What does Kami mean and where does it come from?
Kami is a name of significant cultural importance in Japan, often associated with Shinto beliefs where 'kami' refers to spirits or gods. In India, it is sometimes derived from Sanskrit. The name is gaining popularity in diverse cultures and is often associated with strong female characters in variou
Cultural significance
Kami has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god, deity.
Peak popularity
Reached #552 in 1972 — currently #3360 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kami?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kami?
Kami works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kami Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Kami Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Kami Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Kami Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Kami Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Kami Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Kami right now?
Rising fast — up 564 spots — currently #3360 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3360 | 46 | ▲ up 564 · +21% births |
| 2024 | #3924 | 38 | ▼ down 768 · -27% births |
| 2023 | #3156 | 52 | ▼ down 104 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #3052 | 54 | ▼ down 77 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #2975 | 56 | ▼ down 137 · -2% births |
| 2020 | #2838 | 57 | ▼ down 24 · -8% births |
| 2015 | #2814 | 62 | ▼ down 1106 · -50% births |
| 2010 | #1708 | 123 | ▼ down 60 · +2% births |
| 2005 | #1648 | 121 | ▲ up 62 · +17% births |
| 2000 | #1710 | 103 | ▼ down 347 · -15% births |
| 1995 | #1363 | 121 | ▼ down 285 · -26% births |
| 1990 | #1078 | 164 | ▼ down 223 · -13% births |
| 1985 | #855 | 189 | ▼ down 252 · -38% births |
| 1980 | #603 | 307 | ▼ down 19 · +8% births |
| 1975 | #584 | 284 | — |
The story of Kami
Kami entered American naming records in 1957 and has been in use for over 67 years. With 8,708 total births recorded, Kami remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2244 in 1960, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3156 in 2023. Kami is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kami in 1972:
Kami by decade
Kami peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 43 | |
| 1960s | 847 | |
| 1970s ★ | 2,438 | |
| 1980s | 2,027 | |
| 1990s | 1,300 | |
| 2000s | 1,282 | |
| 2010s | 708 | |
| 2020s | 147 | |
💎With 8,708 total births, Kami is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Kami?
What names sound and feel like Kami?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kami also consider these
Common questions about the name Kami
What does the name Kami mean?
Kami means "god, deity" — 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 Kami?
Kami is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kami have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Kami?
Kami 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 Kami?
Kami is a two-syllable name pronounced KAH-MEE. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kami trending right now?
Kami is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.