Kage

“shadow” — Associated with stealth and mystery

Japanese origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#3754US 2023

30Births / yr

↓Falling

1.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 199200

How to pronounce Kage

KAYJ

/ˈkeɪdʒ/ · stress on KAYJ · 1 syllable

“shadow”

Associated with stealth and mystery · Japanese origin

What does Kage mean and where does it come from?

Kage (影) is a name of Japanese origin that translates directly to 'shadow.' The name is associated with stealth and mystery, often embodying qualities attributed to shadows. It has gained some popularity in Western countries due to anime and popular culture influences. It's not commonly used as a fi

Cultural significance

Kage has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japanese-speaking communities, where it reflects values of shadow.

Peak popularity

Reached #1787 in 2009 — currently #3754 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Kage?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Cage

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Kage?

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

Kage Grace

How popular is Kage right now?

Falling — down 316 spots — currently #3754 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1995–2023#3754 · Top 2.8%

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#3754	30	▼ down 316 · -12% births
2022	#3438	34	▲ up 99 · +6% births
2021	#3537	32	▼ down 601 · -20% births
2020	#2936	40	▼ down 834 · -40% births
2015	#2102	67	▼ down 288 · -17% births
2010	#1814	81	▲ up 674 · +76% births
2005	#2488	46	▼ down 67 · +15% births
2000	#2421	40	▲ up 878 · +90% births
1995	#3299	21	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kage

Best Year2010Rank #1814

Peak Count81

Average Rank#2865

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1995 - 20239 years

The story of Kage

Kage is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1992. With 1,395 total births recorded, Kage remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3299 in 1995, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3754 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Kage in 2009:

Jacob Ethan Michael Alexander William

Kage by decade

Kage peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1990s	137
2000s	503
2010s ★	715
2020s	40

💎With 1,395 total births, Kage is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Kage?

Common

KagKagieKagy

What names sound and feel like Kage?

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

Sage

English · Wise person, from

Tage

Swedish · day

Gage

American · pledge or promise

Cage

English · enclosure, prison

Kayge

American · English

Dage

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Zage

Slavic · A mountain peak

Rage

American · English

Common questions about the name Kage

What does the name Kage mean?

Kage means "shadow" — a name rooted in Japanese 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 Kage?

Kage is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Kage?

Kage originates from Japanese tradition. Japanese 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 Kage?

Kage is a one-syllable name pronounced K EY1 JH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Kage sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Kage flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Kage ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.