Kami Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kami is a name rooted in Japanese culture, meaning 'spirit' or 'deity.' It has evolved through different forms of the Japanese language and is closely associated with Shinto beliefs. The name is perceived positively and has gained popularity due to cultural exchange. It does not have biblical relevance.
The name Kami is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kami has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Kami' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 17241st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 14258th out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2949th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 723rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1033rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1684th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3021st out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kami' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kami"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɑːmi/
Origin
Japanese
Etymology
The name Kami originates from the Japanese word for 'god' or 'spirit.' It is often used in Shinto, the traditional religion of Japan, to denote deities or sacred beings.
Meaning
spirit, deity
Language Evolution
古い日本語 (Old Japanese), 中世日本語 (Middle Japanese), 近代日本語 (Modern Japanese)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in Japan and among Japanese communities worldwide, especially during the late 20th century as cultural exchanges increased.
Variants & Derivatives
Kamiya, Kamiko, Kame
Modern Popularity & Image
Kami is viewed positively, often associated with spirituality and strong cultural heritage in Japan. It is also embraced by those interested in Japanese culture globally.
Famous People
Kami (musician), Kami Garcia (author), Kami Naghdi (artist)
Explore More Kami Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kami"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Kami"
"Kami" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 17241st of 24088 | 20 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 14258th of 23106 | 32 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2949th of 12526 | 296 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 723rd of 19264 | 3,339 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1033rd of 27321 | 2,672 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1684th of 35406 | 1,911 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3021st of 30306 | 661 |
Regional Popularity of "Kami" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Kami" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
79.70% 1775th/2227 |
85.51% 2078th/2430 |
77.78% 2219th/2853 |
63.57% 1764th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
20.94% 615th/2937 |
31.38% 1093rd/3483 |
26.38% 928th/3518 |
13.55% 548th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
24.18% 891st/3685 |
51.46% 2303rd/4475 |
23.60% 1226th/5194 |
13.08% 826th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
31.10% 1425th/4582 |
65.14% 3364th/5164 |
25.94% 1897th/7313 |
28.11% 2098th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
69.18% 2756th/3984 |
- |
53.61% 3657th/6822 |
56.01% 3515th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kami"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kami" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.