Kaz

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAZ /ˈkæz/High

Meaning: Short form of Polish Kazimierz (Casimir), traditionally read as 'destroyer of peace' or 'proclaimer of peace'Medium

In 30 seconds: One buzzing syllable, two passports: Kaz clips Polish Kazimierz and Japanese Kazuo with equal ease. Jet-setting minimalism with a z-engine.

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Origin MediumPolish, Japanese

MeaningShort form of Polish Kazimierz (Casimir), traditionally read as 'destroyer of peace' or 'proclaimer of peace'

U.S. rank (2025)#3705 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births30 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 725

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

Kaz abbreviates two unrelated traditions: Polish Kazimierz — royal Casimir, whose elements are debated between 'destroying' and 'proclaiming' peace — and Japanese Kazu- names like Kazuo ('harmonious man') and Kazuki. Anglophone pop culture added its own Kazes, from Slayer's Kerry King-adjacent metal nicknames to Shadow and Bone's scheming Kaz Brekker.

As a standalone American name it is very rare, chosen for its crackle. It belongs with Dax and Jax in the one-syllable-with-attitude shelf — but with two old-world family trees available.

Did you know? Casimir — Kaz's Polish parent — named four Polish kings and a saint; its traditional reading flips between 'destroyer of peace' and 'proclaimer of peace', depending on the scholar.

Overall data confidence 75%

Behind the Name — Casimir — Polish root, debated

Variations

KazimierzKazuoKazz

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kaz…

Dax— a fellow z/x-charged minimal name

Kazimir— the Slavic royal original behind the clip

Kenzo— a Japanese name with the same cosmopolitan cool

Jax— another modern one-syllable spark

Explore names like Kaz

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By meaningPeace

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kaz mean?

Kaz is a short form of Polish Kazimierz — debated between 'destroyer' and 'proclaimer' of peace — and of Japanese Kazu- names meaning 'harmony'.

How do you pronounce Kaz?

It's said KAZ /ˈkæz/ — a single syllable.

Is Kaz a boy or girl name?

Kaz is used mainly as a boy's name.

How popular is Kaz?

Kaz is a very rare standalone name in the U.S.