Declining since 2012, #5,554 for girls today.
Popularity of Akemi since 1944
Babies named Akemi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 12 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 10 |
| 1970s | 70 |
| 1980s | 70 |
| 1990s | 86 |
| 2000s | 189 |
| 2010s | 339 |
| 2020s | 151 |
Meaning & origin
Akemi is a Japanese name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1944 but has never been common, with a peak rank of 5,554 in the latest available year 2025 (1 in 73,058). The name experienced a modest rise in the early 2000s, reaching its highest usage in 2013, but has been on a downward trajectory since 2012. Akemi is most popular in California, reflecting the state's large Japanese American community. Despite its rarity, the name carries a poetic meaning of "bright beauty" or "dawn," consistent with many Japanese names that evoke nature or positive qualities. Its sound is soft and melodic, fitting with Japanese naming conventions that favor two-syllable feminine names. The name has not seen a revival in recent decades, remaining a distinctive choice for those seeking a name with Japanese cultural roots.
Akemi is a Japanese feminine given name composed of elements that can mean "bright" (ake) and "beauty" (mi), though specific kanji combinations vary. It has been used in Japan for centuries, often evoking the imagery of dawn or a radiant morning. The name gained some international recognition through Japanese cultural exports, but remains uncommon in English-speaking countries.
Where Akemi is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Aki, Kemi, Akko
Variants: Akemi (あけみ), Akemi (アケミ)
Sibling names for Akemi
Names that share Akemi's style, for a brother or sister.
