Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Nami
GirlJapanese· “wave”
- Meaning
- wave
- Origin
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- NAH-mee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,404
- US babies 2025
- 156
- Best rank
- #1,404 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Nami
Nami is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “wave”.
Nami is a Japanese name most often written with the character for wave, although other kanji combinations are possible, including ones with the character for beauty. Japanese names depend on the characters chosen, so the meaning varies from family to family. It is said NAH-mee. Fans of the manga and anime One Piece will know Nami, a navigator and member of the main crew. The name is short and easy to pronounce in English, and it fits alongside Mia and Nia while keeping a clear Japanese identity. Its ocean imagery appeals to families who love the sea.
Popularity over time
Nami first appears in US Social Security records in 1983. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #1,404, and its highest count, 156 babies. Use has grown 438% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #8,398 in 2000, #7,423 in 2010, and #1,404 in 2025. Of the 1,172 US girls named Nami since records began, 61% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 296 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Baila, Pia, Charm, Aysha, and Chava.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nami ranked highest in Hawaii, Indiana, and Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #156 | 6 |
| Indiana | #786 | 8 |
| Virginia | #1012 | 7 |
| New York | #1072 | 14 |
| California | #1178 | 22 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Nami over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Nami is usually pronounced NAH-mee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with N and ends in “-mi”.
Middle names for Nami
A few middle names that flow with Nami: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nami
Similar names
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YOO-mee
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noh-EH-mee
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Marin Girl
MAIR-in
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Lists that include Nami
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nami mean?
Nami is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “wave”.
What is the origin of the name Nami?
Nami has Japanese roots. Nami is a Japanese name most often written with the character for wave, although other kanji combinations are possible, including ones with the character for beauty.
Is Nami a popular name?
Not especially. Nami ranked #1,404 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Nami a boy or girl name?
Nami is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Nami over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Nami?
Nami is usually pronounced NAH-mee. 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