Find out how popular the first name Keidan has been for the last 20 years (from 2003 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Keidan by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Keidan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Keidan.

The history of the first name Keidan

The given name Keidan is of Japanese origin and can be traced back to the 8th century CE. It is derived from the Japanese words "kei," meaning "reverence" or "respect," and "dan," meaning "valley" or "basin." In ancient Japan, the name was often given to children born in regions known for their picturesque valleys or basins, signifying a reverence for nature.

The earliest recorded use of the name Keidan can be found in the Shoku Nihongi, an early 9th-century Japanese chronicle detailing the reigns of various emperors. In this text, the name is mentioned in reference to a minor nobleman who resided in the Keidan Valley, located in present-day Nara Prefecture.

One of the earliest notable figures to bear the name Keidan was Keidan no Sukeyori (964-1035), a Japanese samurai warrior and military strategist who served under the famous warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu. Keidan no Sukeyori was renowned for his bravery and tactical prowess in battles against the Emishi, an indigenous group in northern Japan.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), the name Keidan gained popularity among the merchant class. Keidan Masanobu (1648-1704), a prominent merchant and philanthropist from Edo (modern-day Tokyo), was known for his generous contributions to the construction of temples and shrines in the city.

In the realm of Japanese arts, Keidan Koji (1801-1878) was a renowned Noh actor and teacher who helped preserve and promote the traditional Noh theater form. His performances and teachings were highly influential in the Noh community of his time.

Another notable figure was Keidan Takahiro (1865-1942), a Japanese diplomat who served as the ambassador to several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. He played a crucial role in promoting international understanding and cooperation during a turbulent period in Japanese history.

While the name Keidan is not as common today as it once was, it remains a part of Japan's cultural heritage, reflecting the country's deep reverence for nature and its rich history.

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

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

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