Holding steady.
Popularity of Kalonji since 1971
Babies named Kalonji per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 65 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 49 |
| 2000s | 31 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Kalonji is a rare and modern name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1971, and its usage has remained stable ever since. The name reached its peak popularity in 1975, but it has never ranked among the top 1000 names. Because of its rarity, it does not have widespread geographic concentration or common spellings. Its origins are unclear, and it may be an invention or a creative variant of the name Kalon. This makes Kalonji a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name that stands out without a long historical tradition.
The name Kalonji appears to be a modern coinage, possibly derived from the name Kalon or influenced by other -onji endings. It has been used in the United States since the early 1970s, primarily within African American communities. Its exact derivation is not well documented, and it may be a creative spelling or elaboration of existing names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: KJ, Kalo
Sibling names for Kalonji
Names that share Kalonji's style, for a brother or sister.
