Some of the most beautiful monikers for little gals include girl names that start with K. Not only do they include traditional names that have been around for a long time, but also unusual alternatives. Which type of K name for girls should you choose for the baby you’re expecting?
Our easy guide to female names that start with K offers everything, from name variations to the stories behind these names. You’ll be left with the perfect choice your K girl will love to show off!
100 Popular Female Names That Start with K
These girl names that start with K rock almost as much as the girls who use them.
Kacey
Kacey is based on the Gaelic surname Ó’Cathasaigh, meaning “descendant of Cathasach.” It comprises the Gaelic “cathasaigh,” meaning “watchful,” and has any variation possible.
- Origin: Gaelic, Irish
- Meaning: Vigilant
- Pronunciation: KEY-Siy
- Variations: Kacee, Kaci, Kacie, Kacy, Kacye
- Namesakes: Kacey Ainsworth, an English actress known for the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Kacey Bellamy, an American ice hockey player and seven-time IIHF World Women’s Championship winner.
- Popularity: Kacey is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 619th for girls in 2023.
Kadisha
Kadisha comes from the Arabic Kadijah and means “holy” in Hebrew. Kadisha Valley is located in Lebanon, while Kadisha was the name of Mohammed’s first wife.
- Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
- Meaning: Early baby
- Pronunciation: Kah-DIH-shah
- Variations: Kadysha, Kadeesha, Kadesha
- Namesakes: Kadisha Onalbayeva, a Kazakh pianist and Kazakhstan’s first Steinway Artist in 2013.
- Popularity: Kadisha is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Kazakhstan, ranking 1,831st in 2014.
Kaede
Kaede’s meanings include “beautiful” and “lovely.” It’s a name often occurring in anime, like Kaede, a character in Marie Lu’s Legend Trilogy.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: Maple tree
- Pronunciation: Kaey-EH-deh
- Variations: Kaide, Kayde
- Namesakes: Kaede Dobashi, a Japanese dancer and member of the J-Pop group Happiness. Kaede Nakamuraa, a Japanese footballer for the Japanese national team.
- Popularity: Kaede is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Japan.
Kaelyn
Kaelyn is another version of the American Kaylin. It may be a compound name for Kae, meaning “rejoicer,” and Lynn, meaning “waterfall.” Kaelyn can also be associated with the Irish Cailín, meaning “pure.”
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Keeper of the keys
- Pronunciation: KEY-Lihn
- Variations: Kaelan, Kaelinn, Kaelinne, Kaelyna, Kaelynn
- Popularity: Kaelyn is very rare and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,250th for girls in 2021.
Kahina
Kahina has roots in the Arabic “al-Kahinah,” meaning “the fortuneteller.” It was made famous by the 7th-century Berber Queen Dihya. Kahina is the name of a psychic member of Aquaman’s team in DC Comics.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: The diviner
- Pronunciation: Kaa-HHIY-nah
- Popularity: Kahina is rare worldwide and mainly used in Algeria, ranking 252nd in 2014.
Kahlia
Kahlia was originally the Hawaiian Kaliʻa. It’s made up of “ka,” meaning “the,” and “liʻa,” meaning “desire.” Kahlia is quite popular in Australia for girls who keep the keys to their dreams.
- Origin: Hawaiian
- Meaning: Keeper of the keys
- Pronunciation: KAA-liy-Ah
- Variations: Kalia
- Namesakes: Kahlia Hogg, an Australian footballer for Adelaide United. Kahlia Greksa, an Australian actress known for The Great Gatsby (2013).
- Popularity: Kalia is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Kai
Kai’s meanings include “king” in Persian. It has other meanings, too, like “shell” in Japanese, and is a nickname for the Frisian Kaimbe, meaning “warrior.” Kai is more popular for boys, but it’s catching on for girl names that start with K.
- Origin: Hawaiian, Persian
- Meaning: Sea
- Pronunciation: KAEY
- Variations: Kae, Kaie, Kye
- Namesakes: Alessia De Gasperis (once known as Kai), a Canadian singer-songwriter who co-wrote Flume’s “Never Be like You.”
- Popularity: Kai ranked 173rd worldwide, is mostly used in China and ranked 768th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Kaiden
Kaiden is a unique spelling of Kaden, which means “warrior” and “from the wetlands.” Kaiden is traditionally for boys but is also considered unisex.
- Origin: Arabic, Celtic
- Meaning: Beloved companion
- Pronunciation: KAEY-Dihn
- Variations: Kaden, Caden
- Popularity: Kaiden is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Kalani
Kalani is a Hawaiian word meaning “heavenly” and “royal.” It refers to “sea and sky” and means “chief” for those who like their Hawaiian names strong and spiritual.
- Origin: Hawaiian
- Meaning: Of the heavens
- Pronunciation: Kaa-LAA-niy
- Variations: Kalanee, Kalaney, Kalanie, Kalany
- Namesakes: Kalani Hilliker, an American dancer appearing on Dance Moms from 2014 to 2017. Kalani Brown, an American basketball player for the Dallas Wings of the WNBA.
- Popularity: Kalani is rare worldwide, primarily used in Sri Lanka, and ranked 228th for girls in the U.S. in 2023.
Kali
Kali comes from the Sanskrit “kala,” meaning “time” and “black.” Kali is a Hindu goddess who rules over “time, death, and change.” She acts as the mother of everything. Kali also appears as a variation of the Finnish boy’s name Kalle.
- Origin: Indian, Sanskrit
- Meaning: The black one
- Pronunciation: KAA-Liy
- Variations: Kalli, Kalie
- Namesakes: Kali Rocha, an American actress appearing in the Disney series Liv and Maddie. Kali Christ, a Canadian speed skater who competed at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
- Popularity: Kali is uncommon worldwide, mostly used in India, and ranked 223rd for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Kaliyah
Kaliyah was most famous in the 1990s because of the singer known as Aaliyah. It means “bullet” in Hebrew, yet it is less common among female names that start with K today.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Beloved
- Pronunciation: Kaa-LIY-yaa
- Variations: Kalea, Kaleela
- Popularity: Kaliyah is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Indonesia.
Kalliope
Kalliope is composed of the Greek “kalós,” meaning “beautiful,” and “óps,” meaning “voice.” In Greek mythology, Calliope is the muse of poetry, yet Kalliope’s spelling brings this mythical name into the present.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Beautiful voice
- Pronunciation: Kaa-LIY-ow-Peh
- Variations: Calliope, Kalliopi
- Namesakes: Kalliope Amorphous, an American artist included in GLAAD’s annual Top 100 Artists in 2011.
