MallowbyNames

Hajime

hah-JEE-meh · Beginning, start; sometimes interpreted as 'first' or 'one'.

Peak popularity
1917
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Hajime since 1913

Babies named Hajime per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1925, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Hajime's real moment was 1917.

51015192019602000Most births 1925Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s41
1920s88
1930s0
1940s0
1950s0
1960s0
1970s0
1980s0
1990s5
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Hajime is a Japanese name that has been in use in the United States since at least 1913, though it has never broken into the top 1000 rankings. Its peak year of recorded usage was 1917, suggesting early adoption by Japanese immigrant families. The trajectory of the name over the decades has been stable, indicating a consistent but modest presence. While the top states for Hajime are not recorded in the data, the name is likely concentrated in communities with Japanese heritage. As a name that means 'beginning,' it carries a sense of purpose and new starts, making it a meaningful choice for those seeking a name with cultural roots and symbolic depth.

Hajime is a Japanese name derived from the word meaning 'beginning' or 'start'. It is commonly given to boys, often as a first name, and can also be a surname. The name carries a sense of new beginnings and is associated with the concept of taking the first step.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Haji, Mei

Sibling names for Hajime

Names that share Hajime's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Yuki, Sakura, Aoi, Miyu, Rei

Brothers: Kaito, Haruki, Riku, Sora, Ren

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

H is for Hajime, our favorite little boy.

H is for Hajime…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Hajime's letter becomes Hajime's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Hajime's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Hajime mean?
Hajime means 'beginning' or 'start' in Japanese.
Is Hajime a popular name?
Hajime has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000, but it has been in consistent use since 1913, with its peak year in 1917.
Is Hajime a boy's name?
Yes, Hajime is traditionally a masculine name in Japan.