Find out how popular the first name Kei has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kei by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Kei is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 76% of people named Kei being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 26 male babies and 7 female babies born with the name Kei.

The history of the first name Kei

The name Kei has its origins in Japanese culture, tracing back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). It is derived from the Japanese word "kei," which means "respectful" or "reverent." The name was initially given to individuals who displayed a deep sense of respect and reverence, particularly within the Buddhist tradition.

During the Heian period, the name Kei appeared in several historical records and literary works. One notable example is the "Genji Monogatari," a masterpiece of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. In this work, a character named Kei is mentioned, indicating the name's usage during that time.

The earliest recorded individual with the name Kei is Kei no Tsunenori, a prominent Japanese poet and nobleman who lived from 1170 to 1259. He was a member of the influential Fujiwara clan and served as a court official during the Kamakura period. Kei no Tsunenori's poetry was highly regarded, and his works were included in several imperial anthologies.

Another notable figure in history with the name Kei was Kei Tuan, a Chinese philosopher and educator who lived from 497 to 569 CE during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period. He is known for his influential work, "The Classic of Family Reverence," which emphasized the importance of filial piety and respect for elders.

In the realm of Buddhist history, Kei Shun, a Japanese Zen monk and calligrapher, left a significant mark. Born in 1428 and living until 1505, Kei Shun was renowned for his mastery of the art of calligraphy and his contributions to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism.

Kei Nishikori, a Japanese professional tennis player born in 1989, is a contemporary figure who carries the name Kei. He has achieved notable success on the ATP Tour, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 4 in the world and winning multiple titles.

Lastly, Kei Kumai, a Japanese actor and singer born in 1976, has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. He is best known for his roles in various television dramas and films, as well as his successful music career spanning several albums and singles.

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

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

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