Kanami is a Japanese given name of both male and female usage. It is composed of two kanji characters: "KANA" which means "fragrance," and "MI" which means "beautiful." Therefore, the meaning of Kanami is "Beautiful Fragrance."
The name Kanami has a rich history in Japan. One notable figure bearing this name is Fujiwara no Kanami (942-1015), a renowned Japanese poet and dramatist during the Heian period. He was one of the founders of Noh theater, which is still popular today. His works include "Aoi No Uye," one of the most famous plays in the Noh repertoire.
In addition to Fujiwara no Kanami, there are several other notable figures with this name in Japanese history and literature. This includes Kanami Tsutsui (1896-1972), a prominent Japanese writer known for his short stories and essays, and Kanami Tachibana (active 13th century), a lady-in-waiting who served Emperor Go-Fukakusa.
The name Kanami is also used in other East Asian countries that use Chinese characters, such as Korea and China. In Korean, it is romanized as "Ganami," while in Chinese, it is romanized as "Jianmei."
Overall, the name Kanami holds significant historical and cultural importance in Japan and other East Asian countries. Its beautiful meaning adds to its appeal for parents looking for a meaningful name for their child.
The name Kanami has seen a consistent presence in the United States over the past two years, with five babies being given this name each year in both 2022 and 2023. This indicates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, there is a steady interest in it among parents choosing names for their newborns.