All about the name

Kei

Female

« The name Kei, of Japanese origin, means 'respectful' or 'respect'. »

#12903 last year

Meaning, origin, history

The name Kei is of Japanese origin and has a rich history and significance behind it. It is derived from the Japanese word "kei" which means "respectful" or "respect". This name is often given to boys, but can also be used for girls. In Japan, names are often chosen based on their meanings and how they sound when paired with other kanji characters. Kei is a popular choice among parents because of its positive connotation and easy pronunciation. It is also a unisex name, making it suitable for families who want to keep the gender of their child a surprise until birth. The history of the name Kei dates back centuries in Japan. It was often used as a given name or a family name throughout different periods of Japanese history. Some notable figures with the name Kei include Keiun, a high-ranking court official during the Heian period, and Keiichi Tanimura, a former Governor of Tokyo. Today, Kei remains a popular choice among parents in Japan and around the world. It is often paired with other kanji characters to create compound names such as Keitaro or Keiko. Despite its popularity, it is still considered unique and distinctive due to its Japanese origin and meaning. In conclusion, the name Kei is of Japanese origin and has a meaningful and respectful connotation behind it. With a rich history and notable figures associated with it, this name continues to be popular among parents today, both in Japan and around the world.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Kei since 1880

Total births
186
Total since 1880
Peak year
1994
12 births
in 2023
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+50% ↗
vs previous 5 years