- Popularity: Kalliope is very rare and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 238th in 2023.
Kallistrat
Kallistrat is made up of the Greek “kallos,” meaning “beauty,” and “stratos,” meaning “army.” It’s more recognizable as a boy’s name used in Greece and Russia but remains rare for either gender.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Beautiful army
- Pronunciation: Kal-ehs-STRAT
- Variations: Kallistrate
- Popularity: Kallistrat is extremely rare worldwide, with 65 occurrences in 2014, mostly in Greece.
Kamala
Kamala means “pale red” in Hindu culture too. It’s one of many names for the Hindu goddess Lakshmi and may become more popular with Vice President Kamala Harris.
- Origin: Hindu
- Meaning: Lotus flower
- Pronunciation: KAA-Maa-laa
- Variations: Kamalah, Kamalla, Kammala
- Namesakes: Kamala Harris, the 49th Vice President of the U.S. Kamala Laxman, an Indian children’s book author of The Thama Stories.
- Popularity: Kamala ranked 947th worldwide and is mainly used in India, where it ranked 106th in 2014.
Kamalani
Kamalini is composed of the Hawaiian “kama,” meaning “child,” and “lani,” meaning “sky.” It specifically means “the great gift from heaven” or “the child of heaven” for one very precious little girl.
- Origin: Hawaiian
- Meaning: Royal child
- Pronunciation: Kaa-maa-LAA-niy
- Variations: Kamalini
- Namesakes: Kamalani Dung, an American softball player on the Puerto Rican national softball team.
- Popularity: Kamalani is very rare worldwide and primarily used in India.
Kamilia
Kamilia is an uncommon spelling of the Latin Camilla. It referred to the “helper to the priest” in Roman religious ceremonies and was the family name Camillus.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Ceremonial attendant
- Pronunciation: Kaa-MIH-liy-Ah
- Variations: Kameela, Kamela
- Namesakes: Kamila Aliyeva, an Azerbaijani politician in the Parliament of Azerbaijan since 2010. Kamilia Shehata, an Egyptian schoolteacher who disappeared in 2010, connected to the conflict between Egypt’s Muslim majority and Coptic Christian minority.
- Popularity: Kamilia is rare worldwide, mostly used in Egypt, and ranked 683rd in Morocco in 2014.
Kanako
Kanako consists of the Japanese “ka,” meaning “increase,” “na,” meaning ”vegetables,” and “ko,” meaning “child.” It peaked in Japan in the late 1970s and early 1980s but is considered a badass name in anime.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: Beautiful, good
- Pronunciation: Kaa-NAH-kow
- Variations: Kaneko
- Namesakes: Kanako Mitsuhashi, a Japanese voice actress known for Hunter × Hunter. Kanako Tanikawa, a Japanese cyclist who competed at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Kanako is rare and mainly used in Japan, ranking 1,018th in 2014.
Kandake
Kandake means “white” and “sincere” and is a Greek version of Candace. Kandake was also a famous African queen in the New Testament of the Bible.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: KAEN-Dahk
- Popularity: Kandake is very rare worldwide, with only 26 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in Indonesia.
Kapardini
Kapardini has one of the strangest meanings among K names for girls. It refers to someone “whose hair is buried like a cowrie shell,” aka “matted hair.” It’s associated with the boy’s name Kapardi, but calling your little Kapardini a “goddess” is fine too.
- Origin: Indian
- Meaning: Goddess
- Pronunciation: Kae-paar-DIHN-ee
- Variations: Kapardin
- Popularity: Kapardini is extremely rare worldwide, with only two occurrences in 2014, mostly in the U.S.
Kara
Kara is a more uniquely spelled variation of the Italian Cara. It’s a term of endearment also meaning “beloved.” Cara also means “friend” in Irish and “diamond” in Vietnamese for a good selection of meanings.
- Origin: Italian
- Meaning: Dear
- Pronunciation: KAAR-ah
- Variations: Cara
- Namesakes: Kara Eaker, an American artistic gymnast and the 2019 Pan American Games champion. Kara Swisher, an American journalist and contributing editor at New York Magazine.
- Popularity: Kara is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 699th for girls in 2022.
Karabi
Karabi is one of the most culturally specific girl names, with K that’s mostly used in India. It also means “proximate angel,” but blooms well as your little one’s flower name.
- Origin: Hindi
- Meaning: Flower
- Pronunciation: Kaa-RAH-biy
- Namesakes: Karabi Deka Hazarika, an Indian writer voted “Best Women Writer” by the All Assam Women Writers Association in 2007.
- Popularity: Karabi is rare worldwide and primarily used in India.
Kareemah
Kareemah comes from the Arabic “K-R-M” root and appears in the Quran, where it means “noble” and “generous.” When spelled Karima, it refers to a Kenyan mountain known for its small slopes.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Honorable
- Pronunciation: Keh-RIY-maa
- Variations: Karima
- Popularity: Kareemah is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Karen
Karen is a Danish variation of Katharine, originally from the Greek Aikaterine. It’s a boy’s name in Armenia and was most popular for American girls in the 1950s and 1960s. It peaked at number three in 1965 in the U.S.
- Origin: Greek, Danish
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: KAER-ahn
- Variations: Karan, Karren, Karrin, Karyn
- Namesakes: Karen Carpenter, an American singer in the duo the Carpenters. Karen Morrison-Comstock, an American beauty queen and Miss USA 1974.
- Popularity: Karen ranked 160th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 831st for girls in 2020.
Karina
Karina means “pretty,” but means “sweet” and “expensive” when based on the Latin “carus.” Karina is also among the many nicknames for women’s names that start with K, like Katarina and Katherine.
- Origin: Greek, Scandinavian
- Meaning: Pure, chaste
- Pronunciation: Kah-RIY-nah
- Variations: Kaarina, Kareena, Karinah, Karrina, Karyna
- Namesakes: Karina Smirnoff, a Soviet-Ukrainian ballroom dancer on Dancing with the Stars. Karina Sumner-Smith, a Canadian fantasy author and finalist for the 2006 Nebula Award.
- Popularity: Karina ranked 641st worldwide, is primarily used in Russia, and ranked 345th for girls in the U.S. in 2023.
Karissa
Karissa comes from the Greek “charis,” meaning “grace” and “beloved.” The English poet Edmund Spenser most notably created Karissa for his poem “The Faerie Queene.”
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Dear
- Pronunciation: Kaa-RIHS-aa
- Variations: Karesa, Karessa, Karisa, Karyssa
- Namesakes: Karissa Whitsell, an American blind cyclist and gold medalist at the 2004 ΧΙΙ Paralympic Games. Karissa Lee Staples, an American actress appearing in the series Necessary Roughness.
