Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Kenji
BoyJapanese· “meaning depends on the kanji used”
- Meaning
- meaning depends on the kanji used
- Origin
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- KEHN-jee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #944
- US babies 2025
- 249
- Best rank
- #750 (1978)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Kenji
Kenji is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “meaning depends on the kanji used”.
Kenji is a Japanese name whose meaning depends on the kanji characters used to write it. Common combinations include characters for "healthy" or "wise" paired with a character for "second," traditionally given to a second son, or characters meaning "govern." The poet and children's author Kenji Miyazawa, known for Night on the Galactic Railroad, is one of its most celebrated bearers. Pronounced KEHN-jee, the name is short and easy to say in English. Kenji suits parents who want a Japanese name with a classic feel and flexible meaning. Ken is a natural nickname.
Popularity over time
Kenji first appears in US Social Security records in 1913. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 8 different years, starting in 1978. Its best national rank was #750 in 1978, and the most babies received it in 2022, when 337 were named Kenji. In 2025, 249 babies were named Kenji, and it ranked #944 nationally. That is 104% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,444 in 1920, #1,083 in 1980, #1,983 in 2000, #1,403 in 2010, and #944 in 2025. Of the 5,624 US boys named Kenji since records began, 30% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,292 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kiaan, Kaiser, Bear, Boden, and Rey.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kenji ranked highest in Hawaii, Nevada, and Wisconsin.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #135 | 8 |
| Nevada | #483 | 6 |
| Wisconsin | #503 | 10 |
| California | #585 | 51 |
| Washington | #592 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Kenji is usually pronounced KEHN-jee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-ji”.
Middle names for Kenji
A few middle names that flow with Kenji: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kenji
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Lists that include Kenji
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kenji mean?
Kenji is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “meaning depends on the kanji used”.
What is the origin of the name Kenji?
Kenji has Japanese roots. Kenji is a Japanese name whose meaning depends on the kanji characters used to write it.
Is Kenji a popular name?
Yes. Kenji ranked #944 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kenji a boy or girl name?
Kenji is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Kenji?
Kenji is usually pronounced KEHN-jee. 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