Kenta is a name of Japanese origin, derived from the word "ken" which means "healthy" or "strong". It is often used as a given name for boys in Japan and has gained popularity internationally in recent years.
The name Kenta does not have any specific historical significance beyond its meaning related to health and strength. However, it is worth noting that like many Japanese names, Kenta may be written using different kanji characters, each with their own meaning. Some common combinations for Kenta include:
* 健太: This version of the name uses the kanji character "ken" (健) which means healthy or strong, and the character "ta" (太) which means big or thick.
* 源太: This version of the name uses the kanji character "gen" (源) which means source or origin, and the character "ta" (太) meaning big or thick. Despite the different characters, this version of the name is still pronounced as Kenta.
In terms of popular culture, there are a few notable characters named Kenta:
* Kenta Isaka is a fictional character in the anime and manga series "Yu-Gi-Oh!"
* Kenta Konishi is a professional wrestler better known by his ring name, KENTA.
* Kenta Hattori is a Japanese actor best known for his role as Kyo Sohma in the live-action Fruits Basket series.
Overall, while Kenta may not have any specific historical significance beyond its meaning related to health and strength, it remains a popular name choice in Japan and internationally due to its positive connotations.
The name Kenta has seen a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States, with fluctuations in its popularity among parents choosing names for their newborns.
In the early years recorded, from 1973 to 1986, the number of babies named Kenta ranged between 6 and 20 births per year. The name gained some traction in the late 70s and early 80s, with a peak of 48 births in 1977.
However, from 1987 onwards, the popularity of the name Kenta began to decline significantly. It remained relatively stable for a few years, with around 10-20 births per year until 1995 when it started to see a steady increase again, reaching a recent high of 28 births in 1991.
Since then, the popularity of the name Kenta has continued to fluctuate. It experienced another peak between 1997 and 2000 with around 20-25 births per year before declining once more, with as few as 5 births recorded in 2016.
More recently, from 2017 onwards, the popularity of the name Kenta has seen a renewed interest, with numbers fluctuating between 6 and 13 births per year. In 2020 and 2022, there were 11 births each year for this name.
Overall, while the name Kenta has not been among the most popular in the United States, it has maintained a consistent presence with a total of 704 births recorded over the years from 1973 to 2022. Its popularity may have ebbed and flowed over time, but its unique sound continues to appeal to some parents who choose to give their children this name.