Find out how popular the first name Kyu has been for the last 11 years (from 2001 to 2011) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kyu by gender

Based on the last 11 years of data, Kyu is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2011, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kyu.

The history of the first name Kyu

The name Kyu is believed to have its origins in the Japanese language, where it is a common given name. The earliest records of the name date back to the 8th century AD during the Nara period in Japan.

Kyu is derived from the Japanese word "kyu," which means "nine" or "sphere." This connection suggests that the name may have been given to children who were the ninth child in a family or born under auspicious astrological circumstances related to the number nine.

In ancient Japanese texts, particularly those related to Shinto and Buddhist traditions, there are references to the name Kyu being associated with spiritual enlightenment and the pursuit of knowledge. Some scholars believe that the name was favored by scholars and philosophers during the Heian period (794-1185 AD) in Japan.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Kyu was Kyu no Mabuchi, a Japanese poet and calligrapher who lived from 1697 to 1769. He was renowned for his mastery of the waka poetic form and his contributions to the study of Japanese literature and culture.

Another notable figure was Kyu Sameshima (1849-1926), a Japanese businessman and entrepreneur who played a significant role in the modernization of Japan's textile industry during the Meiji era.

In the realm of martial arts, Kyu Sakagami (1904-1935) was a prominent Japanese judoka and one of the earliest practitioners of judo to travel and teach the art internationally.

Moving to more modern times, Kyu Sakamoto (1941-1985) was a renowned Japanese singer and actor, best known for his hit song "Sukiyaki," which became a global sensation in the 1960s.

Lastly, Kyu Shiba (1923-1996) was a celebrated Japanese author and playwright, whose works often explored themes of history, culture, and the human condition. He received numerous literary awards and honors during his lifetime, including the Order of Culture from the Japanese government.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Kyu, showcasing its enduring presence and significance in Japanese culture and beyond.

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

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

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