# What Does the Name Kenji Mean?

Kenji is a traditional Japanese name that has been popular for centuries. It combines characters that convey wisdom or health with a generational marker.

**Origin:** Japanese

  **Gender:** boy

  **Pronunciation:** KEN-jee

The name Kenji originates from Japan and is formed by pairing the kanji ken (賢 meaning wise or 健 meaning healthy) with ji (二 meaning second). Different kanji combinations create subtle variations in meaning, but the sound remains the same. It is often given to a second-born son, reflecting the numeral element.

Is Kenji a boy or girl name? Kenji is primarily used for boys in Japanese naming conventions.

## More Japanese names

- [**Emiko**beautiful child](/baby-name-emiko-meaning/)
- [**Yumi**beautiful bow](/baby-name-yumi-meaning/)
- [**Sora**sky](/baby-name-sora-meaning/)

[Browse all baby names](/baby-names/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the meaning of Kenji?

It means a wise or healthy second son, depending on the kanji used.

### What origin is the name Kenji?

Kenji is of Japanese origin.

### Is Kenji a boy or girl name?

Kenji is traditionally a boy name.