What does Kina mean and where does it come from?
The name Kina has multiple origins. In Hawaiian, it refers to a sea creature, which may give it a naturalistic appeal. In Japanese, it may be associated with beauty and grace. The name has been popularized in various cultures, sometimes appearing in music and art. In contemporary times, Kina Grannis
Cultural significance
Kina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japanese-speaking communities, where it reflects values of キナ.
Peak popularity
Reached #1848 in 1973 — currently #7842 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japanese-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kina?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kina?
Kina works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kina Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kina Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kina Claire
French influence · crisp
Kina Jane
Literary · strong
Kina Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kina right now?
Rising — up 15 spots — currently #7842 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7842 | 14 | ▲ up 15 |
| 2022 | #7857 | 14 | ▼ down 19 |
| 2021 | #7838 | 14 | ▼ down 920 · -12% births |
| 2020 | #6918 | 16 | ▼ down 645 · -20% births |
| 2015 | #6273 | 20 | ▲ up 1673 · +33% births |
| 2010 | #7946 | 15 | ▼ down 2309 · -32% births |
| 2005 | #5637 | 22 | ▲ up 1614 · +57% births |
| 2000 | #7251 | 14 | ▼ down 1965 · -22% births |
| 1995 | #5286 | 18 | ▲ up 97 · +6% births |
| 1990 | #5383 | 17 | ▼ down 1826 · -29% births |
| 1985 | #3557 | 24 | ▼ down 1188 · -41% births |
| 1980 | #2369 | 41 | ▼ down 213 · +3% births |
| 1975 | #2156 | 40 | ▲ up 277 · +29% births |
| 1970 | #2433 | 31 | ▲ up 490 · +63% births |
| 1965 | #2923 | 19 | — |
The story of Kina
Kina entered American naming records in 1952 and has been in use for over 72 years. With 1,353 total births recorded, Kina remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3495 in 1960, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7842 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kina in 1973:
Kina by decade
Kina peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 27 | |
| 1960s | 245 | |
| 1970s ★ | 392 | |
| 1980s | 248 | |
| 1990s | 128 | |
| 2000s | 176 | |
| 2010s | 121 | |
| 2020s | 16 | |
💎With 1,353 total births, Kina is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Kina?
What names sound and feel like Kina?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kina also consider these
Common questions about the name Kina
What does the name Kina mean?
Kina means "キナ" — 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 Kina?
Kina is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Kina?
Kina 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 Kina?
Kina is a two-syllable name pronounced K IY1 N AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kina a common or rare name?
Kina is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.