- Popularity: Karissa is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Karla
Karla is the feminine form of the German Karl, meaning “free man” (or “free woman”). It means “strong one” in Latin, and similarly, “little and strong” as a 5 letter nickname for Carolina.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Free man
- Pronunciation: KAAR-Laa
- Variations: Carla
- Namesakes: Karla Klarić, a Croatian volleyball player for the Israeli club Maccabi Haifa. Karla Martínez, a Mexican TV hostess of Control from 2000 to 2006.
- Popularity: Karla ranked 1,298th worldwide, is mainly used in Mexico, and ranked 659th for girls in the U.S. in 2023.
Karlee
Karly is yet another example of the German Karl, which turns into “free woman.” It’s less commonly spelled than Carly and specifically means “womanly strength” in Scandinavian culture.
- Origin: German, American
- Meaning: Free man
- Pronunciation: KAAR-Liy
- Variations: Karley, Karli, Karlie, Karly, Karlye
- Namesakes: Karlee Macer, an American member of the Indiana House of Representatives from 2012 to 2020. Karlee Bispo, an American swimmer and gold medalist at the 2013 World Aquatics Championships.
- Popularity: Karlee is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 1,122nd for girls in 2021.
Karma
Karma is another word for “fate.” In Hinduism, it refers to the effect our positive and negative actions have throughout many lifetimes via reincarnation.
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Meaning: Destiny
- Pronunciation: KAAR-Maa
- Variations: Karmah, Kharma
- Namesakes: Karma-Ann Swanepoel, a South African singer and member of the band Henry Ate.
- Popularity: Karma is rare worldwide, mostly used in India, and ranked 5th in Bhutan in 2014.
Karmen
Karmen comes from the Greek Karmē, meaning “she who cuts the grain.” It represents a different spelling of the Spanish Carmen, meaning “fruitful orchard.” Mount Carmel in Palestine is an example of a place that may have inspired Karmen.
- Origin: Greek, Spanish
- Meaning: Garden
- Pronunciation: KAAR-Mehn
- Variations: Karman, Carmen
- Namesakes: Karmen Mar, a Slovenian chess player and FIDE female International Master. Karmen Pedaru, an Estonian model who worked with Michael Kors.
- Popularity: Karmen is rare worldwide, mainly used in Slovenia, and ranked 1,620th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Karolina
Karolina is a formal female version of “Karl.” It comes from the German “kerle,” meaning “army,” and is based on the German “heri.” Karolina is one of the most distinct ways of using names for girls that start with K that stand out.
- Origin: Slavic
- Meaning: Warrior
- Pronunciation: Kaa-Row-LIY-naa
- Variations: Carolina, Karolyna
- Namesakes: Karolína Kosinová, a Czech ice hockey player for the Czech national team. Karolina Kaczorowska, the first lady of Poland (in exile) from 1989 to 1990.
- Popularity: Karolina is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in Poland, where it ranked 26th in 2014.
Kasia
Kasia is associated with the Cassia tree in Hebrew and means “Acacia tree” in Greek. The Cassia tree is known for cinnamon, while Kasis is a Polish form of Katherine.
- Origin: Polish, Hebrew
- Meaning: Cassia tree
- Pronunciation: KAES-iy-Ah
- Variations: Kazia
- Namesakes: Kasia Stankiewicz, a Polish singer who recorded with the German group Tangerine Dream. Kasia Kulesza, a Polish-Canadian synchronized swimmer, and silver medalist at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Kasia is rare worldwide and mostly used in Poland, ranking 42nd in 2014.
Kassandra
Kassandra also means “unheeded prophetess” in Greek. In Greek mythology, Cassandra was a Trojan priestess cursed with her abilities as a prophet. Kassandra peaked in the U.S. in 1990 and deserves a comeback for your gal.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Defender, warrior
- Pronunciation: Kah-SAEN-Drah
- Variations: Cassandra
- Namesakes: Kasandra Bradette, a Canadian speed skater and silver medalist at the 2016 World Short Track Speed Skating Champion.
- Popularity: Kassandra is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 1,400th for girls in 2022.
Kassidy
Kassidy also means “curly-headed” when based on the Gaelic Caiside. When spelled Kassidy, it becomes a modern American-style version of the more common Cassidy.
- Origin: Gaelic, English
- Meaning: Clever
- Pronunciation: KASS-ah-Dee
- Variations: KAES-ah-Diy
- Namesakes: Kassidy Leigh Cook, an American diver on the U.S. national diving team in 2012. Kassidy Osborn, an American actress appearing in the Rock & Roll Back to School Special (2001).
- Popularity: Kassidy is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 683rd for girls in the U.S. in 2022.
Kassiopeia
In Greek mythology, Kassiopeia (spelled Cassiopeia) was the wife of the Ethiopian king Cepheus and the mother of Andromeda. You might also recognize it as a famous constellation in the night sky.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: She whose words excel
- Pronunciation: Kaes-iy-Ow-PIY-ah
- Variations: Cassiopeia
- Popularity: Kassiopeia is extremely rare worldwide, with only 12 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in Brazil and the U.S.
Katalina
Katalina is a very feminine form of Katherine, meaning “pure” in Greek. It means “each of the two” and “each singly” when based on the Greek “hekáteros.” Katalina (as Catalina) is also the name of an island off the coast of Los Angeles.
- Origin: Greek, Spanish
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: Kaa-taa-LIY-Naa
- Variations: Katalin, Catalina
- Namesakes: Kara Wethington (known as Katalina), an American singer known for her single “D.J. Girl” (1996).
- Popularity: Katalina is rare worldwide, mostly used in Tanzania, and ranked 688th for girls in the U.S. in 2023.
Katarina
Katarina comes from the Greek “katharos,” meaning “pure.” It’s traditionally used in Eastern European cultures for Katherine, with the expectation of the Russian Ekaterina. Katarina is the fourth most popular girl’s name in Croatia.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: Kaa-teh-RIY-naa
- Variations: Kateryna, Katarin, Katarine
- Namesakes: Katarina Witt, a German figure skater, and two-time Olympic champion. Katarina Ewerlöf, a Swedish actress known for the series Pappas flicka (1997).
- Popularity: Katarina is rare worldwide, primarily used in Indonesia, and ranked 601st for girls in the U.S. in 2023.
Katayoun
In Persian mythology, Katāyoun is the wife of Goshtāsb and the mother of Esfandiār. It’s often used in Georgian culture as a form of Katherine that stands out from all the rest.
