Kenji Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kenji is a Japanese name meaning strong or healthy, often referring to a second son. It has evolved from historical Japanese forms and is associated with positive traits. There is no biblical relevance to this name, and it has gained popularity in modern Japan as a symbol of strength.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kenji"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɛn.dʒi/
Origin
Japanese
Etymology
The name Kenji is derived from the Japanese elements 'ken' which can mean 'strong' or 'healthy', and 'ji' which means 'second' or 'son'. It often denotes a second son or a strong child.
Meaning
strong, healthy, second son
Language Evolution
Kenji (現代日本語), Kenshi (古典日本語)
Historical Usage
Kenji has been a common name in Japan for many generations and gained popularity in the 20th century as a representation of modern Japanese naming trends.
Variants & Derivatives
Ken, Kenjiro, Kensuke
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kenji is viewed positively in Japan and is associated with strength and vitality. It is also recognized in various cultures outside Japan due to globalization.
Famous People
Kenji Miyazawa (poet and author), Kenji Takemoto (professional wrestler), Kenjiro Tsuda (voice actor)
📊 Kenji Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Kenji Name Visualizations
✨ Kenji Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 336 peak births in 2022
Geographic Spread
Popular across 29 US states, with strongest presence in Hawaii
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Kenji" - Complete Guide (8 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Kenji". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 8 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Kenji" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kenji"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Kenji"
"Kenji" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1953rd of 7545 | 262 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2625th of 6773 | 155 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4339th of 7552 | 55 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1459th of 10718 | 567 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2006th of 16616 | 546 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1542nd of 24088 | 1,445 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1057th of 23106 | 2,343 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 13184th of 19264 | 21 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 28780th of 35406 | 12 |
Regional Popularity of "Kenji" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - |
30.91% 353rd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - |
37.69% 583rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
47.63% 1399th/2937 |
39.45% 1374th/3483 |
35.56% 1251st/3518 |
24.93% 1008th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
57.42% 2116th/3685 |
52.36% 2343rd/4475 |
- |
18.66% 1179th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
34.77% 1593rd/4582 |
39.35% 2032nd/5164 |
28.99% 2120th/7313 |
12.81% 956th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
32.08% 1278th/3984 |
23.58% 1058th/4487 |
17.05% 1163rd/6822 |
12.44% 781st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Kenji" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kenji"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kenji" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Kenji" in the United States
The name Kenji is most popular in Hawaii, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kenji has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Kenji' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1953rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2625th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4339th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1459th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2006th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1542nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1057th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 13184th out of 19264 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 28780th out of 35406 names. Discover how the name 'Kenji' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.