Find out how popular the first name Kami has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kami by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kami is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Kami being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 52 female babies and 6 male babies born with the name Kami.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 6 baby boys were named Kami in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Kami

The name Kami has its origins in Japanese culture and language, dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Japanese word "kami," which means "god," "spirit," or "divinity." This word has deep roots in the traditional Shinto religion of Japan, where it refers to the sacred forces of nature that are worshipped and revered.

In Shinto mythology, kami are believed to be the deities or spiritual entities that inhabit and govern various aspects of the natural world, such as mountains, rivers, trees, and even certain objects or concepts. The word "kami" can also be used to refer to the souls or spirits of deceased ancestors who are honored and venerated within the Shinto tradition.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Kami can be traced back to ancient Japanese texts and records, including the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), which were compiled in the 8th century CE. These texts contain references to various kami, their stories, and their significance in Japanese mythology and folklore.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Kami. One of the earliest examples is Kami Musubi no Kami, a significant deity in Shinto mythology who is believed to be the kami of love, marriage, and childbirth. Another figure is Kami Musuhi no Kami, a kami associated with the creation of the universe and the separation of heaven and earth.

In more recent times, the name Kami has been carried by various influential individuals, including:

1. Kami Tomioka (1879-1936), a Japanese artist and printmaker known for his woodblock prints depicting traditional Japanese life and landscapes.
2. Kami Saka (1901-1975), a Japanese author and poet who was a prominent figure in the literary movement known as the "Shinkankakuha" (New Sensationalist School).
3. Kami Okada (1923-2012), a Japanese politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives and was known for her advocacy of gender equality and women's rights.
4. Kami Umezaki (1914-1999), a Japanese businessman and philanthropist who founded the Umezaki Institute of Industrial Technology and made significant contributions to education and technology.
5. Kami Mizuno (1971-present), a Japanese professional golfer who has won multiple tournaments on the LPGA Tour and is considered one of the most successful Japanese golfers of all time.

The name Kami carries a rich heritage and deep spiritual significance within Japanese culture, reflecting the reverence for the natural world and the belief in the presence of divine forces that permeate all aspects of life.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kami was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kami, please contact us.

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