Hajime

“beginning, first”

Japan origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1604US 2023

596Births / yr

→Stable

134All-time births

📅 Since 191300

How to pronounce Hajime

hah·JEE·mee

/hɑ.ˈdʒiː.miː/ · stress on JEE · 3 syllables

“beginning, first”

Japan origin · Boy name

What does Hajime mean and where does it come from?

Hajime (始め or 一) is a Japanese male given name. The name can be written with various kanji, each offering a unique nuance. The most common meanings relate to 'beginning' (始め) or 'first' (一). This name often signifies a fresh start or an initial endeavor. It is occasionally used in literature and ani

Cultural significance

Hajime has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beginning, first.

Peak popularity

Reached #2181 in 1925 — currently #1604 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Hajime?

Hajime works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Hajime Grace

How popular is Hajime right now?

Holding steady — currently #1604 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#1604 · Top 1.2%

1920

1925

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1604	596	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1609	576	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1614	546	▲ up 567 · +3540% births
1925	#2181	15	▲ up 1172 · +88% births
1920	#3353	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Hajime

Best Year2023Rank #1604

Peak Count596

Average Rank#2072

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1920 - 20235 years

The story of Hajime

Hajime entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 134 total births recorded, Hajime remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3353 in 1920 to #1604 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Hajime in 1925:

Robert John William James Charles

Hajime by decade

Hajime peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	41
1920s ★	88
1990s	5

💎Hajime has only 134 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Hajime?

Common

HajHajieHajyIme

What names sound and feel like Hajime?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hajime also consider these

Hakime

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hasime

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hajrie

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Jahime

African · the seeker

Jayime

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Fadime

Arabic · A Arabic name

Azime

Arabic · A Arabic name

Asime

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Common questions about the name Hajime

What does the name Hajime mean?

Hajime means "beginning, first" — a name rooted in Japan tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Hajime?

Hajime is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Hajime?

Hajime originates from Japan tradition. Japan names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Hajime?

Hajime is a three-syllable name pronounced HH AA0 JH IY1 M IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Hajime?

Hajime pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Japan heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.