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 #11450 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kima?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Kima Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Kima Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Kima Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Kima Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Kima Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Kima right now?
Falling — down 3660 spots — currently #11450 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #11450 | 8 | ▼ down 3660 · -43% births |
| 2024 | #7790 | 14 | ▼ down 2142 · -36% births |
| 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 | — |
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:
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 | 32 | |
💎Kima has only 287 total recorded births since 1953 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kima?
What names sound and feel like Kima?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kima also consider these
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 KEE-MAH. 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.