Keiji is a masculine given name of Japanese origin. It is composed of two kanji characters: "Kei" (慶), which means "celebration" or "joy", and "Ji" (治), which means "govern" or "administer". Thus, the name Keiji translates to "Celebrating Governance".
The name Keiji has a rich history in Japanese culture. It was often given to sons born into families of high social standing during the feudal era. These families were responsible for governing their respective regions and maintaining order. Therefore, the name Keiji reflected both the pride and responsibility associated with these roles.
In more recent times, Keiji remains a popular choice among parents in Japan. It is considered a strong and traditional name that embodies the values of leadership and celebration. However, it is not as commonly known outside of Japan due to its relatively low international popularity compared to other Japanese names like Hiroshi or Yoshi.
Despite its relatively niche status internationally, Keiji carries significant historical and cultural weight in Japan. It serves as a reminder of the country's rich history and traditions, while also being a name that continues to be used and loved by many families today.
The name Keiji has had varying popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 167 births recorded since 1923. The name first appeared in the U.S. Social Security Administration's baby name data in 1923, with 8 newborns being given the name that year. It remained relatively uncommon throughout most of the 20th century, with fewer than 10 babies named Keiji each year from 1924 to 1999.
However, there was a notable spike in popularity for the name Keiji in the early 2000s. In 2003, 5 babies were named Keiji, but this number more than doubled to 15 births in 2009. This peak marked the highest point of popularity for the name Keiji in the United States to date.
Since then, the number of babies named Keiji has fluctuated, with some years seeing an increase and others a decrease in popularity. For example, there were 8 births in both 2015 and 2023, indicating that the name may be experiencing renewed interest among parents.
Overall, while Keiji is not one of the most popular baby names in the United States, it has maintained a steady presence over the years, with some periods of higher popularity. As of 2023, there have been a total of 167 babies named Keiji born in the U.S., making it a unique and relatively uncommon choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.