Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Kenzo
BoyJapanese· “meaning depends on the kanji”
- Meaning
- meaning depends on the kanji
- Origin
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- KEHN-zoh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #630
- US babies 2025
- 445
- Best rank
- #505 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Kenzo
Kenzo is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “meaning depends on the kanji”.
Kenzo is a Japanese boy's name whose meaning depends on the kanji used to write it; common combinations include characters for "strong" or "healthy" and a character traditionally used for a third son. The fashion designer Kenzo Takada made the name known worldwide. Kenzo has a crisp, two-syllable sound and a modern, stylish feel. It pairs well with many surnames and suits families who want a name that works easily in Japanese and English. Ken is a natural nickname.
Popularity over time
Kenzo first appears in US Social Security records in 1920. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 8 different years, starting in 2018. Its best national rank was #505 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 596 babies. In 2025, 445 babies were named Kenzo, and it ranked #630 nationally. That is 406% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,661 in 1920, #6,788 in 1980, #7,134 in 2000, #1,605 in 2010, and #630 in 2025. Of the 4,690 US boys named Kenzo since records began, 65% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,399 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Ridge, Cassius, Lionel, Cannon, and Kylan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kenzo ranked highest in Hawaii, Nevada, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #194 | 6 |
| Nevada | #315 | 10 |
| Maryland | #338 | 16 |
| Massachusetts | #367 | 14 |
| California | #403 | 82 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Kenzo is usually pronounced KEHN-zoh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-zo”.
Middle names for Kenzo
A few middle names that flow with Kenzo: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kenzo
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Lists that include Kenzo
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kenzo mean?
Kenzo is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “meaning depends on the kanji”.
What is the origin of the name Kenzo?
Kenzo has Japanese roots. Kenzo is a Japanese boy's name whose meaning depends on the kanji used to write it; common combinations include characters for "strong" or "healthy" and a character traditionally used for a third son.
Is Kenzo a popular name?
Yes. Kenzo ranked #630 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kenzo a boy or girl name?
Kenzo is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Kenzo?
Kenzo is usually pronounced KEHN-zoh. 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