What does Kiri mean and where does it come from?
Kiri has Japanese origins and means 'paulownia tree' (桐), which is valued for its wood and is a symbol of prosperity and growth. It is also used as a feminine given name in modern contexts. In Greek, Kiri is sometimes seen as a diminutive of Kiriakos, which translates to 'of the Lord' or 'Sunday.' T
Cultural significance
Kiri has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japanese-speaking communities, where it reflects values of 桐 (kiri), meaning 'paulownia tree'.
Peak popularity
Reached #1808 in 1984 — currently #6545 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japanese-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kiri?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kiri?
Kiri works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kiri Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kiri Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kiri Claire
French influence · crisp
Kiri Jane
Literary · strong
Kiri Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kiri right now?
Rising fast — up 5202 spots — currently #6545 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6545 | 18 | ▲ up 5202 · +125% births |
| 2022 | #11747 | 8 | ▼ down 3908 · -43% births |
| 2021 | #7839 | 14 | ▼ down 1195 · -18% births |
| 2020 | #6644 | 17 | ▼ down 144 · -11% births |
| 2015 | #6500 | 19 | ▲ up 1852 · +36% births |
| 2010 | #8352 | 14 | ▼ down 756 · -7% births |
| 2005 | #7596 | 15 | ▼ down 680 |
| 2000 | #6916 | 15 | ▼ down 3384 · -52% births |
| 1995 | #3532 | 31 | ▲ up 35 · +3% births |
| 1990 | #3567 | 30 | ▼ down 1325 · -35% births |
| 1985 | #2242 | 46 | ▲ up 7476 · +820% births |
| 1975 | #9718 | 5 | ▼ down 963 |
| 1970 | #8755 | 5 | — |
The story of Kiri
Kiri is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1963. With 914 total births recorded, Kiri remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8755 in 1970 to #6545 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kiri in 1984:
Kiri by decade
Kiri peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 35 | |
| 1980s ★ | 305 | |
| 1990s | 255 | |
| 2000s | 159 | |
| 2010s | 138 | |
| 2020s | 17 | |
💎Kiri has only 914 total recorded births since 1963 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kiri?
What names sound and feel like Kiri?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kiri also consider these
Common questions about the name Kiri
What does the name Kiri mean?
Kiri means "桐 (kiri), meaning 'paulownia tree'" — 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 Kiri?
Kiri is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kiri have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Kiri?
Kiri 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 Kiri?
Kiri is a two-syllable name pronounced K IH1 R IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kiri trending right now?
Kiri is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.