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Kalai
Pronounced kah-LY /kɑˈlaɪ/Medium
Meaning: Variously the Hawaiian kalai, 'to carve/shape/design', and the Tamil kalai, 'art; learning'; routes layeredLow
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
Kalai comes variously from the Hawaiian kalai, 'to carve/shape/design', and the Tamil kalai, 'art; learning' (routes layered, which we note). A lyrical, modern name (said 'kah-LY').
In the U.S. it appears in Hawaiian and South Indian families. Rare, to-carve-and-art at the root, and lyrical.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Kalai mean?
Kalai is variously Hawaiian 'to carve/design' and Tamil 'art; learning'; the routes are layered.
How do you pronounce Kalai?
It's said kah-LY /kɑˈlaɪ/ — two syllables, stress on the second.
Is Kalai a boy or girl name?
Kalai is a boy's name (used for both sexes in some families).
How popular is Kalai?
Kalai is a very rare name in the U.S.