'firm, measured' — the legendary lover of Layla; readings vary.

How do you pronounce Kais?

It's said KICE /ˈkaɪs/ — a single syllable.

Is Kais a boy or girl name?

Kais is a boy's name.

How popular is Kais?

Kais is a rare name in the U.S.