Kenji
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Intelligent second son, strong and vigorous
Origin: Japanese
Popularity: Ranked #944 in 2025 with 249 babies born.
History: Kenji is a Japanese name combining various kanji characters. Common combinations include 'ken' (healthy, strong) and 'ji' (second son, govern) or 'ken' (intelligent) and 'ji' (two). It is a widely used traditional Japanese name that has gained recognition in Western countries through Japanese diaspora communities and pop culture.
Name length: 5 letters
How common is Kenji? About 1 in 13,367 babies born in 2025 were named Kenji, or roughly 0.7 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Kenji
What does the name Kenji mean?
Kenji means “Intelligent second son, strong and vigorous” from Japanese roots.
What is the origin of the name Kenji?
Kenji has Japanese origin. The traditional meaning is “Intelligent second son, strong and vigorous”.
How popular is Kenji?
Kenji ranked #943 in 2025 — given to 249 babies that year.
When was Kenji most popular?
Kenji peaked in 2022 with 336 babies registered that year.
Is Kenji a boy or girl name?
Kenji is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Kenjis in registered births are male.
Is the name Kenji rising or falling in popularity?
Kenji has fallen 32 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #911 in 2020 to #943 in 2025.
How long has Kenji been recorded?
Kenji appears in birth records across 99 years — from 1913 through 2025.