Kemari is a unique and intriguing male given name of Japanese origin. The name is derived from the word "kemari" which means "ball" or "to play ball" in Japanese. This name has a rich history and cultural significance in Japan.
In ancient times, Kemari was not just a game but also a form of art and ritual. It was played by members of the imperial court and aristocracy as early as the 8th century during the Nara period. The objective of the game was to keep the ball off the ground for as long as possible without using hands or feet, passing it from one player to another using only their heads, chests, or other parts of their bodies.
The name Kemari is believed to have been given to children born during the Heian period (794-1185), a time when the game was particularly popular among the nobility. It was seen as a symbol of elegance, grace, and skill. Those who bore this name were often expected to embody these qualities.
Today, Kemari is not as commonly used as some other Japanese names, but it still holds cultural significance. Parents may choose this name for their sons in hopes that they too will grow up to be skilled, graceful, and elegant individuals, much like the players of ancient Kemari. Overall, Kemari is a unique and meaningful name with a rich history and cultural heritage.
Statistics on the given name Kemari show a varied trend over the past twenty-seven years in the United States. The number of births has fluctuated each year since 1996, with a notable increase from just 7 births in 1996 to a peak of 100 births in 2009.
Throughout this period, there have been several peaks and troughs in popularity. For instance, after the initial rise between 1998 (14 births) and 2003 (47 births), the number of Kemari births decreased to 32 in 2004 before surging again to reach a new peak of 66 births in 2006. This trend continued with another peak at 79 births in 2007 and an even higher peak of 100 births in 2009.
However, the popularity of Kemari seems to have started declining since then. After 2009, there was a significant drop to 78 births in 2011, followed by another decrease to 55 births in 2013. The number continued to fluctuate, with periods of increase such as from 63 births in 2014 to 76 births in 2020, but overall, it has shown a downward trend.
In summary, the name Kemari has had its ups and downs in popularity over the past twenty-seven years in the United States. Despite several peaks reaching triple digits, there appears to be an overall decline since 2009. As of 2023, the number of births stands at 52, suggesting that Kemari might not currently be one of the most popular names for newborns in the U.S.