Kenji is a distinctive choice, ranked #2444 in 2024. Your child is likely to be the only Kenji in their class.
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UK Rank 2024
#2444
US Rank #855
About the Name Kenji
Kenji has seen a notable decline in recent years, dropping 721 places in five years. It was most popular in 2022 at #1534 — parents choosing it today are making a deliberately counter-trend decision. The name has been a regular feature in UK records since 1997.
Kenji is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
In the US it ranks even higher at #855, where it enjoys a particularly strong following.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Kenji
Unlikely. With around 9 UK babies named Kenji per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Kenji in his class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Kenji has been declining in UK popularity, dropping 721 places in the last five years. Its peak was #1534 in 2022. Choosing it now means he is likely to be among the last of his generation with this name.
Kenji is more popular in the US (#855) than in the UK (#2444). Names with strong rankings in both countries tend to have broad cross-cultural appeal, working well for international families or those with ties to both nations.
Notable people named Kenji include: Akinoshū Kenji — Akinoshū Kenji is a former sumo wrestler from Hiroshima, Japan.; Kenji Cabrera — Kenji Giovanni Cabrera Nakamura is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or left winger for Major League Soccer club Vancouver...; Kenji Kawakami — Kenji Kawakami is the inventor of the Japanese craze Chindōgu..
Kenji ranks #855 in the US top 1,000 (2024). It's recognised in America but considerably more popular in the UK.
9
UK babies named Kenji (2024)
< 1
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
< 1
In a school of 600
↓ 721 places
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Kenji
Likely around 1 other Kenji in the class
UK Popularity (1997–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Kenji
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Akinoshū Kenji is a former sumo wrestler from Hiroshima, Japan. He made his professional debut in September 1984, and reached the top division in September 1997.
Kenji Giovanni Cabrera Nakamura is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or left winger for Major League Soccer club Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Born in Japan, he represents the Peru national team.
Kenji Goto was a Japanese freelance video journalist covering wars and conflicts, refugees, poverty, AIDS, and child education around the world. In October 2014, he was captured and held hostage by Islamic State (IS) militants after entering Syria in the hopes of rescuing Japanese hostage Haruna Yukawa.
Kenji Kanasugi is the current Japanese ambassador to China. He is known for his extensive contributions to Japan's foreign relations in East Asia, particularly with China and the broader Asia–Pacific region.
Kenji Midori is a Japanese martial artist and an instructor of the Full-contact Karate. He has an 8th Dan black belt in World Karate Organization Shinkyokushinkai.