Kou Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kou is a name of Chinese origin, meaning 'to cross' or 'to connect'. It has evolved from ancient to modern Chinese, reflecting a cultural significance related to relationships. There is no biblical relevance associated with this name. Its usage has gained popularity in recent years, especially in multicultural environments. Variants include Kouzi and Koulin, and notable figures with this name include Kou Shibasaki and Kou Matsumoto.
The name Kou is most popular in Minnesota, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Millennials (Gen Y) 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, Kou has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Kou' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6498th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2042nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8593rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 19426th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 16163rd out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Kou' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kou"
Pronunciation
/koʊ/
Origin
Chinese
Etymology
The name Kou is derived from various Chinese characters that can mean different things, such as 'to cross' or 'to connect'. It can also be a surname in Chinese culture.
Meaning
to cross, to connect
Language Evolution
古代汉语 (Ancient Chinese), 现代汉语 (Modern Chinese)
Historical Usage
The name Kou has been used historically in various regions of China, particularly among Chinese-speaking populations, but it has gained more recognition in other cultures in recent decades.
Variants & Derivatives
Kouzi, Koulin
Modern Popularity & Image
In contemporary times, Kou is viewed positively, often associated with connection and relationships. It is increasingly used in multicultural contexts.
Famous People
Kou Shibasaki, Kou Matsumoto
Explore More Kou Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kou"
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 "Kou"
"Kou" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6498th of 10718 | 34 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2042nd of 16616 | 532 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 8593rd of 24088 | 114 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 19426th of 23106 | 11 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 16163rd of 27321 | 33 |
Regional Popularity of "Kou" 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) |
60.98% 1791st/2937 |
- | - |
57.34% 2319th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
25.92% 955th/3685 |
- | - |
16.75% 1058th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
58.53% 2682nd/4582 |
- | - |
50.27% 3752nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Kou" by Generation for Female 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) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kou"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kou" 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.