Kenji
First Name Meaning, Usage, Popularity & Related Names
Kenji is a Japanese name meaning “strong second son”. It is a common name, overwhelmingly used for boys, with 100% male usage.
Meaning & Origin of the name Kenji
Kenji is a traditional Japanese name that incorporates various kanji characters depending on the intended meaning, such as ken, denoting strong or healthy, and ji, signifying second son. It frequently appears within family lineage structures where ordinal birth order is represented by specific suffixes. The name has been utilized across different eras of Japanese history, reflecting both societal value systems and familial recording practices. Its stability as a given name is rooted in these established linguistic and cultural protocols.
Meaning Comments
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Gender Usage of the Name Kenji
Overall Gender Classification Methodology
Kenji is overwhelmingly used as a name for boys. Approximately 100% of recorded bearers are male. This classification is supported by extensive records and is considered highly reliable.
Popularity of the Name Kenji
Note: Green bars show popularity (% of births); the violet line shows historical ranking. Data is based on official government birth records. Click any chart to view details by year and region.
Overall PopularityMethodology
Kenji is listed under Common Boy Names worldwide. Its overall popularity is supported by stronger usage in Canada across the available regional markets.
| Region | Popularity | Birth Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Common | 1 in every 21K births |
| United Kingdom | Uncommon | 1 in every 399K births |
| Canada | Popular | 1 in every 36K births |
| Australia | Uncommon | 1 in every 696K births |
Ranking OverviewMethodology
Kenji ranked #1,408 on the Popular Boys’ Names Worldwide List (2025). It fell from #1,403 in 2024 — a drop of 5 places. Kenji is uncommon in official lists but appears occasionally.
Historically, its best recorded position was #411 in 1936. Its lowest recorded position was #6,437 in 1996. Over the last 5 years (2020–2025) the name rose 95 places (from #1,503 to #1,408).
Characteristics of the Name Kenji
Pronunciation & StructureMethodology
- Phonetic Source
- CMU
- Syllables
- 2 syllables — Two-Syllable Boy Names
- Length
- 5 letters — Medium-Length Boy Names
- Starts with
- K — Boy Names Starting with K
- Ends with
- i — Boy Names Ending in “i”
Name AestheticMethodology
Kenji features two syllables and a trochaic stress pattern, offering a concise and energetic sound. It is a widely used name that lacks a singular cultural figurehead, yet it remains popular across global contexts. Its sharp phonetics contribute to a Sleek & Modern aesthetic.
Middle Names For Kenji
Middle names used with KenjiMethodology
Kenji is most frequently used with these boy middle names: Kenji Matthew · Kenji Jermaine · Kenji Nikolai · Kenji Jarmal · Kenji SincereView all 24 boy middle names.
- Total 36 middle names used with Kenji
- 6 girl middle names used with Kenji
- 5 unisex middle names used with Kenji
Middle name suggestions for KenjiMethodology
Based on observed first-middle-name pattern combinations, Kenji is most frequently associated with boy middle names that have 2 syllables, Strong–Weak stress pattern, 6 letters, and a starting sound of “d”.
Examples: Kenji Daniel · Kenji Donald · Kenji Dennis · Kenji Dillon · Kenji Dallas. View all 271 suggested middle names.
Names Similar to Kenji
Sound Like Kenji Finder
Names with the exact same overall pronunciation and sound: Kunj · Kenjy · Kangy · View all 4 names
Spelled Like Kenji Finder
Names with similar spelling patterns and letter sequences: Kenai · Kenjy
Same Starting Sound Finder
Names that begin with a similar phonetic sound: Christopher · Kenneth · Kevin · View all Top 100 names
Rhymes With Kenji Finder
Names that share similar ending sounds and rhymes: Anthony · Timothy · Jeffrey · View all Top 100 names
Same Rhythm & Syllables Finder
Names with matching syllable stress and pronunciation rhythm: Robert · Michael · William · View all Top 100 names
Dictionary & Etymology of “Kenji”
Dictionary Meaning of "Kenji"Methodology
A male given name from Japanese
More Info
How to Spell Kenji in ASL
- K
- e
- n
- j
- i
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