North, hope, or castle
The name Kitai has multiple potential origins depending on the cultural context. In Japanese, it can be derived from kanji meaning 'hope' or 'expectation,' while in Slavic contexts, it historically referred to a fortified settlement or 'castle.' It is also the archaic Russian name for China (Cathay).
Less common today
Kitai isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #2,204 in 2014.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
The protagonist played by Jaden Smith · After Earth
