Kiyono is a Japanese given name of both masculine and feminine usage. The name is composed of two kanji characters: "kiy" (喜) which means "happiness" or "joy," and "no" (能) which means "ability" or "talent." Therefore, the meaning of Kiyono is generally interpreted as "happiness in ability" or "talent brings joy."
The name Kiyono has a rich history in Japan. It was used prominently during the Edo period (1603-1868), with notable bearers including Kiyono Tanuma, a renowned Confucian scholar and educator during the late 18th century. However, its popularity has varied over time, with peaks occurring in the early to mid-20th century.
Today, Kiyono remains a relatively uncommon name in Japan but continues to be used among families who appreciate its positive connotations of happiness and talent. It is also sometimes encountered internationally, as Japanese culture gains wider recognition around the world. Despite its relative rarity, Kiyono stands out due to its unique combination of meaning and sound, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with a deep cultural heritage.
The name Kiyono has a rich history in the United States, with its first recorded birth in 1915. Between then and 1924, there were a total of 35 babies named Kiyono born across the country. The name's popularity fluctuated over this period, with peaks in births occurring in 1918 and again in 1923 and 1924, both years seeing five newborns named Kiyono. Despite these fluctuations, the name maintained a steady presence throughout the late teens and early twenties of the twentieth century.