- Origin: Persian
- Meaning: Queen of the world
- Pronunciation: Cat-ah-Yoon
- Namesakes: Katayoun Riahi, an Iranian actress and winner of three Hafez Awards.
- Popularity: Katayoun is rare worldwide and mainly used in Iran, where it ranked 471st in 2014.
Katherine
Katherine is based on the Greek Aikaterine, taken from Hekateros, meaning “each of the two.” It’s more likely derived from “katharos,” meaning “pure.”
- Origin: English, Greek
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: KATH-Rihn
- Variations: Katheryn, Katharyn, Kathryne, Katherin
- Namesakes: Katherine Schwarzenegger, an American author and the oldest child of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Katherine Ryan, a Canadian comedian appearing on the panel show Never Mind the Buzzcocks.
- Popularity: Katherine ranked 1,159th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., ranking 162nd for girls in 2023.
Kathleen
Kathleen is the Irish form of Katherine. It could also be based on the Gaelic Caitlín. Kathleen is famously associated with Countess Cathleen, a play by Irish writer William Butler Yeats.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: Kath-LIIYN
- Variations: Cathleen, Kataleen, Kathileen
- Namesakes: Kathleen Kennedy, an American film producer and president of Lucasfilm. Kathleen Hochul, the 57th governor of New York since 2021.
- Popularity: Kathleen ranked 672nd worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 646th for girls in 2023.
Katica
Katica is a Croatian and Slovene variation of Katherine. It’s usually given as a diminutive for girls who wish to be called “little Kathy.”
- Origin: Croatian
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: KAH-titz-Ah
- Variations: Katika
- Namesakes: Katica Illényi, a Hungarian violinist and winner of Hungary’s Outstanding Artist Award in 2020.
- Popularity: Katica is rare worldwide and primarily used in Croatia, ranking 32nd in 2014.
Katiuska
Katiuska is a Finnish form of Katherine, meaning “holy.” It’s somewhat common in Czechia and is a diminutive of the Russian Ekaterina, the Russian version of Katherine.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: Kah-tee-UWS-skah
- Variations: Katyuska, Katuska
- Popularity: Katiuska is rare worldwide and mostly used in Venezuela, where it ranked 271st in 2014.
Katniss
Katniss falls under two categories of names for girls that start with K. It’s known as an edible aquatic plant. It’s probably best known as the fictional lead character Katniss Everdeen of the Hunger Games trilogy.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Aquatic plant
- Pronunciation: KAT-nis
- Popularity: Katniss is extremely rare worldwide, with 57 known occurrences in 2014, mainly in the U.S. and Brazil.
Katriana
Katriana is one of the most unusual forms of Katherine among girl names with K. Like others, it’s taken from the Greek “katharos,” meaning “pure.”
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: Kaat-riy-AEN-Ah
- Variations: Katrina
- Popularity: Katriana is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Brazil.
Katy
Katy derives from the Greek Katherine, which is based on “katharos,” meaning “clean” and “clear.” It can also be used as a diminutive of Katherine/Catherine.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: KAY-tiy
- Variations: Katey, Katie
- Namesakes: Katy Rose, an American singer-songwriter known for “Overdrive,” featured in “Mean Girls.” Katy Spychakov, an Israeli windsurfer and winner of the 2019 U21 Women’s RS:X World Championships.
- Popularity: Katy is rare worldwide, mostly used in the U.S., and ranked 375th in England in 2014.
Kaur
If you’re looking for one of the coolest-sounding K names for girls that isn’t based on Katherine, Kaur is it. It means “lioness” too and is used as a surname by female Sikhs. Kaur also means “spiritual princess,” used as a masculine name in Estonia.
- Origin: Indian, Sikh
- Meaning: Princess
- Pronunciation: KAOR
- Variations: Kore
- Popularity: Kaur is rare worldwide, mainly used in India, and ranked 569th in Estonia in 2014.
Kay
Kay can be a short form of Katherine that often feels old-fashioned today. It means “keeper of the keys” in Arthurian Legend since Sir Kay was a knight of King Arthur.
- Origin: Greek, English
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: KAEY
- Variations: Kaiy, Kaye
- Namesakes: Kay Hull, an Australian member of the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2010. Kay Burley, an English presenter on Sky News.
- Popularity: Kay ranked 1,974th worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., ranking 659th for girls in 2023.
Kayden
Kayden means “round” and “gentle” in Old English and “battle-ready” or “fighter” in Gaelic. It may be based on the Welsh surname Cadell, meaning “spirit of battle.” Kaden is more prominent as a boy’s name but fits in nicely for modern girls.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Strength
- Pronunciation: KEY-Dehn
- Variations: Caden, Kadyn
- Popularity: Kayden is very rare worldwide, mostly used in Singapore, and ranked 564th in Curacao in 2014.
Kaylani
Kaylani is made up of the Hawaiian “kai,” meaning “sea,” and “lani,” meaning “heavenly.” It means “sea of heaven” for little girls who wish to hear the waves lap upon the shore.
- Origin: Hawaiian
- Meaning: Royal sea
- Pronunciation: Key-LAH-niy
- Variations: Kailani, Kaylaney, Kaylanie, Kaylany
- Popularity: Kaylani is very rare worldwide, mainly used in Brazil, and ranked 285th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Kaylee
A combination of Kay and Lee, Kaylee means “laurel,” but can also be another form of Katherine, meaning “pure.” It sounds distinctly American but is also very common in Hong Kong.
- Origin: English, Greek
- Meaning: Crown
- Pronunciation: KAEY-liy
- Variations: Kaley, Kayleigh, Kayley
- Namesakes: Kaylee Dakers, a Canadian swimmer with the Cobra Swim Club. Kaylee Hartung, an American broadcaster for CBS News.
- Popularity: Kaylee is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 251st for girls in 2023.
Keala
Keala is one of many Hawaiian women’s names that start with K. It also appears as Ke’ala and was most popular in the 1950s as a unisex name.
- Origin: Hawaiian
- Meaning: The path
- Pronunciation: Keh-AH-la
- Variations: Ke’ala
- Namesakes: Keala Kennelly, a Hawaiian surfer and the 2003 Triple Crown Winner. Keala Settle, an American singer whose song “This Is Me” won the 2017 Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
- Popularity: Keala is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Keeva
Keeva is based on the Irish Caoimhe, meaning “gentle” and “precious.” It may appear as Kiva, but is spelled Keeva in Ulster in Northern Ireland. Keeva is also associated with the Hebrew Akiva, meaning “to protect.”
