Girl Names That Start With K

Some families choose to name their children with the letter K as part of a tradition, while others are drawn to its sleek and contemporary appeal.

Whether rooted in custom or personal preference, names that start with the letter K have a unique charm.

Popular Girl Names That Start With K

Kinsley

Kinsley tops the list as the most popular girl name starting with K.

Although modern, its roots lie in a place name meaning “clearing beyond the Cyne.” Cyne is short for names associated with “royal.” Before 1990, it was rare, but it has surged in popularity and remains a favorite.

Kennedy

Kennedy is a unisex name derived from the Irish surname with roots in the Gaelic Ó Cinnéidigh, meaning “armored head.”

Once primarily recognized due to President Kennedy, it has now gained popularity as a girls’ name.

Kaylee

Kaylee is a contemporary name created from the sounds of kay and lee. It is also a variant of Kayleigh.

Originating from the Gaelic word ceilidh, meaning a traditional gathering and dance, it’s a delightful choice for a cheerful baby.

Kylie

With roots in Australia, Kylie means “boomerang” in the Aboriginal Nyungar language.

Its popularity rose in Australia in the 1970s and 1980s and skyrocketed globally due to pop star Kylie Minogue.

Katherine

A name with royal associations, Katherine originates from the Greek name Aikaterine. It could derive from hekateros, meaning “each of the two,” or from the Greek goddess Hecate.

Katherine has been popular for centuries, often spelled as Catherine. Since the 1970s, this spelling has gained favor in the U.S.

Khloe

Khloe is a modern take on the name Chloe.

It gained significant popularity thanks to Khloe Kardashian, a celebrity known from the reality TV show Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Kehlani

Kehlani is a variant of Kailani, which means “ocean” or “sea” in Hawaiian.

The name became popular in part due to the American singer Kehlani Parrish. It also maintains a lovely connection to nature with its meanings of “sky” or “heaven.”

Kimberly

Kimberly has been favored since the mid-20th century. It originates from a place name, specifically the city of Kimberley in South Africa, which was named in honor of Lord Kimberley.

Kamila

Kamila is a variant of Camilla, coming from Czech, Slovak, and Polish traditions.

Its roots are in the Ancient Roman name, Camillus. This name is a charming choice if there are connections to Central Europe.

Kayla

Formed from simple yet appealing phonetic sounds, kay and la, Kayla became widely popular after the character Kayla Brady appeared on Days of Our Lives in 1982.

Kali

Kali can be a version of Callie or Kaylee, or it might come from the Sanskrit name meaning “the black one,” associated with the Hindu goddess Kali.

It’s a unique and powerful choice for a name.

Kaia

Kaia is a diminutive form of Katarina or Katariina, mostly used in Norway or Estonia.

It’s a soft and pretty name with international appeal.

Kiara

This variant of Ciara or Chiara gained prominence in the 1980s, partly thanks to the song This Time by the music duo Kiara, and a character named Kiara in The Lion King II.

Kendall

Originating from an English surname and meaning “valley on the river Kent,” Kendall has become more popular for girls since the 1990s.

This rise is partly due to model Kendall Jenner from the Kardashian family.

Kenzie

Kenzie, a shortened form of Mackenzie, has been increasingly used as a given name.

Mackenzie was a Scottish surname from the Gaelic Cainnech, meaning “fair.”

Kira

Kira can be a variant of Ciara or the Russian feminine form of Cyrus, meaning “young.”

This beautiful name has seen growing popularity over the years.

Kalani

Kalani is a Hawaiian name meaning “the heavens.” It is composed of ka (the) and lani (heaven). This name has a serene and celestial quality.

Kate

Shortened from Katherine, Kate has been in use since the Middle Ages.

Known through characters like Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, it’s been made popular by figures such as the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, actresses Kate Winslet and Kate Hudson, and singer Kate Bush.

Kinley

Kinley comes from the Scottish surname, an Anglicized form of Mac Fhionnlaigh, which means “fair warrior.” It’s a strong, yet elegant option.

