Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kami
GirlEnglish, Japanese· “short form of Camille; Japanese "divine spirit"”
- Meaning
- short form of Camille; Japanese "divine spirit"
- Origin
- English, Japanese
- Pronunciation
- KAM-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,360
- US babies 2025
- 46
- Best rank
- #551 (1972)
- Peak year
- 1980
Meaning and origin of Kami
Kami is an English and Japanese name that is usually said to mean “short form of Camille; Japanese "divine spirit"”.
Kami works in two directions. In English it is usually a short form or respelling of Cammie, from Camille or Camilla, Latin names associated with a young attendant at religious ceremonies. Separately, kami is a Japanese word for the divine spirits honored in Shinto belief, so some parents choose it for that association. In the US it is said KAM-ee, while the Japanese word is closer to KAH-mee. As a given name it has a light, friendly style that suits modern nickname names like Remi and Kacey. Cami, Cammie and Kammie are related spellings.
Popularity over time
Kami first appears in US Social Security records in 1957. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 21 different years, starting in 1967. Its best national rank was #551 in 1972, and the most babies received it in 1980, when 307 were named Kami. In 2025, 46 babies were named Kami, and it ranked #3,360 nationally. That is 27% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #604 in 1980, #1,714 in 2000, #1,708 in 2010, and #3,360 in 2025. Of the 8,925 US girls named Kami since records began, 27% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 2,027 babies. Since 2010, 1,002 more have been named Kami.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Malissa, Lindy, Andria, Mindi, and Lakeshia.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kami ranked highest in Ohio and Texas.
Gender, sound and spelling
About 97% of US babies named Kami over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Kami is usually pronounced KAM-ee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with K and ends in “-mi”.
Middle names for Kami
A few middle names that flow with Kami: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kami
Similar names
Nami Girl
NAH-mee
“wave” · Japanese
#1,404
Yumi Girl
YOO-mee
“depends on kanji; often reason and beauty” · Japanese
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Sammi Girl
SAM-ee
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Emi Girl
EH-mee
“blessing and beauty, depending on kanji” · Japanese
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Kiyomi Girl
kee-YOH-mee
“pure beauty” · Japanese
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Ami Unisex
AH-mee
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Justice Unisex
JUHS-tihs
“justice, fairness” · English
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Cadence Girl
KAY-duhns
“rhythm, flow” · English
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Carly Girl
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Haylee Girl
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Crystal Girl
KRIHS-tuhl
“crystal, ice” · Greek
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Courtney Girl
KAWRT-nee
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Lists that include Kami
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kami mean?
Kami is an English and Japanese name that is usually said to mean “short form of Camille; Japanese "divine spirit"”.
What is the origin of the name Kami?
Kami has English and Japanese roots. Kami works in two directions.
Is Kami a popular name?
Not especially. Kami ranked #3,360 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kami a boy or girl name?
Kami is mainly a girl's name. About 97% of US babies named Kami over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Kami?
Kami is usually pronounced KAM-ee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings