Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home β€Ί Baby Names Directory β€Ί Koji

Koji

β™‚ Boy

Pronounced KOH-jee /ˈkoʊ.dΚ’i/Medium

Meaning: From Japanese ko, 'small/happy/light', plus ji, 'second son/era'; meaning depends on kanjiMedium

In 30 seconds: Bright and traditional: Koji joins Japanese ko, 'small/light/happy', with ji, 'second son'. Warm, classic, and handsome.
πŸ’• Browse more names
Origin MediumJapanese
MeaningFrom Japanese ko, 'small/happy/light', plus ji, 'second son/era'; meaning depends on kanji
U.S. rank (2025)#3412 β†— Rising
2025 U.S. births34 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)β‰ˆ 645

Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data

peak 202519222025

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

Koji comes from Japanese ko, 'small, light, or happy', plus ji, 'second son' or 'era' β€” the meaning depending on the kanji (which we note). A warm, classic Japanese name.

In the U.S. it appears in Japanese families. Rare, shining-second-son at the root, and handsome.

Did you know? Koji joins ko ('small, light, or happy') with ji ('second son' or 'era') β€” the meaning shifts with the kanji, often read 'shining/happy second son'; a handsome Japanese classic.
Overall data confidence 78%
Japanese references β€” Koji β€” kanji-dependent

Variations

KoujiKoji

Nicknames

Ko

Famous Bearers

  • β˜…Koji Kondo (1960-)
    Japanese composer who created the iconic music for Nintendo's Mario and Zelda video game franchises
  • β˜…Koji Murofushi (1974-)
    Japanese hammer thrower who won Olympic gold at the 2004 Athens Games

If you like Koji…

Kenjiβ€” a fellow -ji Japanese name
Kaitoβ€” another Japanese boys' name
Koiβ€” lands in the same popularity range
Kanonβ€” a similarly popular pick
Kionβ€” another Japanese name

Explore names like Koji

By themejapanese
By meaningLightJoy

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Koji mean?

Koji is Japanese for 'shining/happy second son' (the meaning depends on the kanji).

How do you pronounce Koji?

It's said KOH-jee /ˈkoʊ.dΚ’i/ β€” two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Koji a boy or girl name?

Koji is a boy's name.

How popular is Koji?

Koji is a rare name in the U.S.

πŸ’¬ Ask Nia