Boy Name · Japanese Origin
Kenji
Kenji — a boy name from the Japanese tradition — is an uncommon, standout choice. Its meaning, "Strong, healthy second son", anchors the name in something deeper than sound alone. If Kenzo is on your shortlist, Kenji belongs in the same conversation.
Kenji meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Strong, healthy second son
Origin: Japanese naming roots help connect Kenji to related Japanese baby names.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Kenji as K·E·N·J·I, with 5 letters and a boy usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Kenji is an uncommon, standout choice in the Rare tier.
Kenji variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Kenjia, Kenjie, Kenjiy, Kenj.
- Nicknames: Ken and K.
- Middle names: Pair Kenji with a middle name that balances its substantial sound; start with the Kenji middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Kenzo, Kenzie, Kenisha, King, Knox — full picks on the sibling names for Kenji guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Kenji? Browse our names like Kenji guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Kenji
What does the name Kenji mean?
Kenji means "Strong, healthy second son" and is of Japanese origin.
What is the origin of Kenji?
Kenji originates in Japanese naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Kenji?
Kenji has 5 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Kenji a boy's or girl's name?
Kenji is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Kenji in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Kenji sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Kenji?
Names that share Kenji's sound and style include Kenzo, Kenzie, Kenisha, King, Knox.
What middle names pair well with Kenji?
Good middle-name fits for Kenji pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Kenji is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Kenji is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Kenji?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Kenji share its rhythm without rhyming — Kenzo, Kenzie, Kenisha all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.