Kei Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationKAY / keɪJapanese; Chinese
Meaning
Japanese: blessing; Chinese: victory
Historical & Cultural Background
In Japanese culture, the name Kei can be associated with various kanji characters that convey positive meanings such as blessing or respect. In Chinese, the name can also represent victory or triumph, depending on the characters used. The name is relatively common in Japan and has gained some recognition in other cultures due to globalization and cultural exchange. It is often used in various contexts, including literature and popular media.
Trend Summary
The name Kei has seen moderate popularity in the U.S., particularly among parents seeking unique yet culturally rich names.
Similar Names
Variants
- Keiichi
- Keitaro
International Variants
- Kai (German)
- Kye (English)
Famous people named Kei
Kei Nishikori is a professional tennis player from Japan, known for his achievements on the ATP tour.
Kei Kamara is a professional soccer player from Sierra Leone, recognized for his contributions to Major League Soccer.
Fictional characters named Kei
Kei is a character in the anime series 'Gundam', known for his role as a pilot.
Kei is a character in the manga 'Kimi ni Todoke', who plays a supportive role in the story.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Kei was first seen in the United States in 1920. Kei has ranked as high as #1361 nationally, which occurred in 2015, and has been most popular in California. In the past 5 years the name Kei has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Kei (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 8 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1920 | 6 |
| 1925 | 7 |
| 1977 | 6 |
| 1979 | 9 |
| 1980 | 8 |
| 1982 | 10 |
| 1984 | 9 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1988 | 5 |
| 1989 | 9 |
| 1990 | 11 |
| 1991 | 15 |
| 1992 | 11 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 10 |
| 1995 | 10 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 13 |
| 1998 | 11 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 15 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 11 |
| 2003 | 13 |
| 2004 | 18 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 13 |
| 2008 | 17 |
| 2009 | 14 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2012 | 16 |
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 25 |
| 2015 | 33 |
| 2016 | 30 |
| 2017 | 25 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2024 | 22 |