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Tsunami

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How to Pronounce Tsunami

Pronounced tsoo-NAH-mee /tsuːˈnɑː.mi/Medium

Meaning: From the Japanese tsunami, literally 'harbour wave' — the word for the great ocean waves set off by earthquakes. Chosen for its striking sound and imagery; families may note that it is also the word for the natural disaster, so the choice is made with open eyes. Stated plainly and neutrally.Low

In 30 seconds: A striking word-name: Tsunami is Japanese for 'harbour wave' (said 'tsoo-NAH-mee'). Bold and oceanic.

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Origin MediumJapanese

MeaningFrom the Japanese tsunami, literally 'harbour wave' — the word for the great ocean waves set off by earthquakes. Chosen for its striking sound and imagery; families may note that it is also the word for the natural disaster, so the choice is made with open eyes. Stated plainly and neutrally.

U.S. rank (2024)#15056 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 33

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

Tsunami literally means 'harbour wave' in Japanese, the term for the vast ocean waves stirred by earthquakes. As a name it is bold and oceanic; families may note it is also the word for the disaster, and choose accordingly. Rare in the U.S. (said 'tsoo-NAH-mee').

It appears only rarely in the U.S. Rare, bold, and oceanic.

Did you know? Tsunami is the Japanese word for 'harbour wave,' used for the great ocean waves caused by earthquakes; it is also the word for that natural event, so families choose it with open eyes (said 'tsoo-NAH-mee').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Tsunami — Japanese 'harbour wave'; also the disaster word

Variations

TsunamieTsunamySunami

Nicknames

SunnyNami

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Tsunami…

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Tsunami mean?

Tsunami is Japanese for 'harbour wave,' the word for great ocean waves; also the word for the natural event.

How do you pronounce Tsunami?

It's said tsoo-NAH-mee /tsuːˈnɑː.mi/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Tsunami a boy or girl name?

Tsunami is a girl's name.

How popular is Tsunami?

Tsunami is an extremely rare name in the U.S.