Kensley

Kensley may derive from either Kinsley or Kelsey, referring to North or South Kelsey in Lincolnshire.

Originally a surname, it has an appealing and distinguished sound.

Unique Girl Names That Start With K

Kadiatou

Kadiatou is popular in French-influenced Western Africa. The name comes from the Arabic name Khadija, which means “premature child.”

Kaliyah

The origins of Kaliyah are not clear, but it is likely based on the Arabic name Aaliyah, which suggests high or exalted.

Kalisha

Kalisha is a mix of the prefix ka and Lisha, a diminutive of Alicia.

It is favored within the African-American community for its unique sound.

Kalpana

Kalpana means “imagining” or “fantasy” in Sanskrit. This name is well-liked in India and has connections to South Asian culture.

Kallistrate

Kallistrate translates to “beautiful army,” combining the Greek words kallos (beauty) and stratos (army).

Kamala

Kamala means “lotus” or “pale red” in Sanskrit. It is used for both boys and girls in India and was popularized by Kamala Harris, the U.S. vice president.

Kashi

Kashi is derived from one of the names for the holy city Varanasi in India. The name itself means “shining” in Sanskrit.

Katniss

Katniss is known from The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins.

The name comes from an English term for a type of edible flowering aquatic plant.

Kaur

Kaur is a name widely used in the Sikh community, meaning “princess.” In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh gave this name to all female Sikhs.

Kenya

Kenya is named after the African country, which in turn was named after Mount Kenya.

In Kikuyu, this means “the one having stripes.”

Hebrew and Biblical Baby Girl Names That Start with K

Kandake

The biblical Greek spelling of Candace, Kandake originates from Ethiopia.

It refers to one of the hereditary queens mentioned in the book of Acts in the New Testament. The name comes from the Cushitic word kdke, meaning “queen mother.”

Keren-Happuch

Meaning “horn of antimony” in Hebrew, Keren-Happuch was Job’s third daughter mentioned in the Old Testament.

This name is pronounced Kehr-an Hap-ook and carries a strong, historical essence.

Keturah

Keturah, who was Abraham’s wife after Sarah’s death, means “incense” in Hebrew. This name offers a unique and charming biblical option for a baby girl.

Keziah

One of Job’s daughters, Keziah, means “cassia” or “cinnamon” in Hebrew.

This name is not only beautiful but also carries a sweet, aromatic significance.

Kelila

Kelila is a lovely Hebrew name meaning “crown of laurel.” It’s a name imbued with a sense of honor and victory, perfect for a baby girl.

Keren

In Hebrew, Keren means “ray of light” or “horn.” The name is simple yet holds a deep significance, symbolizing brightness or strength.

Keshet

Keshet is a vivid and colorful Hebrew name that translates to “rainbow.”

It’s a delightful name that conveys a sense of wonder and beauty.

Kinneret

Kinneret is derived from the name of a large lake in northern Israel, also known as the Sea of Galilee.

It has roots in the word kinnor, meaning “harp,” creating a harmonious and melodious name for a baby girl.

Kineret

Kineret is an alternate transcription of the Hebrew name Kinneret. It offers a slightly different but equally beautiful option for naming a baby girl.

Common Girl Names That Start With K

Kamilla

Kamilla is a name with roots in Russia, Hungary, Poland, and Scandinavia.

This name is a unique twist on the more familiar Camilla. In Hungarian, Kamilla also refers to the chamomile flower.

Karen

Karen originally came from Denmark as the short form of Katherine.

It became widely used in English-speaking countries after the 1930s. In Japan, Karen can mean “flower” and “lotus.” One famous Karen is the American singer Karen Carpenter.

Karina

Karina is found commonly in Scandinavia, Russia, and the Baltics. It originates from the name Karin, the Swedish version of Katherine.

A well-known Karina is the Danish-French New Wave actress Anna Karina.

