Kei
Primarily a boy's name of Japanese origin with 637 recorded births. Also given to 186 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A unisex given name from Japanese.
Kei is a boy's and girl's baby name of Japanese origin, written with various kanji conveying meanings such as 'respect,' 'blessing,' 'grace,' or 'jewel,' depending on the characters chosen.
Kei is a popular name in Japan for both boys and girls, admired for its brevity and the wide range of meanings available through different kanji combinations. Outside Japan it reads as refreshingly minimal — one syllable, universally pronounceable, with a clean, modern aesthetic that suits contemporary naming sensibilities perfectly.
EtymologyShow more
Kei first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1920. Its appearance in the 1920s coincides with waves of immigration, cultural exchange, and the early decades of American popular culture — all of which introduced and popularized new names.
Its Japanese classification suggests a path from japanese linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Kei has 47+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1920.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 98 | #5075 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 212 | #5329 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 139 | #5818 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 99 | #6252 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 61 | #5526 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 15 | #4868 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 13 | #3815 | — |
The Story of Kei
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2015, Kei is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Kei are most likely born between 2005 and 2024.
How rare is Kei?
Only about 1 in every 163,636 babies born in 2024 was named Kei — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1920, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2010s with 212 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Kei by the numbers
- Would fill 13 school buses
- Meeting one Kei per day would take 1.7 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(47 years, 1920–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 22 | #4624 |
| 2023 | 26 | #4166 |
| 2022 | 17 | #5540 |
| 2021 | 15 | #5899 |
| 2020 | 18 | #5144 |
| 2019 | 22 | #4562 |
| 2018 | 25 | #4154 |
| 2017 | 25 | #4180 |
| 2016 | 30 | #3647 |
| 2015 | 33 | #3401 |
| 2014 | 25 | #4077 |
| 2013 | 19 | #4894 |
| 2012 | 16 | #5607 |
| 2011 | 11 | #7264 |
| 2010 | 6 | #11508 |
| 2009 | 14 | #6282 |
| 2008 | 17 | #5373 |
| 2007 | 13 | #6455 |
| 2006 | 12 | #6692 |
| 2005 | 12 | #6430 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Kei as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Kei has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 186 births since 1978.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kei a boy's or girl's name?
When was Kei most popular?
How popular is the name Kei?
Can Kei be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1920–2024