Kima

“to rise”

Japan origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#5648US 2023

22Births / yr

↓Falling

287All-time births

📅 Since 195300

How to pronounce Kima

KEE·MAH

/ˈkiː.ˈmɑ/ · stress on KEE · 2 syllables

“to rise”

Japan origin · Girl name

What does Kima mean and where does it come from?

The name Kima has Japanese origins where it signifies 'to rise' or 'to climb', often symbolizing aspiration or success. It is also believed to have Native American roots, where it can mean 'winter', though specific tribes may use it differently. Kima is not exceedingly common but has gained populari

Cultural significance

Kima has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to rise.

Peak popularity

Reached #3840 in 1977 — currently #5648 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Kima?

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

Kima Grace

How popular is Kima right now?

Falling — down 92 spots — currently #5648 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1960–2023#5648 · Top 4.2%

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

2000

2010

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#5648	22	▼ down 92 · -4% births
2022	#5556	23	▼ down 75
2021	#5481	23	▲ up 4125 · +130% births
2020	#9606	10	▲ up 7709 · +100% births
2010	#17315	5	▼ down 7284 · -44% births
2000	#10031	9	▼ down 1423 · +29% births
1985	#8608	7	▲ up 861 · +17% births
1980	#9469	6	▼ down 1102
1975	#8367	6	▼ down 886
1970	#7481	6	▼ down 1222
1965	#6259	6	▼ down 1163 · -25% births
1960	#5096	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kima

Best Year1960Rank #5096

Peak Count23

Average Rank#8243

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1960 - 202312 years

The story of Kima

Kima entered American naming records in 1953 and has been in use for over 71 years. With 287 total births recorded, Kima remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5096 in 1960, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5648 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Kima in 1977:

Jennifer Melissa Amy Jessica Heather

Kima by decade

Kima peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	26
1960s	62
1970s ★	84
1980s	31
1990s	26
2000s	43
2010s	5
2020s	10

💎Kima has only 287 total recorded births since 1953 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kima?

Common

KimKimieKimy

What names sound and feel like Kima?

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

Jima

Japan · reality, truth

Kiza

Japan · a traditional name

Kida

Japan · radiance or shine

Nima

Persian · Blissful, happy

American · A beloved name

Common questions about the name Kima

What does the name Kima mean?

Kima means "to rise" — 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 Kima?

Kima is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kima have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Kima?

Kima 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 Kima?

Kima is a two-syllable name pronounced K IY1 M AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Kima trending right now?

Kima is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.