- Origin: Irish, Hebrew
- Meaning: Beautiful
- Pronunciation: Kiy-Vaa
- Namesakes: Keeva Fennelly, an Irish camogie player and the 2009 Waterford IT Ashbourne Cup and league-winning captain.
- Popularity: Keeva is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Keisha
Keisha derives from the Hebrew Keziah and is inspired by the Cassia tree, which produces cinnamon. The original Keziah was one of Job’s daughters in the Bible, while Keisha is common as an African-American name.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Cassia
- Pronunciation: KIY-Shaa
- Variations: Keesha, Kiesha
- Namesakes: Keisha Bottoms, the 60th mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, from 2018 to 2022. Keisha White, an English R&B singer of the theme to the CBBC series The Story of Tracy Beaker (2002 to 2005).
- Popularity: Keisha is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,397th for girls in 2022.
Kelda
Kelda is a name based on the Old Norse language, once spoken in Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. It means “fountain” and is one of the most fanciful girl names that start with K, thanks to its Scandinavian feel.
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Meaning: Spring, fountain
- Pronunciation: KEHLD-ah
- Namesakes: Kelda Holmes, an English actress in the children’s program Press Gang. Kelda Roys, an American politician in the Wisconsin State Senate since 2021.
- Popularity: Kelda is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Kelilah
Kelilah means “victorious” as well, which allows it to be an elevated version of the similar-looking Delilah.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Crown, laurel
- Pronunciation: Keh-LIY-lah
- Variations: Kelila
- Popularity: Kelilah is extremely rare worldwide, with only 17 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in the U.S.
Kelly
Kelly also means “bright-headed” in Gaelic and is based on the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh. It means “descendent of Ceallach,” yet has remained a powerfully popular name for girls.
- Origin: Celtic, Gaelic
- Meaning: Warrior
- Pronunciation: KEHL-iy
- Variations: Kelie, Kelley, Kelli, Kellie
- Namesakes: Kelly Ripa, an American talk show host of Live! with Kelly and Ryan since 2001. Kelly Clarkson, an American singer who won the first season of American Idol in 2002.
- Popularity: Kelly ranked 545th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., ranking 706th for girls in 2023.
Kendall
Kendall comes from the Old English “cyne,” meaning “royal,” and “dael,” meaning “valley.” As a surname, it refers to the Kent river valley in southwest England called “the garden of England.”
- Origin: Celtic
- Meaning: Valley of the River Kent
- Pronunciation: KEHN-Dael
- Variations: Kendahl, Kendal, Kendalle, Kendl
- Namesakes: Kendall Jenner, an American model appearing in Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Kendall Brown, a New Zealand snowboarder who competed at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
- Popularity: Kendall is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 251st for girls in 2023.
Kendra
Kendra has other meanings, like “wise ruler,” “greatest champion,” and “high hill.” It was a feminine form of Kenneth and was most popular in the mid-1980s to 1990s, peaking in 1987.
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Knowing
- Pronunciation: KEHN-Drah
- Variations: Kendrah, Kenndra
- Namesakes: Kendra Harrison, an American hurdler who competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Kendra Wilkinson, an American TV personality on The Girls Next Door reality series.
- Popularity: Kendra is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 688th for girls in 2023.
Kenley
Kenley refers to a “well-known clearing,” which appears as “the king’s meadow.” It was an Old English surname and now a unisex name, first charting for girls in 2008.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: The King’s meadow
- Pronunciation: KEHN-Liy
- Variations: Kenlee, Kenleigh, Kenli, Kenlie
- Popularity: Kenley is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Haiti, where it ranked 835th in 2014.
Kenna
Kenna is the female variation of Kenneth, meaning “fire-born” and “handsome.” It was inspired by Kenneth Mac Alpin, the first King of Scotland, but comes across perfectly for your little queen.
- Origin: Gaelic, Welsh
- Meaning: Quick love
- Pronunciation: KEHN-ah
- Variations: Kennah
- Popularity: Kenna is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., ranking 709th for girls in 2021.
Kennedy
Kennedy originated as a name in 10th-century Ireland. It was originally Cinnéidigh, meaning “chief of the clan.” Kennedy is an example of a surname and boy’s name now more popular among female names that start with K.
- Origin: Celtic
- Meaning: Helmeted chief
- Pronunciation: KEH-neh-Diy
- Variations: Kennedee, Kennedey, Kennedi, Kennedie
- Namesakes: Kennedy McMann, an American actress known for the 2019 series Nancy Drew. Kennedy Faulknor, a Canadian soccer player with the Canadian national team.
- Popularity: Kennedy is uncommon worldwide, primarily used in Kenya, and ranked 70th for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Kensley
Kensley is a compound name composed of the Old Norse “kelda,” meaning “well,” and the Old English “lēah,” meaning “clearing.” It’s more recognizable as a surname and boy’s name but still proves somewhat common for girls in the U.S.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Spring glade
- Pronunciation: KEHNZ-Liy
- Variations: Kinsley
- Popularity: Kensley is very rare worldwide, mostly used in Haiti, and ranked 563rd for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Kenya
Kenya means “animal horn” in Hebrew and is the name of the East African nation of Kenya. It’s more common for girls, especially African-American ones, who wish to show off majestic female names that start with K.
- Origin: African, Russian
- Meaning: Mountain of white
- Pronunciation: KEHN-Yaa
- Variations: Kennya, Kenyah
- Namesakes: Kenya D. Williamson, an American writer of Depth of Focus: A Novel. Kenya Moore, an American actress appearing on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
- Popularity: Kenya is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,657th for girls in 2022.
Kenzie
As a Gaelic surname, Kenzie means “child of the wise leader” and “born of fire.” It’s a nickname for the gender-neutral MacKenzie, originally the surname MacCoinnich. Kenzie originally came from the Gaelic “cann,” meaning “bright.”
- Origin: Gaelic
- Meaning: Fair one
- Pronunciation: KEHN-Ziy
- Variations: Kenzee
- Namesakes: Kenzie Ruston Hemric, an American stock car driver who competed at the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2015. Kenzie Ziegler, an American dancer appearing on the Lifetime series Dance Moms.
- Popularity: Kenzie is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 302nd for girls in 2021.
Keren
Keren means “glorious dignity” in Hebrew and is a shorter version of Kerenhappuch. It was one of Job’s daughters’ names in the Bible. Keren fools the viewer into thinking it’s Karen until a closer look.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Strength, power
- Pronunciation: KEH-Rehn
- Namesakes: Keren Peles, an Israeli singer-songwriter named Israeli Singer of the Year. Keren Yedaya, an Israeli filmmaker whose 2004 film Or (My Treasure) won the Caméra d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
- Popularity: Keren is rare worldwide and mostly used in Uganda, where it ranked 627th in 2014.
