Kenji
Kenji first appears in US records in 1913. It peaked in 2022, when 337 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 249.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Kenji popular?
Rising Kenji has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.
| 2020s | 1,692 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 1,292 | |
| 2000s | 889 | |
| 1990s | 423 | |
| 1980s | 359 | |
| 1970s | 430 | |
| 1960s | 104 | |
| 1950s | 18 | |
| 1940s | 23 | |
| 1930s | 96 | |
| 1920s | 213 | |
| 1910s | 85 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Kenji mean?
Kenji is written variously as “healthy, strong” or “wise” together with “rule” or “two.”
Names like Kenji
Japanese names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Kenji
Popular Japanese names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Kenji
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Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kenji mean?
Kenji means Strong; wise ruler. Kenji is written variously as “healthy, strong” or “wise” together with “rule” or “two.”
What is the origin of the name Kenji?
Kenji is of Japanese origin.
How do you pronounce Kenji?
Kenji is pronounced “KEN-jee.”
Is Kenji a boy or a girl name?
Kenji is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Kenji a popular name right now?
Kenji has climbed over the past decade, given to more boys now than ten years ago.
How popular is the name Kenji?
In 2025, Kenji ranked #944 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Kenji most popular?
Kenji was most popular in 2022, when about 337 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Kenji?
Names similar to Kenji include Ren, Ryu, Kaito, Sora, Tatsuo.
What names go well with Kenji?
Japanese names that pair well with Kenji include Akira, Emi, Ren, Nami, Ryu.