Kohei is a masculine Japanese given name. The name Kohei is composed of two kanji characters: "ko" (光), which means "light," and "hei" (栄), which means "prosperity" or "flourishing." Thus, the meaning of Kohei is "prospering with light" or "flourishing brightly."
The name Kohei has a rich history in Japan. It was popular during the Meiji era (1868-1912) and continues to be used today. Some notable individuals who have borne this name include Kohei Kudo, a Japanese singer-songwriter, and Kohei Uchida, a professional soccer player.
In terms of its popularity, Kohei ranked among the top 50 most popular names for boys in Japan during the 1970s and 1980s. However, it has since become less common, with fewer than five babies being named Kohei per year as of recent records.
Overall, Kohei is a name that carries significant cultural weight and historical significance in Japan. Its unique combination of kanji characters gives it a powerful meaning that embodies brightness and prosperity. Despite its declining popularity in recent years, Kohei remains an esteemed choice for parents seeking a traditional Japanese name with deep roots in history and culture.
Statistics on the Name Kohei in the United States:
The name Kohei has seen a varied but steady presence among newborns in the United States over the past few decades. The highest years for Kohei births were in 1993 and 1994, with 12 babies named Kohei each year. This trend continued for the following two years, indicating that Kohei was quite popular during this period.
However, there was a noticeable dip in popularity between 1996 and 2003, with fewer than 7 Koheis born each year. This could suggest a shift in taste or preference among parents during this time.
The name Kohei saw another resurgence in the late 2000s and early 2010s, with peaks of 9 births in 2002 and again in 2014. Interestingly, there were also notable increases in popularity in the years 2006 (7 births) and 2011 (9 births), suggesting a cyclical pattern for the name Kohei.
Overall, since 1989 until the most recent data from 2017, there have been a total of 146 babies named Kohei born in the United States. This steady presence over time indicates that Kohei remains a unique and distinctive choice among parents looking for a special name for their child.
Sources:
Social Security Administration, U.S. Births by Name (1989-2017)