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Kenji Boy

Popularity: #647 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationKEN-jee / ˈkɛn.dʒi

Japanese

Meaning

intelligent second son; strong second son

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Kenji is of Japanese origin, composed of two kanji characters: "Ken" (健 or 賢), which can mean "healthy" or "wise," and "ji" (二), meaning "second" or "son." The name can be interpreted as "healthy second son" or "wise second son," reflecting traditional Japanese naming conventions that often denote birth order or desirable traits. The use of kanji allows for various interpretations, as different characters can be used for the same phonetic sounds, leading to a variety of meanings depending on the chosen characters.

Historically, the name Kenji has been used in Japan for centuries, with its roots traceable back to the Heian period (794-1185) when names often reflected familial lineage and virtues. The name gained prominence in the Edo period (1603-1868), a time when Japan experienced significant cultural development. During this era, the practice of naming children with auspicious meanings became more common, and names like Kenji, which embody positive attributes, were favored. The name has appeared in various literary works and historical texts, contributing to its cultural significance.

In Japanese culture, names carry deep meanings and are often chosen with care to reflect the hopes and aspirations of the parents for their children. Kenji, with its associations of health and wisdom, embodies qualities that are highly valued in Japanese society. The name has also been used in various forms of media, including literature and film, which has helped to cement its place in the cultural landscape. Additionally, diminutive forms or variations of Kenji, such as Ken, are sometimes used informally, though the original form remains the most recognized.

Trend Summary

Kenji has seen moderate popularity in the United States, particularly among families with Japanese heritage.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Ken
  • Kenjiro

International Variants

  • Kenzhi (Chinese)
  • Kenji (English)

Famous people named Kenji

Kenji Miyazawa is a poet and author best known for Night on the Galactic Railroad, The Restaurant of Many Orders, and Matasaburo of the Wind.

Kenji Goto is a journalist best known for his work in conflict zones and coverage of the Syrian civil war.

Kenji Saito is a professional wrestler best known for his time in All Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH.

Fictional characters named Kenji

Kenji is a fictional character from the manga and anime series Naruto. He is a skilled ninja known for his dedication to his village and his friends.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Kenji was first seen in the United States in 1913. Kenji has ranked as high as #1059 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in California, New York, Florida, Texas, and Hawaii. In the past 5 years the name Kenji has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Kenji (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 58
28%
TX 25
12%
FL 22
11%
NY 19
9%
GA 12
6%
PA 10
5%
MA 10
5%
NC 10
5%
WI 9
4%
OH 9
4%
VA 7
3%
WA 7
3%
HI 5
2%
IL 5
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19135
19149
19156
191610
191715
191817
191923
192027
192115
192230
192324
192420
192529
192616
192716
192817
192919
193011
193110
19326
193312
19349
193510
19366
193712
19389
193911
19408
19437
19448
19565
19587
19596
19608
19617
19627
19637
19648
19659
196611
196713
196817
196917
197016
197119
197221
197328
197425
197526
197626
197757
1978128
197984
198070
198140
198245
198328
198435
198530
198634
198722
198828
198927
199031
199132
199239
199330
199427
199555
199643
199744
199866
199956
200052
200172
200259
200360
200460
200575
200699
2007108
2008145
2009159
2010119
2011147
2012124
2013125
201496
2015122
2016125
2017137
2018141
2019156
2020245
2021281
2022336
2023296
2024283