Declining since 2010, #5,410 for girls today.
Popularity of Kimi since 1915
Babies named Kimi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 31 | 0 |
| 1920s | 64 | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 6 | 0 |
| 1950s | 204 | 0 |
| 1960s | 462 | 0 |
| 1970s | 287 | 0 |
| 1980s | 186 | 0 |
| 1990s | 152 | 0 |
| 2000s | 172 | 6 |
| 2010s | 169 | 222 |
| 2020s | 86 | 71 |
Meaning & origin
Kimi is a name with diverse possible origins, though its exact etymology remains uncertain. In the United States, it first appeared on record in 1915 and saw its highest usage in 1965, ranking that year among the top names. Since 2010, its popularity has been declining, with a current rank of 5,410 in 2025, where approximately 1 in 69,881 newborns receive the name. Kimi has been most frequently used in California. Its multi-cultural possibilities, including a Japanese origin meaning 'noble' or 'joy,' give it a modern, global feel, while its brevity and melodic sound make it a distinctive choice for those seeking a short, unisex name.
The name Kimi has multiple possible origins. In English-speaking countries, it may be a modern coinage or a variant of Kimi, which itself is a Finnish diminutive of Kim (from Joachim). In Japanese, Kimi can be a given name with meanings such as 'noble' or 'joy', depending on the kanji used. Its use in the United States dates back to at least 1915, with a peak in popularity in 1965.
Where Kimi is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kimi” around the world
Where Kimi lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Kimmy, Kymmi
Sibling names for Kimi
Names that share Kimi's style, for a brother or sister.
