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

Popularity of Kaori by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kaori is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 95% of people named Kaori being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 100 female babies and 6 male babies born with the name Kaori.

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

The history of the first name Kaori

The name Kaori is a Japanese given name that has been in use for centuries. It is derived from the Japanese word "kaoru," which means "fragrant" or "aroma." The name is typically given to baby girls, and it is associated with beauty, grace, and elegance.

The earliest recorded use of the name Kaori dates back to the Heian period in Japan, which lasted from 794 to 1185 AD. During this time, the name was often used by members of the aristocracy and nobility. It is believed that the name was chosen to reflect the delicate and pleasing scents of flowers and incense that were popular among the upper classes of Japanese society.

One of the earliest known historical references to the name Kaori can be found in the Japanese literary classic "The Tale of Genji," written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. In this work, a character named Kaoru is mentioned, which is a variant spelling of the name Kaori.

Over the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Kaori. One of the earliest recorded examples is Kaori Fujiya (1866-1930), a Japanese painter and printmaker who was known for her innovative techniques and beautiful depictions of nature.

Another famous Kaori was Kaori Icho (1888-1967), a Japanese novelist and essayist who was active during the early 20th century. Her works often explored themes of feminism and social issues, and she was an influential figure in the Japanese literary world.

In the field of music, Kaori Muraji (1975-present) is a renowned Japanese singer and songwriter who has released numerous successful albums and has a devoted fan base both in Japan and internationally.

The name Kaori has also been associated with notable figures in Japanese athletics. Kaori Icho (1984-present) is a highly accomplished Japanese wrestler who has won multiple Olympic gold medals and is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

Lastly, Kaori Mitsushima (1975-present) is a Japanese actress who has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions. She is known for her versatility and has received numerous awards and accolades for her performances.

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 Kaori was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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