Girl names that start with K have been a favorite of this century, with the Kardashian era leading to names like Kylie, Kaylee, Kaitlyn, and Khloe taking off in the ranks. As these names start to feel less fresh and exciting, parents will be looking for new K name options. Here are 15 of the most intriguing K names that deserve to be recognized.

　　

Kaia

With Kai being one of the hottest boy names in the US today, we can see why Kaia is following suit. Spelled either Kaia or Kaya, the name has origins in many languages including Latin, Scandinavian, Hawaiian, and Native American languages. Kaia is more modern than Kayla, and more offbeat than Maya. Supermodel Cindy Crawford named her now-grown daughter Kaia in 2001.

　　

Kalea

This beautiful Hawaiian name pronounced "kah-LAY-uh" means "joy" or "happiness". Kalea is a Top 100 name in her native state of Hawaii, but remains undiscovered in the other 49 states. We see Kalea having lots of potential, from her cheerful meaning to the sweet nicknames Kali or Lea.

　　

Kalila

The lilting name of a range of mythical mountains is of Arabic origin. Kalila means "beloved", and has an array of spelling variations, including Khalila, Kalilah, and Kallila among many others. Double-L names like Lila, Lola, Lily, Layla, and Delilah are in their prime today, and Kalila is a beautiful option for parents-to-be who love those sounds.

　　

Kamali

Kamali is a unisex-sounding name of African origin. She can be seen as either a variation of Hindi and Arabic Kamal, meaning lotus or perfection, or she could be a name in her own right, meaning spirit guide or protector. Either way, Kamali feels like she could be a fresh spin on popular Camila.

　　

Kamilah

While it may look like a creative version of Camila, Kamilah is actually an Arabic import meaning “perfect.” With more names from the Middle East gaining attention (from Layla to Aaliyah), Kamilah is a great fit-in / stand-out name.

　　

Top K Names for Girls in the US

Heart1KinsleyChevron - RightHeart2KennedyChevron - RightHeart3KayleeChevron - RightHeart4KehlaniChevron - RightHeart5KatherineChevron - RightHeart6KylieChevron - RightHeart7KhloeChevron - RightHeart8KimberlyChevron - RightHeart9KamilaChevron - RightHeart10KaiaChevron - Right

　　

Kaori

An intriguing Japanese name meaning "fragrance", Kaori was brought into the spotlight by celebrity couple Eniko and Kevin Hart, who gave it to their daughter in 2020. While Kaori looks similar to Maori, the name of the people and language of New Zealand, the correct pronunciation is "cow-ree".

　　

Kasiani

This sweet and spicy name meaning "cinnamon" is a fresh take on 80s and 90s favorites Cassidy or Cassandra. Kasiani is an ancient Greek name best known as the name of a saint famous as a hymnographer. The Hymn of Kasiani is traditionally sung on Tuesday of Easter Week in the Greek Orthodox Church. The 9th century saint Kasiani was supposedly in love with the Emperor Theophilos, who rejected her when she proved to be more intelligent than him.

　　

Kavya

One of the most captivating Sanskrit names that has yet to make its way to the US. Kavya has the beautiful meaning of "poem", referring to a type of classical Sanskrit devotional poetry. The beautiful name Kavya is held by the popular Indian actress Kavya Madhavan.

　　

Kerensa

Kerensa is a romantic Cornish girl name, alternatively spelled Kerenza. Her sweet meaning of "love" adds additional appeal to this rhythmic, lyrical-sounding name. Kerensa may be the most modern, and least stigmatized of the Karen family or may have ties to the Welsh Cerys. Either way, we think Kerensa is a zippy and lively name that deserves more attention.

　　

Keshvi

Keshvi is a lovely Sanskrit name meaning "long, beautiful hair". In Sanskrit mythology, Keshvi is an epithet of the goddess Radha, who rules over love, tenderness, compassion, and devotion. With spunky "-i" ending names from all different origins such as Leilani, Zuri, Naomi, and Remi taking off in the US, we think Keshvi is an attractive and fresh option.

　　

Unique Girl Names Starting With K

HeartKailaniChevron - RightHeartKalliopeChevron - RightHeartKamalaChevron - RightHeartKasiaChevron - RightHeartKateriChevron - RightHeartKeevaChevron - RightHeartKeikoChevron - RightHeartKensingtonChevron - RightHeartKingaChevron - RightHeartKittyChevron - RightSee all girl names that start with KChevron - Right

　　

Keturah

This yet-to-be-discovered biblical name was held by Abraham's second wife — definitely more unique than his first wife, Sarah. Keturah and Abraham had six sons, who would in turn lead to sixteen tribes of her descendants. Despite Keturah's history, she has never made it onto the charts in the US.

　　

Keziah

Many K names exude modernity, but Keziah is from the Old Testament, as a daughter of Job. Meaning “cassia tree,” she also has connections to the natural world. Potential nickname Kizzy pays homage to the book and TV show Roots. Keziah has several legitimate pronunciations, including "KEE-zee-uh", "KEH-zee-uh", and "keh-ZYE-uh".

　　

Kiki

This spunky moniker is one of the Coco-Gigi-Fifi-Lulu type French nicknames from the turn of the last century. Kiki can be a nickname for any "K" beginning name, but makes a statement on her own as well. Kiki is also a Japanese name, as seen in the anime film Kiki's Delivery Service.

　　

Kirrily

Spunky and spritely, there’s no reason why the distinctly Australian Kirrily shouldn’t find success elsewhere. It has a similar sound as many well-used K names (Karly, Kylie, Kayla) as well as stylish Irish Keira, but is virtually unused in the US. Kirrily (rhyming with cheerily) is of Aboriginal and Maori origin, meaning "leaf" or "tree bark".

　　

Kit

This unisex name packs a lot of punch. Kit is traditionally either a diminutive of Katherine for girls, or Christopher for boys, but we love her on her own. The sweet American Girl character Margaret Kittredge "Kit" adds some familiarity for Kit as a girl's name. Retro nickname Kitty is another option ripe for revival.

　　

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZFind all our search by letter tools on the Baby Names A-Z page.

　　

About the Author

　　

Brynn McKeon

　　Brynn McKeon joined the Nameberry team in August of 2022 as an assistant editor, and has written about topics such as the Ultimate Guide to Goddess Names and Redefining Classic Names. As Head Moderator, she also oversees our active Nameberry forums community. Brynn also writes the Name of the Day newsletter, featuring a new name each day.

　　Outside of Nameberry, Brynn lives in New York State with her dog Raven, where she is working towards her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. You can reach her at [email protected]

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