Kenji

The Japanese boy's name Kenji is interpreted as 'strong second son' or 'wise second son.' The meaning derives from the Japanese word ken (健), which means 'healthy, robust, strong,' or from ken (賢), which means 'wise, intelligent.' The element ji (二) stands for 'second.' However, there are also numerous other Kanji combinations with different meanings.

What does the name Kenji mean?

The name Kenji for boys has the meanings 'strong second son' or 'wise second son.' These come from Japanese, where ken (健) means 'healthy, robust, strong' or ken (賢) means 'wise, intelligent,' and ji (二) translates as 'second.' Additionally, there are many other possible Kanji combinations and meanings.

Where does the name Kenji come from?

The name Kenji is a masculine first name from Japan, meaning 'strong second son' or 'wise second son.' It is composed of the Japanese terms ken (健) for 'healthy, robust, strong' or ken (賢) for 'wise, intelligent,' along with ji (二) for 'two, second.' The language is Japanese, and the use of Kanji is typical.

How do you pronounce Kenji?

The pronunciation of Kenji is two syllables and pleasantly soft. In German, it is usually pronounced as 'KEN-dschi' [ˈkɛndʒi]. The name begins with a short E sound, giving it a certain directness. The combination of the consonants '-nj-' creates a lively sound movement. The ending '-ji' sounds bright and friendly. This makes Kenji feel light and modern, clear and dynamic with a gentle aura.

Popularity

In Germany, Kenji is a sought-after first name. Currently, it ranks 2,655th in the list of the most popular male first names. Its best placement was in 2008 at 1,535th. In the last ten years, Kenji has been chosen as a first name about 110 times, placing it 2,279th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 2,481st.

Nicknames & pet names

Jiji / Ken / Kenni / Kenny

Famous people

• Kenji Arima (Japanese football player)
• Kenji Bunch (American violinist)
• Kenji Fitzgerald (Australian actor in the series Alien Surfgirls)
• Kenji Fuse (American composer)
• Kenji Higuchi (Japanese photographer)
• Kenji Inoue (Japanese wrestler)
• Kenji Itami (Japanese cyclist)
• Kenji Ito (Japanese footballer)
• Kenji Jasper (American writer)
• Kenji Kawai (Japanese composer)
• Kenji Kikawada (Japanese footballer)
• Kenji Koyano (Japanese footballer)
• Kenji Miyasawa (Famous Japanese poet)
• Kenji Momota (Japanese racing driver)
• Kenji Nakada (Japanese football player)
• Kenji Narisako (Japanese hurdler)
• Kenji Nomura (Japanese actor)
• Kenji Ogiwara (Former Japanese Nordic combined athlete)
• Kenji Ohmori (Japanese physicist)
• Kenji Osawa (Japanese martial artist)