Kerenza
Kerenza is the literal Cornish word for “love.” It may sound like an Italian last name more than a girl’s name. Rest assured – your little girl is sure to be the only Kerenza for miles.
- Origin: Cornish, English
- Meaning: Love
- Pronunciation: Keh-REHNZ-ah
- Variations: Kerensa
- Namesakes: Kerenza Peacock, an English violinist with the London Symphony Orchestra.
- Popularity: Kerenza is very rare worldwide and mainly used in England.
Kerry
Kerry is also a county in Ireland and a name meaning “dark princess.” It also means “dear” in Latin and Spanish. Though used more for boys, Kerry is still mildly uncommon in the U.S. as of 2021.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Black-haired
- Pronunciation: KEH-Riy
- Variations: Kerri, Keri, Kerie, Kerrie, Kery
- Namesakes: Kerry Fox, a New Zealand actress best known for the film An Angel at My Table. Kerry Healey, the 70th Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007.
- Popularity: Kerry is uncommon worldwide, primarily used in the U.S., and ranked 35th in New Zealand in 2014.
Ketevan
Ketevan derives from the Georgian Katāyoun, who was a character in Persian mythology. Georgians sometimes use Ketevan as a form of Katherine and employ the nicknames Keti, Keto, and Ketino for Ketevan.
- Origin: Georgian, Persian
- Meaning: Queen of the house
- Pronunciation: KEH-teh-Vahn
- Namesakes: Ketevan Arakhamia-Grant, a Georgian-Scottish Grandmaster of chess, who won the Women’s Soviet Chess Championship in 1990. Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality in Georgia from 2016 to 2020.
- Popularity: Ketevan is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Greece, ranking 1,640th in 2014.
Keturah
Keturah is based on the Hebrew “ketoret,” meaning “incense.” It represents the name of Abraham’s second wife in the Old Testament, who was as pleasing as incense.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Fragrance
- Pronunciation: Keh-TUWR-ah
- Namesakes: Keturah Anderson, a Canadian hurdler and bronze medalist at the 1999 World Indoor Championships. Keturah Sorrell, a British actress appearing in the series Waiting for God.
- Popularity: Keturah is rare worldwide, mainly used in Nigeria, and ranked 594th in Jamaica in 2014.
Keziah
When attributed to Job’s daughter Kezia in the Bible, it means “restored to the heart of God.” It’s also inspired by the Cassia Tree, which produces the cinnamon spice.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Cassia Tree
- Pronunciation: KEH-ziy-Ah
- Variations: Kezia
- Popularity: Keziah is rare worldwide, primarily used in Nigeria, and ranked 808th in Kenya in 2014.
Khadijah
Khadijah likewise means “early baby,” “trustworthy,” and “respect.” It’s also famously the name of Khadija bint Khuwaylid, the first wife of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Pre-mature child
- Pronunciation: Kaa-DIY-Jhaa
- Variations: Khadija, Khadeeja
- Namesakes: Khadijah Whittington, an American basketball player for the CSM Satu Mare. Khadijah Hashim, a Malaysian writer of Sayang Sayang, which is on the Honour List of the International Board on Books for Young People (2002).
- Popularity: Khadijah is rare worldwide, mostly used in Nigeria, and ranked 267th in Malaysia in 2014.
Kharissa
Kharissa is based on Charis, which Edmund Spencer used in The Faerie Queene poem. It’s a title used in ancient Greece as the female variation of Chares.
- Origin: Latin, Greek
- Meaning: Beloved, grace
- Pronunciation: Kha-RIYS-ah
- Variations: Charissa
- Popularity: Kharissa is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Indonesia.
Khloe
Khloe means “green shoot on a plant or flower” in Greek. In Greek mythology, Chloe is a second name for Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. Khloe’s “K” spelling has grown in popularity because of Khloe Kardashian.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Green shoot, blossoming
- Pronunciation: KLOW-iy
- Variations: Khloey, Chloe
- Namesakes: Khloé Kardashian, an American socialite starring in the reality series Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
- Popularity: Khloe is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 176th for girls in 2021.
Kiana
Kiana is the female form of the Irish Kian, meaning “God is gracious.” It has ancient Persian origins as Qiana and Quiana, meaning “divine” in Hawaiian.
- Origin: Irish, Persian
- Meaning: Ancient
- Pronunciation: Kiy-AEN-ah
- Variations: Kianna, Keana, Keanna, Kyana, Kyanna
- Namesakes: Kiana Eide, an American rhythmic gymnast and gold medalist at the 2015 Pan American Games. Kiana Firouz, an Iranian filmmaker appearing in the film Cul-de-Sac.
- Popularity: Kiana is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 659th in 2023.
Kiara
Kiara is based on the Irish root “ciar,” meaning “black.” It can be a variation of the Italian Chiara or the Irish Ciara. In Korean, Kiara means “cockatoo” and “the first ray of sun.”
- Origin: Irish, Italian
- Meaning: Dark one
- Pronunciation: Kiy-AHR-aa
- Variations: Keara, Keearra, Kiarra
- Namesakes: Kiara Fontanilla, a Filipino footballer for the Philippines women’s national team. Kiara Delgado, a Puerto Rican beauty pageant titleholder, crowned Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2018.
- Popularity: Kiara is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 332nd for girls in 2021.
Kiki
Kiki means “Sunday” in Greek and “follower of Christ” in Norse. It also means “crisis” in Japan and can be a sassy nickname among K names for girls.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Double happiness
- Pronunciation: KIY-Kiy
- Variations: Keeki
- Namesakes: Kiki Byrne, a Norwegian-English fashion designer famous on London’s King’s Road in the 1950s and 1960s. Kiki Bertens, a Dutch tennis player and one of the highest-ranked Dutch female players.
- Popularity: Kiki is rare worldwide, primarily used in Indonesia, and ranked 352nd for girls in the U.S. in 2023.
Kimberly
Kimberly means “from the royal fortress meadow” and originally referred to a “clearing of a woman named Cyneburg.” Kimberly peaked as the second most popular American name for girls between 1966 and 1967.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From the wood of the royal forest
- Pronunciation: KIHM-ber-Liy
- Variations: Kimberley, Kimmberly
- Namesakes: Kimberley (Kim) Deal, an American musician and member of the alternative rock band The Pixies. Kimberly Moser, an American member of the Kentucky House of Representatives since 2017.