Karla

Karla is a popular name in German-speaking areas and Scandinavia. It is the feminine form of Charles.

Karolina

Karolina is a distinguished name that comes from the Latin name Carolus.

It is particularly favored in central Europe, the Balkans, and the Baltics.

Katerina

Katerina is a widely used name in Macedonia, Russia, Bulgaria, and Greece. It is a variation of Katherine.

Kathleen

Kathleen is the Anglicized version of Caitlin, the Irish form of Katherine.

Notable Kathleens include actress Kathleen Turner.

Katy

Katy or Katie are shortened versions of Kate and Katherine.

Popular figures with this name include singer Katy Perry and actress Katie Holmes.

Kerry

Kerry stems from the Irish county name, which is derived from the Gaelic word Ciarraí, meaning “Ciar’s people.”

Kim

Kim is a diminutive of Kimberly and is used for both boys and girls.

Famous Kims include actress Kim Basinger, Kim Novak, and reality TV star Kim Kardashian.

Modern Baby Girl Names Starting With K

Kacey

This is a modern variant of Casey, which comes from the Irish surname Ó Cathasaigh.

Grammy-winning American singer Kacey Musgraves is a well-known person with this name.

Kaelyn

Kaelyn, also spelled Kaylyn, is a modern name that simply combines the phonetic elements of kay and lyn.

Kaila

This is a variant of Kayla, another name that came about because people like the sound it made.

Kailee

This spelling peaked in the United States in 2009, after becoming popular in the 1980s. It’s another name that arose by combining phonetic elements.

Kalie is another variant.

Kailyn

This is another modern spelling of Kaylin.

Kaitlyn

This is a modern variant of Caitlin, which was the Irish form of Katherine.

Kameron

If you want the name Cameron with a K, here it is. The original name came from the Scottish surname meaning “crooked nose.”

Karlee

Karlee is a modern way to spell the name Carly.

Krysten

This is a modern form of Kristin, which derives from the name Christina. American actress Krysten Ritter is a well-known example of this name.

Cute and Pretty Girl Names That Start With K

Kadi

Kadi is an Estonian diminutive for Katariina, making it a charming choice for a little girl.

This name radiates sweetness and simplicity.

Kaede

This Japanese name means “maple,” making it a perfect pick for a girl as sweet as maple syrup.

Kiki

Kiki can be a diminutive for any name starting or containing the letter K.

It originates from Greek and has a bohemian flair, partly due to the association with Kiki of Montparnasse.

Kaipo

In Hawaiian, Kaipo means “sweetheart.”

It’s an adorably affectionate name for a beloved child.

Kanako

Kanako is a beautiful Japanese name.

It combines the elements ka for “fragrance,” na for “greens,” and ko for “child,” resulting in a name rich in natural imagery.

Katida

This name means “kitten” in Esperanto.

It’s a playful and endearing choice for a little girl.

Kaori

Kaori is another lovely Japanese name.

It means “fragrance,” making it a delicate and evocative option.

Katica

Katica is a diminutive of Katherine in Hungary, Croatia, and Slovenia.

In Hungary, it’s also the name given to a ladybug, adding a touch of whimsy to this sweet name.

Kelly

Kelly is a classic name of Irish origin.

It’s associated with elegance, partly due to Grace Kelly, the actress and former princess of Monaco. Modern namesakes like singer Kelly Clarkson also add to its charm.

Khushi

Khushi means “happiness” in Hindi.

This name’s joyful meaning makes it a delightful choice for a happy little girl.

International K Names for Girls

Kaarina

Kaarina is the Finnish form of Katherine.

For those with Finnish heritage or an affinity for Finnish culture, this name offers a timeless and lovely choice.

Kahina

Kahina is a name from North Africa, particularly among the Berber community.

Derived from the Arabic word al-Kahinah, it means “the diviner” or “fortuneteller.”

Kahurangi

Kahurangi is a beautiful unisex Māori name that means “sky blue.”

It is also associated with a green gemstone found in New Zealand.

