Find out how popular the first name Kumi has been for the last 1 years (from 1976 to 1976) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kumi by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Kumi is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1976, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kumi.

The history of the first name Kumi

The name Kumi has its origins in Japanese culture, with the earliest recorded use dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The name is derived from the Japanese word "kumi," which means "beauty" or "elegant." In ancient Japan, the name was often given to girls born into noble or aristocratic families, as a reflection of their perceived beauty and grace.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kumi can be found in the classic Japanese novel "The Tale of Genji," written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. The novel features a character named Kumi no Naishi, who was a lady-in-waiting to one of the principal characters. This literary reference suggests that the name was in use among the upper echelons of Japanese society during the Heian period.

In the centuries that followed, the name Kumi continued to be used in Japan, though its popularity waxed and waned over time. Some notable historical figures who bore the name include Kumi Samurai (1551-1625), a skilled swordsman and martial artist who served under the famous warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Sengoku period.

Another significant figure was Kumi Funakoshi (1868-1957), a renowned master of Shotokan karate and one of the pioneers who helped spread the martial art beyond Japan's borders. Funakoshi played a crucial role in introducing karate to the Japanese public school system and promoting it as a discipline that cultivated both physical and mental strength.

In the realm of Japanese literature, one cannot overlook Kumi Ozaki (1910-2003), a celebrated author and poet who was awarded the prestigious Order of Culture by the Japanese government in recognition of her contributions to the arts. Ozaki's works, which often explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition, are widely studied and admired in Japan and beyond.

Another notable figure was Kumi Naidoo (born 1965), a South African human rights activist and former executive director of Greenpeace International. Naidoo has been a vocal advocate for environmental justice, social equality, and the rights of marginalized communities worldwide, and has played a pivotal role in numerous global campaigns and movements.

While the name Kumi has its roots in Japanese culture, it has also been adopted and used in other parts of the world, though its usage and popularity may vary across different regions and communities. Regardless of its geographical reach, the name Kumi carries a rich historical legacy and associations with beauty, elegance, and cultural significance.

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

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

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