Kaori

♀ Girl

Pronounced kah-OH-ree /kɑːˈoʊ.ri/High

Meaning: fragrance, pleasant scent, aromaHigh

In 30 seconds: Kaori is a beautiful Japanese name meaning fragrance or pleasant scent. A lyrical three-syllable name evoking natural beauty, one of Japan's most beloved girls' names.

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Origin HighJapanese

Meaningfragrance, pleasant scent, aroma

U.S. rank (2024)#2353 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births78 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,309

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Kaori is a Japanese feminine name from the word kaori (香り) meaning fragrance or pleasant scent. It evokes the scent of blossoms and is one of Japan's most popular feminine names.

Kaori is widely used in Japan and among Japanese diaspora communities, with crossover appeal in Western countries.

Did you know? In Japanese culture, the appreciation of natural fragrance (kaori) is an art form — the ceremony of incense appreciation (kōdō) is one of Japan's three classical arts.

Overall data confidence 95%

Kenkyusha Japanese-English Dictionary — reference for KaoriBehind the Name: Kaori — name etymology referenceJapanese Name Statistics — reference for Kaori

Variations

KaoruKaorie

Nicknames

Kao

Famous Bearers

★Kaori Iida (1981–present)
Japanese pop singer and actress, a founding first-generation member and later leader of the J-pop group Morning Musume.

If you like Kaori…

Sakura— Japanese cherry blossom name of similar natural beauty

Hana— Japanese name meaning flower

Yuki— Japanese name meaning snow or happiness

Aoi— Japanese name meaning blue hollyhock flower

Suki— Japanese name meaning beloved

Frequently Asked

What does Kaori mean?

Kaori means fragrance, pleasant scent, or aroma in Japanese.

How do you pronounce Kaori?

Kaori is pronounced kah-OH-ree (/kɑːˈoʊ.ri/), with three syllables.

Is Kaori a girl's name?

Yes, Kaori is an exclusively feminine name in Japanese.

How popular is the name Kaori?

Kaori is one of the most popular girls' names in Japan and is used in Japanese diaspora communities worldwide.