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Name meaning

Kenji Name Meaning - Wise second son (健二) (Japanese)

Meaning
Wise second son (健二)
Origin
Japanese
Gender
Boy
Pronunciation
KE-NJI

Kenji means "Wise second son (健二)" (Japanese). Recorded in Japanese sources, Kenji glosses as "Wise second son (健二)." Combines healthy/strong (健) with two/second (二).

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Meaning and Linguistic Breakdown

Recorded in Japanese sources, Kenji glosses as "Wise second son (健二)." Combines healthy/strong (健) with two/second (二).

Origin and Historical Usage

In Japanese communities, Kenji is used as a boy given name. Documented bearers appear in civil and church records, though frequency differs by country.

Pronunciation Guide

Phonetic
KE-NJI
Syllables
2

Geographic and Cultural Usage

The name travels well in international schools and multicultural cities. Japanese origin remains the anchor even when spelling stays unchanged.

Popularity

Treat Kenji as a distinctive pick: strong meaning, lower everyday frequency.

Notable People Named Kenji

  • K
    Kenji Miyazawa (poet)

Variants and Related Names

Frequently Asked Questions about Kenji

What does Kenji mean?
Kenji means "Wise second son (健二)" in Japanese tradition. Recorded in Japanese sources, Kenji glosses as "Wise second son (健二)." Combines healthy/strong (健) with two/second (二).
How do you pronounce Kenji?
Kenji is pronounced KE-NJI (2 syllables).
What language is Kenji from?
Kenji comes from Japanese. In Japanese communities, Kenji is used as a boy given name.
Is Kenji a boy or girl name?
Kenji is primarily used as a boy's name.
What does Kenji mean in English?
English references usually translate Kenji as "Wise second son (健二)." It is not an English word; the gloss comes from Japanese.
Is Kenji a rare name?
Treat Kenji as a distinctive pick: strong meaning, lower everyday frequency.
What is the origin of the name Kenji?
In Japanese communities, Kenji is used as a boy given name. Documented bearers appear in civil and church records, though frequency differs by country.
Who are famous people named Kenji?
Notable bearers include Kenji Miyazawa (poet).

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Names with Similar Meaning or Origin

Satoshi
Japanese
"Wise (聡)"
Jiro
Japanese
"Second son (二郎)"
Shinji
Japanese
"True second (真二)"
Akira
Japanese
"Bright, clear (明)"
Chiyo
Japanese
"A thousand generations (千代)"
Tomoko
Japanese
"Wise friend (智子)"
Tomoyo
Japanese
"Wise generation (智世)"
Haruto
Japanese
"Sunlight, flying; sun, soar"