Kohar

Kohar, the Western Armenian transcription of Gohar, has Persian roots.

It means “jewel” or “gemstone,” making it a precious name with rich heritage.

Ketevan

This Georgian name is either the Georgian form of Katherine or an adaptation of the Persian name Katayoun.

It means “house” and “wife,” offering a sense of tradition and familial importance.

Kalyani

Kalyani is a name found in the Mahabharata.

It means “beautiful,” “lovely,” and “auspicious” in Sanskrit and is widely used in India.

Karine

Karine is a truly international name.

It is the French form of Carina, the Norwegian form of Katherine, or an Armenian name that originated from an ancient Armenian city now in Eastern Turkey.

Katalin

Katalin is a version of Katherine especially popular in Hungary and the Basque Country.

It is also seen in other variations like Catalina in Spain and Corsica, Katelijne in Flemish, and Cătălina in Romania.

Katayoun

Katayoun comes from the Old Persian words kata (house) and banu (wife).

It appears in the tenth-century Persian epic Shahnameh, where Katayoun was the wife of Goshtasb.

Keiko

Keiko is a Japanese name with multiple meanings depending on the Kanji used.

The element kei can mean “celebrate,” “respect,” “open,” or “benefit,” while ko means “child.”

Greek Mythology Girl Names That Start With K

Kallisto

Kallisto was a nymph loved by Zeus in Greek mythology. The name means “most beautiful” in Greek.

Kassandra

Kassandra is the Greek form of Cassandra, which means “to excel” or “to shine.”

Kassandra was famous in Greek myth as a Trojan princess granted the gift of prophecy by Apollo.

Kalliope

Kalliope means “beautiful voice” in Greek.

She was the goddess of epic poetry and eloquence and also one of the nine Muses in Greek mythology.

Kalypso

Kalypso is the Greek form of the name Calypso, which in Ancient Greek meant “she that conceals.”

Kalypso is featured in The Odyssey as a nymph who fell in love with Odysseus.

Kassiopeia

Kassiopeia is the Greek form of Cassiopeia, which means “cassia juice.”

In mythology, she was the mother of Andromeda and also became the name of a constellation in the northern sky.

Kirke

The Greek form of Circe comes from the Ancient Greek word Kirkos, meaning “hawk.”

She’s most famous for turning Odysseus’s crew into pigs in The Odyssey.

Klytaimnestra

This name means “famous,” “noble,” and “courter” in Ancient Greek. In mythology, she was the wife of King Agamemnon.

Kore

Kore means “maiden” in Ancient Greek and was the name of the goddess Persephone before she became the wife of Hades, god of the Underworld.

Kleio

Coming from the Greek word kleos, meaning “glory,” Kleio was the goddess of history and historic poetry and one of the nine Muses.

According to mythology, she was also said to have introduced Greece to the alphabet.

Klotho

Klotho was one of the three Fates and her name means “spinner” in Greek.

According to mythology, she got her name as she was responsible for spinning the thread of life.

Hawaiian Names That Start With K

Kakalina

If you like the name Katherine, but want the Hawaiian form, then why not try Kakalina?

Kaimana

This beautiful Hawaiian name comprises words kai, meaning “sea,” and mana, meaning “power.” It also means “diamond” in Hawaiian.

Kala

For a different variant of the name Sara, try the Hawaiian version of the name, Kala.

Kalei

Kalei means “the flowers” or “the child” from the Hawaiian words, ka and lei.

Kalena

Kalena is the Hawaiian form of the name Karen.

Kamalani

This pretty name means “heavenly child” or “royal child” in Hawaiian.

Kapua

Kapua is a pretty name that means “the flower” or “the child” in Hawaiian.

Kaulana

This lyrical Hawaiian name means “famous.”

Kawehi

For a pretty name, you can’t go wrong with a name that literally means “adornment” in Hawaiian.

Keahi

A warm and lovely name, Keahi means “fire” in Hawaiian.