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Home › Baby Names Directory › Kenshin

Kenshin

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEN-shin /ˈkɛn.ʃɪn/Medium

Meaning: A Japanese name written with varying kanji, so the meaning depends on the characters; elements often used include ken ('modest; humble; wise') and shin ('truth; heart; faith'). It is famous through the warlord Uesugi Kenshin and, for many families today, through the anime Rurouni Kenshin — a modern association we note honestly.Low

In 30 seconds: A Japanese name of history and story: Kenshin's meaning depends on its characters, often 'humble truth' (said 'KEN-shin').
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Origin MediumJapanese
MeaningA Japanese name written with varying kanji, so the meaning depends on the characters; elements often used include ken ('modest; humble; wise') and shin ('truth; heart; faith'). It is famous through the warlord Uesugi Kenshin and, for many families today, through the anime Rurouni Kenshin — a modern association we note honestly.
U.S. rank (2024)#13264 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2003
Total births (all-time)≈ 353

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202220012024

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

Kenshin is a Japanese name whose sense depends on its kanji: ken can mean 'modest; wise', and shin 'truth; heart; faith'. The warlord Uesugi Kenshin made it historic; the anime Rurouni Kenshin made it widely known abroad. Because the writing decides the meaning, we note the sense as uncertain (said 'KEN-shin').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely for boys. Rare here, historic in Japan.

Did you know? Kenshin is carried by Uesugi Kenshin, a famed sixteenth-century Japanese warlord, and by the swordsman hero of the anime Rurouni Kenshin — a modern association many families know, which we note honestly.
Overall data confidence 45%
References — Kenshin — Japanese; meaning varies by kanji; Uesugi Kenshin; Rurouni Kenshin anime

Variations

KenshiKentaKenji

Nicknames

KenShin

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kenshin…

Kenji— a close Japanese cousin
Kenzo— a like Ken- Japanese name
Kaito— a like crisp Japanese pick
Haruki— a like familiar Japanese choice

Explore names like Kenshin

By themeheritagejapanesehistoricmeaning-varies

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kenshin mean?

Kenshin's meaning depends on the Japanese characters used — often elements meaning 'modest; wise' plus 'truth; heart'. The sense is uncertain without the writing, which we note.

How do you pronounce Kenshin?

It's said KEN-shin /ˈkɛn.ʃɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kenshin a boy or girl name?

Kenshin is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Kenshin?

Kenshin is a rare name for boys in the U.S.

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