Kou

KOH · Of uncertain origin, possibly from Japanese kō meaning 'happiness' or 'filial piety'; also a Japanese surname.

Peak popularity

1992

Usually for

Boys

Trend

Declining since 1991

Declining since 1991.

Popularity of Kou since 1979

Babies named Kou per year in U.S. Social Security records.

Data table (by decade)

Decade	Boys
1970s	6
1980s	323
1990s	279
2000s	63
2010s	20
2020s	0

Meaning & origin

Kou is a Japanese name that entered U.S. records in 1979. Its usage has been extremely rare, never reaching the Social Security Administration's top 1000. The name experienced peak popularity in 1992, and since 1991 its trajectory has been falling. Despite low usage, Kou carries cultural resonance within Japanese naming traditions, where it can be written with characters representing positive concepts like happiness or light. The name's rarity in American data makes it a distinctive choice for families with Japanese heritage or an appreciation for Japanese culture.

Kou is a Japanese name that can be written with various kanji characters, each imparting a different meaning. Common interpretations include 幸 (kō) meaning 'happiness' or 'good fortune', 光 (kō) meaning 'light', 孝 (kō) meaning 'filial piety', or 康 (kō) meaning 'peaceful'. It is also found as a surname. The name has seen modest use in Japan and among Japanese communities abroad, particularly in the late 20th century.

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Ko, Koh, Kō

Sibling names for Kou

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

Sisters: Yuki, Mai, Aya, Rin, Hana, Kabao, Soua

Brothers: Ren, Sho, Ryo, Ken, Yuta, Nhia

Questions parents ask

What does the name Kou mean?

Kou is a Japanese name whose meaning depends on the kanji used. Common meanings include 'happiness', 'light', or 'filial piety'. It is of uncertain origin if not using specific kanji.

How popular is the name Kou?

Kou has never ranked among the top 1000 names in the United States. Its peak year in U.S. records was 1992.

Is Kou a boy's name or a girl's name?

Kou is predominantly used as a boy's name, but it can be unisex depending on the kanji. In the U.S. data, it is usually recorded for boys.