Koji

“Tree, following; second”

Japan origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#3511US 2023

33Births / yr

↑Rising

507All-time births

📅 Since 192200

How to pronounce Koji

KOH·jee

/ˈkoʊ.dʒiː/ · stress on KOH · 2 syllables

“Tree, following; second”

Japan origin · Boy name

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Koji right now?

Rising fast — up 633 spots — currently #3511 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#3511 · Top 2.6%

1925

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Koji

Best Year2023Rank #3511

Peak Count33

Average Rank#5065

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1925 - 202314 years

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:

Michael Christopher Matthew Joshua David

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?

Common

KojKojieKojy

What names sound and feel like Koji?

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

Japan · the fabric of

Japan · love, affection

Kofi

Ghana · Born on Friday

Koli

English · A beloved name

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.