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).
About 15 boys were named Kitai in 2025.
The protagonist played by Jaden Smith · After Earth
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
