Kuma

Bear
Japanese origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#13238US 2021
5Births / yr
Falling
Top 9.8%Percentile
How to pronounce Kuma
KOO·MAH
/ˈkuː.ˈmɑ/ · stress on KOO · 2 syllables
Bear
Japanese origin · Boy name

What does Kuma mean and where does it come from?

Kuma is a name of Japanese origin meaning 'bear', symbolizing strength and bravery. In traditional Japanese culture, bears are revered as protective spirits. The name has also been adopted in modern contexts and can occasionally be found in anime and popular media. Additionally, in Hindi, Kuma can i

Cultural significance
Kuma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japanese-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bear.
Peak popularity
Reached #8662 in 2024 — currently #13238 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japanese-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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What middle names flow best with Kuma?

Kuma works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Kuma Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kuma Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kuma Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kuma Claire
French influence · crisp
Kuma Jane
Literary · strong
Kuma Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Kuma
Browse ideas →

How popular is Kuma right now?

Declining — down 25 spots — currently #13238 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20202021#13238 · Top 9.8%
2020
2021
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2021#132385▼ down 25
2020#132135
💎Kuma is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Kuma?

Common
KumKumieKumy

Common questions about the name Kuma

What does the name Kuma mean?
Kuma means "Bear" — 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 Kuma?
Kuma is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Kuma?
Kuma 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 Kuma?
Kuma is a two-syllable name pronounced K UW1 M AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kuma a common or rare name?
Kuma is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.