Sumie

Meaning & origin

Sumie is a Japanese feminine given name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1915, reflecting early Japanese immigration. Its peak usage came in 1927, during a period when Japanese cultural influence was modest but present in the United States. Since then, the name has become increasingly uncommon, with no recorded births in recent years. The trajectory of Sumie's usage has remained stable in its rarity, never entering the top 1000 names. It is typically written with kanji characters that convey meanings like 'clear' and 'beautiful,' though the exact meaning varies by character choice. The name was most commonly found in states with Japanese American populations, such as Hawaii and California, though no top states are listed in the data. Sumie represents a traditional Japanese naming style, not influenced by broader American naming trends.

Sumie is a Japanese feminine name composed of two elements, each represented by a kanji character. The first element, 'su' (澄), can mean 'clear' or 'pure,' while 'mie' (美江 or 美枝) combines 'mi' (beautiful) with 'e' (inlet, bay, or branch). Other kanji combinations are possible, as Japanese names often have multiple interpretations based on the characters chosen. The name has been used in Japan for many decades, reflecting traditional naming practices.