- Meaning
- Intelligent second son
- Origin
- Japanese
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity
- Rare in the US
- Style
- Classic
- Used in
- Japanese
Nicknames for Kenji
What friends, grandparents and the playground will call them, depending on where they grow up.
- Japanese
- Ken
What people expect from a Kenji
Kenji mixes soft and sharp sounds, so people tend to read it as steady and balanced. Being rare in the US, it stands out, and will be spelt back to you a few times.
The meaning is about wisdom. A name can't give a child wisdom, but it's a nice thing to explain to them one day.
A good fit if you hope for: a brilliant mind.
Names set expectations, not personalities. What the research says.
Kenji: name scorecard
Save your future kid some trouble: give them a name they can live and grow with.
Great choice
Kenji
- International readabilityReads well across languages, "j" (said differently in English, Spanish, German and French).
- Easy to say and spellSays itself: 2 syllables, spelt how it sounds.
- Not too common, not too strangeRare in the US: memorable, and it will be spelt out a lot.
- Playground-proofNo obvious rude words or rhymes. Kids are creative, though.
- Won't get you sued (or refused)Nothing a registrar would object to in most countries.
- A meaning to be proud ofMeans "Intelligent second son".
Names with a similar meaning
More Japanese names
Boys with the least popular names were more likely to get in trouble with the law as teenagers. The researchers' own conclusion: family background explains most of it, not the name.
Kalist & Lee (2009), Social Science QuarterlyQuestions about Kenji
What does the name Kenji mean?
Kenji is a boy's name of Japanese origin meaning "Intelligent second son".
Is Kenji a boy or girl name?
Kenji is usually a boy's name.
How popular is the name Kenji?
Kenji is rare in the US. It is used in Japanese.
What are nicknames for Kenji?
Common nicknames for Kenji are Ken.
Fun, but true. Name meanings come from common etymologies, which sometimes disagree. Height and weight paths are estimates from population growth data and published studies, not a medical assessment. If you're worried about your child's growth, talk to your paediatrician. Full disclaimer