Kimi

♀ Girl

Pronounced KEE-mee /ˈkiː.mi/Medium

Meaning: From the Japanese Kimi ('upright; noble; sovereign'), a name and word element; also used as a short form of Kimberly. Routes uncertain.Low

In 30 seconds: A sweet, short name: Kimi means 'upright; noble' in Japanese, and shortens Kimberly (said 'KEE-mee'). Routes are uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowJapanese, English

MeaningFrom the Japanese Kimi ('upright; noble; sovereign'), a name and word element; also used as a short form of Kimberly. Routes uncertain.

U.S. rank (2024)#10668 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births9 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1965

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,796

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

Kimi reads as the Japanese Kimi ('upright; noble') and as a short form of Kimberly. The exact route is uncertain, which we note. A crisp, warm name that works across cultures (said 'KEE-mee').

It appears only rarely in the U.S. Rare, short, and bright.

Did you know? Kimi is Japanese for 'upright; noble; sovereign' and also a friendly short form of Kimberly, so its route is uncertain, which we note — a bright, compact name (said 'KEE-mee').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Kimi — Japanese 'upright; noble'; Kimberly short form; routes uncertain

Variations

KimmiKimieKimmy

Nicknames

KimMimi

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kimi…

Kimiko— a like Japanese Kimi- name

Kimberly— the name it can shorten

Emi— a like short Japanese pick

Yuki— a like bright Japanese choice

Explore names like Kimi

By themeuncertain short japanese noble

By meaningRoyal / Noble

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kimi mean?

Kimi is Japanese for 'upright; noble; sovereign' and also a short form of Kimberly. The route is uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Kimi?

It's said KEE-mee /ˈkiː.mi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kimi a boy or girl name?

Kimi is used as a girl's name (in Japan it can be unisex).

How popular is Kimi?

Kimi is a rare name in the U.S.