A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Kiyo since 1914
Babies named Kiyo per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kiyo's real moment was 1914.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 43 | 0 |
| 1920s | 54 | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 5 | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Kiyo is a name with multicultural appeal, appearing in Japanese and Hawaiian traditions. In Japanese, it can mean "pure" or "generation" and is often a short form of names like Kiyoshi. In Hawaiian, it carries the meaning "divine." Its use in the United States dates back to 1914, when it first appeared in Social Security records, though it has never ranked among the top 1000 names. The name's trajectory has been rising since 2022, suggesting a renewed interest. Despite its long history, Kiyo remains a relatively rare choice, which might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive but culturally resonant name.
Kiyo has multiple potential origins. In Japanese, it can be a standalone name or a short form of compound names like Kiyoshi (清, "pure") or Kiyoko. It also appears in Hawaiian contexts, meaning "divine." In modern English usage, it may be a nickname for names like Kiyoshi or a unique given name chosen for its sound. Its usage in the U.S. dates back to at least 1914, with a recent resurgence in popularity.
Sibling names for Kiyo
Names that share Kiyo's style, for a brother or sister.
