Kikuye
A girl's name of Japanese origin with 95 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Kikuye peaked during early twentieth-century America, when 13 babies received this name in a single year (1922). That era was defined by heritage-rooted naming, and Kikuye has a more concentrated history, reflecting a specific cultural moment rather than a broad generational wave.
Kikuye is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Kikuye is a girl's baby name of Japanese origin, composed of the kanji elements kiku (chrysanthemum) and ye/e (branch, picture, or blessed). The chrysanthemum holds special significance in Japan — it is the imperial flower, symbol of the Emperor and the royal family, representing 'longevity and rejuvenation.'
Kikuye is a traditional Japanese name carrying the regal beauty of the national flower, given to daughters as a wish for grace and enduring life.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Kikuye belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their open, approachable ending — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. At one syllable, it has a punchy, memorable cadence that makes an immediate impression.
Within the Japanese naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Japanese names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Kikuye’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Kikuye has 12+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1916.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 61 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 29 | — |
The Story of Kikuye
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1922, Kikuye is a name steeped in history. Girls named Kikuye are most likely born between 1916 and 1931.
How rare is Kikuye?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Kikuye is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1916, peaked in the 1920s with 61 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Kikuye by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(12 years, 1916–1931)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1931 | 5 | #4677 |
| 1928 | 5 | #5081 |
| 1925 | 8 | #3862 |
| 1924 | 7 | #4219 |
| 1923 | 10 | #3243 |
| 1922 | 13 | #2682 |
| 1921 | 9 | #3546 |
| 1920 | 9 | #3470 |
| 1919 | 11 | #2903 |
| 1918 | 6 | #4563 |
| 1917 | 6 | #4352 |
| 1916 | 6 | #4149 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kikuye a boy's or girl's name?
When was Kikuye most popular?
How popular is the name Kikuye?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1916–1931