Koi
A Japanese word meaning "love" or "affection".
Name Census estimates that about 1,347 living Americans carry the first name Koi. It appears on both sides of the gender split, with 56.9% of registrations being male. The average person named Koi today is around 11 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Koi births was 2023 (127 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Koi. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
Key insights
- • Koi sits in rare territory as a truly gender-neutral name, given to boys and girls in near-equal numbers.
- • Koi is a relatively new arrival in the SSA data. The average bearer is just 11 years old, meaning it gained most of its traction in the last two decades.
People living today
1.3K
~ 1 in 254,458 Americans
Peak year
2023
127 babies that year
Average age
11
years old
2024 SSA rank
#2,685
Tracked since 1995
Gender
Gender distribution for Koi
Koi is one of the more evenly split names in the SSA data. Of the 1,358 total registrations, 773 (56.9%) were male and 585 (43.1%) were female.
Koi as a male name
- Ranked #2,685 in 2024
- 49 male births in 2024
- Peak: 2022 (64 births)
Koi as a female name
- Ranked #3,026 in 2024
- 54 female births in 2024
- Peak: 2023 (72 births)
Popularity
Koi: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Koi from the 1990s through to the 2020s, spanning 4 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 2010s, with 539 total registrations. The name continues to be given at rates close to its all-time high, suggesting it has not yet fallen out of fashion.
Babies born per year
Decades
Koi by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Koi during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Geography
Where Kois live
The SSA's state-level files cover 9 states and territories. Louisiana, Texas, Georgia recorded the most babies named Koi, while North Carolina, Illinois, New York recorded the fewest. The average across all reporting states is about 26 registrations each.
Origin
Meaning and history of Koi
The name Koi is rooted in Japanese culture and has a rich historical lineage. Its origins can be traced back to the Japanese word "koi," which means "love" or "affection." This name gained prominence during the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan, where it was often associated with the vibrant and symbolic koi fish.
In Japanese mythology, the koi fish is revered for its perseverance, as it is believed to have the ability to swim upstream against strong currents. This symbolic representation of strength and determination made the name Koi a popular choice for parents seeking to instill these qualities in their children.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Koi can be found in the historical chronicles of the Tokugawa Shogunate, where a renowned samurai warrior named Koi Masahiro (1587-1665) was celebrated for his bravery and loyalty on the battlefield. His name became synonymous with honor and courage, further cementing the name's significance in Japanese culture.
Throughout the centuries, several notable figures have borne the name Koi. One such individual was Koi Nagatsune (1601-1676), a skilled calligrapher and poet who left a lasting impact on the literary and artistic spheres of his time. His works are still studied and admired by scholars and art enthusiasts alike.
In the realm of Japanese theater, Koi Hisao (1712-1784) was a renowned Kabuki actor who captivated audiences with his exceptional talent and charismatic performances. His name became synonymous with the art of storytelling and the preservation of traditional Japanese culture.
During the Meiji era (1868-1912), Koi Yukiko (1835-1902) emerged as a pioneering educator and advocate for women's rights. Her tireless efforts in promoting education for girls and empowering women left an indelible mark on Japanese society.
Another notable figure bearing the name Koi was Koi Toshiyuki (1892-1968), a renowned architect who blended traditional Japanese design elements with modern architectural styles. His innovative creations, such as the Tokyo National Museum, remain iconic landmarks in Japan.
While the name Koi has its roots in Japanese culture, it has transcended borders and gained recognition worldwide. Its deep-rooted symbolism and historical significance continue to resonate with individuals seeking to connect with the values of perseverance, love, and cultural heritage.
People
Koi + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Koi as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with K
Other first names starting with K with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Koi: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Koi?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 1,347 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Koi going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 254,458 US residents.
Is Koi a common name?
We classify Koi as "Rare". It ranks above 91.8% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 1,358 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Koi most popular?
The single biggest year for Koi was 2023, when 127 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Koi is about 11 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Koi a male name?
Yes, 56.9% of people registered as Koi in the SSA data are male. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.