Kenji
Male nameJapanese
✨ Meaning
Kenji is a Japanese boys' name whose meaning depends on the characters used. Common combinations pair a first element meaning healthy, wise or humble with a second meaning two, ruler or second son, producing readings such as 'strong and vigorous,' 'wise second son' or 'intelligent ruler.' The second element was historically used to mark birth order, a convention that has largely faded in modern naming.
🌍 Origin
Kenji was one of the most widely used Japanese boys' names of the twentieth century and appears throughout Japanese literature and film of that period. It remains recognisable internationally, though contemporary Japanese parents now favour shorter names such as Ren and Sora. Outside Japan it is used within the Japanese diaspora and occasionally beyond it.
⭐ Famous People Named Kenji
- Kenji Mizoguchi
- Kenji Miyazawa
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does Kenji mean?
Depending on the kanji chosen it can mean 'strong and vigorous,' 'wise second son' or 'intelligent ruler.'
Why does the name include a character meaning two?
Japanese naming once marked birth order, so a character meaning second was often given to a second son. The convention has largely faded.
How is Kenji pronounced?
It is KEN-jee, with two even syllables and a soft j as in jeep.