boy name · Japanese origin
Kenji
/ KEN-jee /
Meaning
Kenji means Strong; wise ruler (Japanese).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Japanese
Pronunciation
KEN-jee
Popularity
#944 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Kenji in the US, 1880–2025
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.
What does Kenji mean?
Kenji is written variously as “healthy, strong” or “wise” together with “rule” or “two.”
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.
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.