Kei
Kei is a boy's name of Japanese origin.
Meaning
Intelligent, gemstone, blessing, or respectful, depending on the kanji character used.
Origin and history
Kei is a classic Japanese name derived from various kanji characters depending on the desired meaning. In the United States, it remains a rare and distinctive choice, used for both boys and girls. Its usage in the U.S. has been stable but modest over recent decades.
Popularity in the United States
651 babies in the United States have been named Kei since 1880. It ranks #4025 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1815.
States where it is most popular
- CA (100 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 13 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 0 |
| 1960-1970 | 0 |
| 1970-1980 | 15 |
| 1980-1990 | 61 |
| 1990-2000 | 99 |
| 2000-2010 | 139 |
| 2010-2019 | 212 |
| 2020-2029 | 112 |
Famous people named Kei
- Kei Nishikori: Tennis Player, Athlete
Fun facts
- In Japan, the meaning of the name changes entirely based on which kanji character is selected to write it.
- While commonly given to males in Japan, Kei is used for both boys and girls internationally due to its short, modern phonetic appeal.