Koi Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Koi' originates from Japanese, meaning 'carp'. It evolved from the term 'nishikigoi', referring to ornamental carp. Koi fish have gained popularity particularly in ornamental settings since the 19th century in Japan. They symbolize good fortune and resilience. There is no biblical relevance associated with the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Koi"
Pronunciation
/kɔɪ/
Origin
Japanese
Etymology
The word 'koi' derives from the Japanese term for carp, specifically from the word 'nishikigoi', which means 'brocaded carp'.
Meaning
carp
Language Evolution
Koi (Japanese), Nishikigoi (Japanese)
Historical Usage
The popularity of koi as ornamental fish began in Japan in the 19th century, especially during the Edo period.
Variants & Derivatives
Koi fish, Nishikigoi
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, koi are highly regarded in various cultures, symbolizing luck, perseverance, and strength, and are often associated with ponds and decorative gardens.
📊 Koi Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Koi Name Visualizations
✨ Koi Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 127 peak births in 2023
Geographic Spread
Popular across 9 US states, with strongest presence in Louisiana
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Koi" - Complete Guide (7 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Koi". 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 7 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 "Koi" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Koi"
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 "Koi"
"Koi" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 12845th of 16616 | 15 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4834th of 24088 | 274 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2981st of 23106 | 484 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 10733rd of 35406 | 141 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4010th of 30306 | 444 |
Regional Popularity of "Koi" by Generation for Male 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) |
- | - |
60.11% 4396th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.99% 3187th/3984 |
69.69% 3127th/4487 |
36.07% 2461st/6822 |
71.13% 4464th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Koi" 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) |
- | - |
100.00% 7313th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
82.79% 3715th/4487 |
44.83% 3058th/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity of "Koi"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Koi" 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 "Koi" in the United States
The name Koi is most popular in Louisiana, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady 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, Koi has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled 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 female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Koi' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12845th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4834th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2981st out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 10733rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4010th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Koi' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.