- Popularity: Kimberly ranked 915th worldwide and is mostly used in the U.S., ranking 384th for girls in 2023.
Kimona
Kimona is also an English name meaning “enchanting.” It appears as a Hawaiian variation of Simon, taken from the Hebrew Shimon, meaning “heard.”
- Origin: Jamaican
- Meaning: Resting
- Pronunciation: Kiy-MAOR-ah
- Variations: Kemora
- Popularity: Kimona is very rare worldwide and mainly used in DR Congo.
Kincső
Kincső was invented by the 19th-century Hungarian author Mór Jókai in the book The Novel of the Next Century. It’s rare elsewhere, but it still ranked in the top 100 Hungarian girls’ names and peaked in 2007.
- Origin: Romanian, Hungarian
- Meaning: Treasure
- Pronunciation: KIHN-schow
- Namesakes: Kincső Takács, a Hungarian sprint canoeist who competed at the 2018 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships.
- Popularity: Kincső is very rare worldwide, primarily used in Romania, and ranked 735th in Hungary in 2014.
Kinsley
Kinsley comes from the Old English Cynesige, meaning “royal” and “victory.” It’s more often a surname but feels modern for girls who want some regalness to their name.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: King’s meadow
- Pronunciation: KIHNZ-Liy
- Variations: Kinslee, Kinsleigh, Kinsli, Kinslie, Kinsly
- Popularity: Kinsley is very rare worldwide, mostly used in Nigeria, and ranked 40th for girls in the U.S. in 2023.
Kira
Kira is an English version of the Irish Ciara, meaning “dark-haired.” It also means “strong woman” in Slavic. Kira may derive from the Greek “kyrios,” meaning “lord,” giving it the meaning of “mistress.”
- Origin: Russian, Greek
- Meaning: Throne
- Pronunciation: KIH-Raa
- Variations: Kyra
- Namesakes: Kira Cochrane, a British journalist and Head of Features at The Guardian. Kira Trusova, a Russian handball player for the Russian national team.
- Popularity: Kira is rare worldwide, mainly used in Russia, and ranked 321st for girls in the U.S. in 2023.
Kit
Kit is a diminutive of Christopher for boys and Katherine for girls. Kit Carson was an old West lawman who may have inspired many modern-day Kits.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Bearing Christ
- Pronunciation: KIHT
- Variations: Kitt
- Popularity: Kit is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in Hong Kong, where it ranked 3rd in 2014.
Kitty
Kitty is an old nickname for Katherine, meaning “pure.” It’s the most adorable, witty, and feminine of names for girls that start with K. Kitty was much more popular in its day than Kathy is today.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: KIH-tiy
- Variations: Kittie
- Namesakes: Katharine “Kitty” Dukakis, the American wife of former Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis. Kitty Jutbring, a Swedish reality TV personality and radio host on Sveriges Radio P3.
- Popularity: Kitty is rare worldwide, mostly used in the U.S., and ranked 305th in the Netherlands in 2014.
Klara
Klara is a Slavic variation of Clara, taken from the Latin “clarus,” meaning “clear” or “famous.” It was used due to the 13th-century Saint Clare of Assisi, who followed Saint Francis.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Bright
- Pronunciation: KLAA-Raa
- Variations: Clara
- Namesakes: Klara (born Klára Vytisková), a Czech singer named Female Singer of the Year at the 2015 Anděl Awards.
- Popularity: Klara is rare worldwide, mainly used in Germany, and ranked 367th for girls in the U.S. in 2022.
Klaudia
Klaudia means “crippled” or “limping” when based on the Latin “claudus.” It also refers to a person born “of the patrician Claudii,” which originated as the Roman Claudii, a powerful noble family in ancient Rome.
- Origin: Polish, German
- Meaning: Lame
- Pronunciation: KLAW-diy-Yaa
- Variations: Claudia
- Namesakes: Klaudia Kulon, a Polish chess player and International Master in 2019. Klaudia Szemereyné Pataki, a Hungarian member of the National Assembly from 2013 to 2014.
- Popularity: Klaudia is rare worldwide and primarily used in Poland, ranking 119th in 2014.
Kohar
Kohar likewise means “gem” in Armenian. It’s Urdu for the Persian Gohar, meaning “brilliant,” and is otherwise a mystery among women’s names that start with K.
- Origin: Armenian
- Meaning: Jewel
- Pronunciation: KOW-Haar
- Popularity: Kohar is rare worldwide and mostly used in Indonesia.
Konstantina
Konstantina comes from the Latin “Cōstantīnus.” It uses the root “cōnstāns,” meaning “stand still” and “firm.” Konstantina is also a nod to the ancient kingdom of Constantinople.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Constancy, steadfast
- Pronunciation: Kaan-staan-TIYN-Ah
- Variations: Konstantyna
- Namesakes: Konstantina Benteli, a Greek weightlifter and gold medalist at the 2018 Mediterranean Games. Konstantina Moutos, a Greek-New Zealand fashion designer and winner of the Supreme Award at the Benson & Hedges Fashion Design Awards in 1986.
- Popularity: Konstantina is rare worldwide and mainly used in Greece, where it ranked 60th in 2014.
Kora
Kora derives from the Greek “kórē,” meaning “maiden.” It also means “horn” when based on Cornelia, meaning “heart.” Kora is another name for the Greek goddess Persephone.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Maiden
- Pronunciation: KAOR-aa
- Variations: Cora
- Namesakes: Kora Karvouni, a Greek actress appearing in the film September (2013). Kora Boufflert, a French race walker who won the Paris-Colmar Women’s walk race in 1995.
- Popularity: Kora is rare worldwide, primarily used in Ethiopia, and ranked 328th for girls in the U.S. in 2023.
Kori
Kori can be an alternative to the Greek Kora, but it exists as its own kind of moniker representing girl names with K. It also means “to lamb” in Kikuyu culture. Kori means “hollow” when based on Corey, which is unisex all around.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Maiden
- Pronunciation: KAOR-iy
- Variations: Kory, Korey, Korie, Korri, Korrie
- Namesakes: Kori Inkpen, a Canadian computer scientist focused on human-computer interaction at Microsoft Research.
- Popularity: Kori is rare worldwide, mostly used in Pakistan, and ranked 673rd for girls in the U.S. in 2021.
Korva
Korva has Slavic origins as “cow” but is used more as a unisex name in India than anywhere else. This may be because it’s based on Kaurava, which is Sanskrit for “the descendants of Kuru,” a famous Indian king.
