Kazi

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAH-zee /ˈkɑ.zi/High

Meaning: Judge, magistrate; from Arabic qadi, via Bengali/South Asian Kazi — a title turned name and surnameMedium

In 30 seconds: A judge's title turned name: Kazi comes from Arabic qadi — the magistrate who weighs right and wrong. Borne as a proud South Asian surname and first name, dignified and crisp.

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Origin MediumArabic, Bengali

MeaningJudge, magistrate; from Arabic qadi, via Bengali/South Asian Kazi — a title turned name and surname

U.S. rank (2025)#2821 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births45 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 547

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

Kazi comes from Arabic qadi, 'judge, magistrate', the official who administered Islamic law. Adopted as a hereditary title and then a surname and given name across Bengal and South Asia, it is borne with pride (poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, Bangladesh's national poet).

In the U.S. it appears in Bengali and South Asian families. Rare, judicial at the root, and dignified.

Did you know? A qadi (kazi) was the Islamic judge who ruled on matters of law and faith — so revered a role that the title became a family name, as with the great Bengali poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name — Qadi/Kazi references — title etymology

Variations

QaziKadiQuazi

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899-1976)
Bengali poet, musician, and revolutionary widely regarded as the national poet of Bangladesh

If you like Kazi…

Amir— the companion 'ruler/prince' name

Tariq— another classic Arabic-South Asian pick

Khazi— shares the -zi ending

Khari— shares Kazi's Arabic roots

Karam— a fellow Arabic choice

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kazi mean?

Kazi is from Arabic qadi, 'judge, magistrate', a title turned name in South Asia.

How do you pronounce Kazi?

It's said KAH-zee /ˈkɑ.zi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kazi a boy or girl name?

Kazi is a boy's name.

How popular is Kazi?

Kazi is a rare name in the U.S.