Find out how popular the first name Kawai has been for the last 16 years (from 2008 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kawai by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Kawai is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 95% of people named Kawai being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 12 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kawai.

The history of the first name Kawai

The name Kawai has its origins in the Japanese language. It is believed to have emerged during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) in Japan. The name Kawai is derived from the Japanese word "kawaii," which means "cute," "lovely," or "adorable."

In the early days, the name Kawai was primarily used as a descriptive term to express admiration or affection for someone or something that was considered beautiful, charming, or endearing. It gradually evolved into a given name, especially for girls, as a reflection of the desire to bestow these positive qualities upon the child.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Kawai can be found in the "Tale of Genji," a classic work of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. In this novel, a character named Kawai no Naishi (Kawai's Lady-in-Waiting) is mentioned, suggesting that the name was in use during that time.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the first name Kawai. One of the most famous was Kawai Gyokudo (1873-1957), a renowned Japanese artist and calligrapher known for his innovative brush techniques and contributions to the Nihonga style of painting.

Another prominent figure was Kawai Mitsuru (1928-2020), a Japanese businessman and the founder of Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd., one of the world's leading manufacturers of pianos and other musical instruments.

In the realm of literature, Kawai Suimei (1905-1970) was a celebrated Japanese novelist and poet who wrote extensively about the struggles and experiences of women in modern Japan.

The name Kawai also found its way into the world of sports with Kawai Yukiko (1965-present), a former Japanese professional tennis player who achieved a career-high ranking of No. 4 in the world in 1990.

Additionally, Kawai Kenji (1958-present) is a notable Japanese composer and musician known for his work in film scores, video game music, and anime soundtracks.

While these are just a few examples, the name Kawai has been borne by numerous individuals throughout Japanese history, reflecting its enduring popularity and the cultural significance it holds within the Japanese tradition.

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

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

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