A 1980s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Kimo since 1949
Babies named Kimo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 8 |
| 1950s | 41 |
| 1960s | 103 |
| 1970s | 167 |
| 1980s | 177 |
| 1990s | 123 |
| 2000s | 141 |
| 2010s | 72 |
| 2020s | 27 |
Meaning & origin
Kimo is a Hawaiian adaptation of the name James, reflecting the cultural exchange between Western missionaries and the Hawaiian Islands. First recorded in the United States in 1949, the name saw its highest usage during the 1980s, with a peak in 1981. While it has never ranked among the top names nationally, Kimo experienced a modest revival in the 1980s and has been rising in use since 2022. The name is infrequently given, making it a distinctive choice that honors Hawaiian heritage. Its popularity trajectory shows a recent upswing, though it remains uncommon outside of Hawaii.
Kimo is the Hawaiian form of James, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Yaakov (Jacob), meaning 'supplanter' or 'he who supplants'. The name was introduced to Hawaii by early Western missionaries and gradually adapted into the Hawaiian language, where 'Kimo' emerged as a localized version. It has been used in Hawaii since the 19th century, though its popularity fluctuated in the mainland United States.
Sibling names for Kimo
Names that share Kimo's style, for a brother or sister.