- Origin: Slavic
- Meaning: Cow
- Pronunciation: KAOR-Vah
- Variations: Corva
- Popularity: Korva is very rare worldwide and mainly used in India.
Konstanze
Konstanze is a Germanic alternative to the Latin Constance, meaning “constant” and “steadfast.” It’s still mostly used in Germany today but can be made more accessible with the nickname Stanzi.
- Origin: German, Latin
- Meaning: The steady one
- Pronunciation: Kaan-STAEN-zey
- Variations: Konstancja, Constanza, Konstanczia
- Namesakes: Konstanze Dahn, a 19th-century German actress at the Royal Court Theater.
- Popularity: Konstanze is rare worldwide and primarily used in Germany, ranking 882nd in 2014.
Kourtney
Kourtney first referred to the “domain of Curtenus” when taken from the Latin “curtus,” meaning “broken.” It was a surname for someone from Courtenay in Northern France and then came to England with the 1066 Norman Conquest.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From the King’s court
- Pronunciation: KAORT-Niy
- Variations: Courtney, Kortnee, Kortney, Kortni
- Namesakes: Kourtney Kardashian, an American media personality in the reality series Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
- Popularity: Kourtney is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it’s slightly uncommon.
Krasimira
Krasimira comes from the Slavic “Krešimir.” It’s composed of “krasa,” meaning “beauty” and “splendor,” and “mir,” meaning “peace.” Krasimira is also the female equivalent of the Bulgarian Krasimir.
- Origin: Bulgarian, Slavic
- Meaning: Beautiful peace
- Pronunciation: Kaa-siy-MIH-Rah
- Variations: Krassimira
- Namesakes: Krassimira Daskalova, a Bulgarian co-editor of the journal Aspasia since 2007.
- Popularity: Krasimira is rare worldwide and mainly used in Bulgaria, ranking 55th in 2014.
Kristen
Kristen is an alternate version of Christina. It was a top 100 name for American girls in 1969 and peaked at 33rd in 1982. Kristen deserves a classic comeback after years of popularity.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Follower of Christ
- Pronunciation: KRIHS-Tehn
- Variations: Kirsten
- Namesakes: Kristen Schaal, an American voice actress on the series Bob’s Burgers. Kristen Soltis Anderson, an American writer for The Daily Beast.
- Popularity: Kristen is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 696th for girls in 2023.
Kristina
Kristina derives from the Latin Christinus. It means “anointed one” and is one of the more traditional girl names that start with K. Nicknames for Kristina vary from Kristy or Tina in the U.S. to Krisya or Kristya in Russia.
- Origin: Greek, Latin
- Meaning: Anointed
- Pronunciation: Krihs-TIY-naa
- Variations: Khristina, Krystina, Christina, Krystyna
- Namesakes: Kristina Gorshkova, a Russian ice dancer and the 2008 World Junior bronze medalist. Kristina Krepela, a Croatian actress appearing in La Femme Musketeer.
- Popularity: Kristina ranked 411th worldwide, is mostly used in Russia, and ranked 696th for girls in the U.S. in 2023.
Krpana
Krpana is mysterious among girl names that start with K, as a Slavic name meaning “patchwork.” It finds more use as an Indian name meaning “miserly,” but there’s nothing quite like it out there.
- Origin: Slavic
- Meaning: Patchwork
- Pronunciation: Kihr-PAHN-ah
- Popularity: Krpana is extremely rare worldwide, with only three occurrences in 2014 in India.
Kryska
Kryska is a typically Slavic variation of Christina. It comes from the Latin “Christianus,” meaning “Christian,” and is a very unique alternative to Kristine.
- Origin: Greek, Russian
- Meaning: Follower of Christ
- Pronunciation: KRIHS-Kah
- Popularity: Kryska is extremely rare worldwide, with 52 known occurrences in 2014, mainly in Russia.
Krystal
Krystal is a more modern, Americanized spelling of Crystal, used to describe gemstones. It’s based on the ancient Greek “krystallos,” meaning “ice,” a common diamond nickname.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Ice
- Pronunciation: KRIHS-Taal
- Variations: Kristal, Kristel, Kristol, Crystal
- Namesakes: Krystal Barter, an Australian founder of the Pink Hope breast cancer awareness organization. Krystal Sutherland, an Australian writer of the novel Our Chemical Hearts.
- Popularity: Krystal is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 1,508th for girls in 2021.
Kyla
Kyla means “cloud” when based on the Old Norse “sky.” It entered the name charts in 1974, and, though less prominent today, Kyla still feels cute as a button for girls of any period.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Crown of laurel
- Pronunciation: KAY-Laa
- Variations: Kylah
- Namesakes: Kyla Leibel, a Canadian swimmer and silver medalist at the 2019 Pan American Games. Kyla Kenedy, an American actress appearing in The Walking Dead series.
- Popularity: Kyla is rare and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 497th for girls in 2021.
Kylie
Kylie means “narrow channel” in Scottish. When based on the Irish surname O’Kiely/O’Cadhla, it means “descendant(s) of the graceful one.” Kylie peaked in popularity in 1991 at #43, possibly because of pop sensation Kylie Minogue.
- Origin: Scottish, Aboriginal
- Meaning: Boomerang
- Pronunciation: KAEY-Liy
- Variations: Kiley, Kylee, Kyleigh, Kyley
- Namesakes: Kylie Oversen, an American member of the North Dakota House of Representatives from 2013 to 2016. Kylie Duarte, an American pair skater, and the 2012 U.S. junior bronze medalist.
- Popularity: Kylie is rare worldwide and mainly used in Australia, ranking 90th in 2014.
Kyllikki
Kyllikki also means “abundance” in Finnish. It comes from a Finnish myth about the earth’s formation, called The Kalevala. Kyllikki is a beautiful maiden in the story, just like your special Kyllikki can be.
- Origin: Finnish
- Meaning: Woman of strength
- Pronunciation: Kah-LIY-kee
- Popularity: Kyllikki is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Finland, where it ranked 270th in 2014.
K Names for Girls FAQs
What are Some Unique K Names for a Girl?
Girl names with K include many unique choices, like Kahlia, Kaija, and Katriana. Kahlia means “keeper of the keys,” while Kaija means “life.” Katriana is an extra special version of Katrina, meaning “pure.” There are other odd choices, like Keilani, meaning “royal one,” and Kerenza, meaning “love.”
What is the Most Popular K Girl Name?
The most popular K name for girls worldwide is a unisex one. Kai is gender-neutral, ranking 173rd globally, and is more common for boys than girls. Katherine is the most popular K name for girls in the U.S. in 2023, ranking 162nd.
