Kikue
A girl's name of Japanese origin with 297 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Kikue is a one-syllable girl's name with a open, approachable sound — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. With only 297 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.
Kikue is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Kikue is a girl's baby name of Japanese origin, composed of the elements kiku (菊) meaning 'chrysanthemum' and e (恵) meaning 'blessing, grace.' The chrysanthemum is the imperial flower of Japan, symbolizing longevity, rejuvenation, and nobility.
Kikue carries the refined beauty of Japanese floral naming — a name that connects a child to Japan's most cherished symbol of imperial dignity and enduring life.
EtymologyShow more
Kikue is cataloged under the Japanese naming tradition. Japanese names are typically composed of kanji characters, each contributing meaning — the same pronunciation can carry entirely different meanings depending on the characters chosen.
In the U.S., Kikue has been recorded as a girl's name since 1906, with 297 total births. Browse the Japanese names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Kikue has 21+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1906.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 15 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 163 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 112 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 7 | — |
The Story of Kikue
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1920, Kikue is a name steeped in history. Girls named Kikue are most likely born between 1910 and 1930.
How rare is Kikue?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Kikue is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1906, peaked in the 1920s with 163 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Kikue by the numbers
- Would fill 6 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(21 years, 1906–1931)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1931 | 10 | #2883 |
| 1930 | 5 | #4906 |
| 1929 | 14 | #2379 |
| 1928 | 10 | #3052 |
| 1927 | 11 | #2959 |
| 1926 | 11 | #2965 |
| 1925 | 15 | #2439 |
| 1924 | 25 | #1738 |
| 1923 | 19 | #2058 |
| 1922 | 22 | #1864 |
| 1921 | 11 | #3044 |
| 1920 | 25 | #1682 |
| 1919 | 19 | #1955 |
| 1918 | 15 | #2327 |
| 1917 | 20 | #1808 |
| 1916 | 21 | #1716 |
| 1915 | 18 | #1839 |
| 1914 | 8 | #2759 |
| 1913 | 5 | #3436 |
| 1912 | 6 | #2803 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kikue a boy's or girl's name?
When was Kikue most popular?
How popular is the name Kikue?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1906–1931