"of or relating to Katori, a sacred place in Japan"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Katori
Katori is a girl name of Japanese origin meaning "of or relating to Katori, a sacred place in Japan." Ranked #6,093 in the US, popular nicknames include Kato, Tori, and Kori.
A serene Japanese name from Japan's oldest shrine city
Japanese
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Spiritual
Earthy
Sophisticated
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The Story of Katori
Katori is a Japanese name and place name from Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The city of Katori is home to the Katori Jingu, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, dedicated to Futsunushi no Mikoto, a deity of martial arts. The name may derive from old Japanese words related to fragrance or a place where incense or special plants were gathered. Katori Shinto Ryu, founded near this shrine, is considered Japan's oldest surviving martial arts school.
As a given name, Katori is rare even in Japan but has been used by parents who want to connect their child to the spiritual heritage of the Katori Jingu shrine or to the tradition of martial arts. Outside Japan, it appeals to parents attracted to Japanese names that are pronounceable in English.
The Katori Jingu shrine in Chiba has been a place of pilgrimage for over 2,000 years and is one of only a handful of shrines accorded the highest Jingu (grand shrine) status in Japan. The Katori Shinto Ryu martial arts school, founded in the 15th century near the shrine, is Japan's oldest documented martial arts tradition.
Historical Record
Katori first appeared in US Social Security records in 2007.
Over 184 babies have been named Katori in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Katori is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #6,093 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Katori Jingu shrine has been a major religious site in Japan for over 2,000 years
- Katori Shinto Ryu, founded near the Katori shrine c. 1447, is the oldest martial arts school in Japan with continuous documentation
- The city of Katori in Chiba Prefecture was named after the ancient shrine
Katori in Other Languages
Korean
카토리
Chinese
香取
English
Katori
Spanish
Katori
Japanese
香取
Popularity Over Time
#6,093
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Katori
K
Katori Hall
Writer
1981
American playwright whose works include The Mountaintop and Hurt Village; she wrote the book for the Broadway musical Ti...
American playwright whose works include The Mountaintop and Hurt Village; she wrote the book for the Broadway musical Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #6,093
- Total SSA Count
- 20
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Kato
Tori
Kori
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Katori
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Katori is also used as a boy name, ranked #15884.
View Katori as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Katori
What does the name Katori mean?
"of or relating to Katori, a sacred place in Japan" (from Japanese). Katori is a Japanese name and place name from Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The city of Katori is home to the Katori Jingu, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, dedicated to Futsunushi no Mikoto, a deity of martial arts. The name may derive from old Japanese words related to fragrance or a place where incense or special plants were gathered. Katori Shinto Ryu, founded near this shrine, is considered Japan's oldest surviving martial arts school.
What is the origin of the name Katori?
Katori has Japanese origins. In Japanese, it means "of or relating to Katori, a sacred place in Japan".
Is Katori a boy or girl name?
Katori is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #6093. As a boy name, it is ranked #15884. Katori is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Katori?
Katori is currently ranked #6093 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Katori?
Common nicknames for Katori include Kato, Tori, and Kori.
What are good middle names for Katori?
Popular middle name pairings include Katori Ren, Katori Yuki, Katori Mae, Katori Lin, Katori Jade, and Katori Faye.
What are good sibling names for Katori?
Names that pair well with Katori as siblings include Satori, Kaito, Amara, Nori, Hana, Kenji, and Yuna.
How many syllables does Katori have?
Katori has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Katori a common or rare name?
Katori is an uncommon name, ranked #6093 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Katori
Katori is a girl name with Japanese origins . The name means "of or relating to Katori, a sacred place in Japan" in Japanese .
Is Katori a boy or girl name? Katori is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #6,093 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #15,884. Katori is more commonly used as a girl name.
Katori is currently ranked #6,093 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Katori has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Katori include Kato, Tori, and Kori. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis