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Kaneki

♂ Boy

Pronounced kah-NEH-kee /kɑːˈnɛ.ki/Medium

Meaning: A Japanese surname best known from Ken Kaneki, the protagonist of the anime and manga Tokyo Ghoul. As a given name in U.S. use it is a pop-culture pick; its literal meaning varies by kanji, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: An anime-rooted name: Kaneki comes from Ken Kaneki of Tokyo Ghoul (said 'kah-NEH-kee'). Pop-culture is the main route, which we note.

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Origin LowJapanese

MeaningA Japanese surname best known from Ken Kaneki, the protagonist of the anime and manga Tokyo Ghoul. As a given name in U.S. use it is a pop-culture pick; its literal meaning varies by kanji, which we note.

U.S. rank (2025)#8586 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births9 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 68

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Kaneki is best known as the surname of Ken Kaneki in the anime Tokyo Ghoul. Its use as a first name is driven by anime fandom, and its literal meaning varies by kanji, which we note - very rare in the U.S. (said 'kah-NEH-kee').

It appears only recently and rarely, tied to anime fandom. Rare, pop-culture, and modern.

Did you know? Kaneki is a Japanese surname famous from Ken Kaneki, the hero of Tokyo Ghoul - so as a given name it reads as a pop-culture pick; its literal meaning varies by kanji, which we note (said 'kah-NEH-kee').

Overall data confidence 34%

References - Kaneki — Japanese surname; Tokyo Ghoul; pop-culture route

Variations

KaneikiKanakiKaneky

Nicknames

KaneKi

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kaneki mean?

Kaneki is a Japanese surname best known from Tokyo Ghoul's Ken Kaneki; its literal meaning varies by kanji. Routes uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Kaneki?

It's said kah-NEH-kee /kɑːˈnɛ.ki/ - three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Kaneki a boy or girl name?

Kaneki is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Kaneki?

Kaneki is a very rare, recent name in the U.S.