What does Koji mean and where does it come from?
Koji (康二 or 光司) is a traditional Japanese name that can have several meanings depending on the kanji used. It is often used for boys and can imply 'healthy second son' or 'radiant samurai.' Names like Koji are common in Japan, reflecting cultural values placed on health and family. Famous individual
Cultural significance
Koji has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of tree, following; second.
Peak popularity
Reached #2643 in 1984 — currently #3511 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Koji?
Koji works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Koji Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Koji Rose
Floral · soft ending
Koji Claire
French influence · crisp
Koji Jane
Literary · strong
Koji Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Koji right now?
Rising fast — up 633 spots — currently #3511 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3511 | 33 | ▲ up 633 · +27% births |
| 2022 | #4144 | 26 | ▲ up 888 · +37% births |
| 2021 | #5032 | 19 | ▲ up 1598 · +58% births |
| 2020 | #6630 | 12 | ▼ down 1310 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #5320 | 17 | ▼ down 782 · -19% births |
| 2010 | #4538 | 21 | ▲ up 119 · +17% births |
| 2005 | #4657 | 18 | ▲ up 438 · +29% births |
| 2000 | #5095 | 14 | ▼ down 514 · +8% births |
| 1995 | #4581 | 13 | ▲ up 518 · +30% births |
| 1990 | #5099 | 10 | ▲ up 863 · +67% births |
| 1985 | #5962 | 6 | ▲ up 587 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #6549 | 5 | ▼ down 1516 · -17% births |
| 1975 | #5033 | 6 | ▼ down 281 · +20% births |
| 1925 | #4752 | 5 | — |
The story of Koji
Koji entered American naming records in 1922 and has been in use for over 102 years. With 507 total births recorded, Koji remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4752 in 1925 to #3511 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Koji in 1984:
Koji by decade
Koji peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 16 | |
| 1970s | 26 | |
| 1980s | 65 | |
| 1990s | 73 | |
| 2000s | 146 | |
| 2010s ★ | 169 | |
| 2020s | 12 | |
💎Koji has only 507 total recorded births since 1922 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Koji?
What names sound and feel like Koji?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Koji also consider these
Common questions about the name Koji
What does the name Koji mean?
Koji means "Tree, following; second" — 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 Koji?
Koji is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Koji have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Koji?
Koji 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 Koji?
Koji is a two-syllable name pronounced K OW1 JH IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Koji trending right now?
Koji is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.