Eiji is a Japanese given name for males. Its origin comes from the combination of two kanji characters: "英" meaning "heroic" or "brave", and "二" which means "two". The name Eiji therefore translates to "Hero twice born".
The history of this name is not well-documented, but it likely emerged during the early 20th century in Japan. It has since gained popularity among Japanese families who wish to bestow a strong and courageous name upon their sons.
Eiji has also made appearances in popular culture, most notably as the main character's childhood friend in the anime series "Naruto". This exposure may have contributed to its familiarity beyond Japan's borders.
The name Eiji experienced a gap in popularity between the early to mid-20th century and the late 20th to early 21st centuries, with a noticeable resurgence starting from 2010 onwards.