Koi

♀ Girl

Pronounced KOY /kɔɪ/High

Meaning: From the Japanese word 'koi' (鯉), meaning 'carp,' specifically the colorful ornamental variety; also a homophone of 'koi' (恋) meaning 'love' or 'affection' in Japanese.High

In 30 seconds: Koi is a Japanese-inspired name evoking the beloved ornamental fish — a symbol of perseverance, beauty, and good fortune in East Asian culture.

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Origin HighJapanese

MeaningFrom the Japanese word 'koi' (鯉), meaning 'carp,' specifically the colorful ornamental variety; also a homophone of 'koi' (恋) meaning 'love' or 'affection' in Japanese.

U.S. rank (2024)#3026 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births54 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 585

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

As a given name, Koi is primarily a modern Western adoption of the Japanese word for the ornamental carp. Koi ponds have been central to Japanese garden aesthetics for over a thousand years, and the fish carry layered symbolism including perseverance, love, and prosperity. The name has been used in Hawaii and among Pacific Islander communities for generations.

In the early 21st century, Koi appeared as a given name in English-speaking countries, particularly among parents drawn to short, nature-inspired names with cross-cultural resonance. It gained wider attention when celebrity parents began choosing it, including Kourtney Kardashian's son Mason's friend group in popular culture references.

Did you know? Koi fish are central to Japanese garden culture and legend; one famous tale tells of a koi that swam upstream and transformed into a dragon — a symbol of determination overcoming adversity.

Overall data confidence 85%

Japanese Naming Traditions – Koi symbolism — Cultural and linguistic context of koi fishNameberry – Koi — Modern Western usage notes

Variations

KoeCoi

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Koi…

Kai— short Japanese/Hawaiian nature name

Ren— short Japanese name with natural meaning

Rio— short, vibrant nature-inspired name

Frequently Asked

What does the name Koi mean?

Koi means 'carp' in Japanese, referring to the beautiful ornamental fish that symbolize perseverance, good fortune, and love. It is also a homophone of the Japanese word for 'love.'

How do you pronounce Koi?

Koi is pronounced KOY, as a single syllable rhyming with 'boy.'

Is Koi a boy or girl name?

Koi is used for both boys and girls but is given here as a girl's name. It is gender-neutral in contemporary usage.

How popular is Koi?

Koi is a rare name in Western countries, appealing to parents seeking a short, distinctive name with rich cultural symbolism.