"shade, silhouette"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Kage
Pronunciation: [ k-AYJ ]
Does Kage flow with your last name?
A Japanese shadow name with cool mystique
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
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The Story of Kage
Kage is a Japanese word meaning shadow or darkness. In Japanese culture, shadows carry a sense of mystery and depth rather than negativity. The name evokes the cool quietness of shade, the protective darkness of night, and the subtle power of things unseen. As a given name in Western contexts, Kage blends Japanese aesthetic appeal with a strong, minimal sound.
Kage has gained attention in Western countries as parents seek short, strong Japanese-inspired names. Its similarity in sound to popular names like Gage and Cage makes it accessible while its Japanese origin adds distinctive flair.
In Japanese martial arts and ninja folklore, the word kage (shadow) carries associations of stealth, skill, and mystery. Shadow warriors or kage are celebrated in popular culture through games, anime, and films.
Historical Record
Kage first appeared in US Social Security records in 1992.
Over 1,518 babies have been named Kage in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kage is past its peak , currently ranked #4,127 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Japanese ninja folklore, kage (shadow) warriors were elite agents who operated in secrecy
- The word kage appears in many anime and video game character names, particularly in Naruto
Kage in Other Languages
French
Kage
Korean
카게
Chinese
影子
Spanish
Kage
Japanese
影
Popularity Over Time
#4,127
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 2009
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kage
K
Kage Baker
Writer
1952
American science fiction and fantasy author known for The Company series
K
Kage (Naruto) Fictional
Other
Title given to the strongest ninja leader in each village in the Naruto anime/manga series
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,127
- Total SSA Count
- 26
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Kay
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kage
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Kage
Phonetic neighbors that share Kage's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kage
What does the name Kage mean?
"shade, silhouette" (from Japanese). Kage is a Japanese word meaning shadow or darkness. In Japanese culture, shadows carry a sense of mystery and depth rather than negativity. The name evokes the cool quietness of shade, the protective darkness of night, and the subtle power of things unseen. As a given name in Western contexts, Kage blends Japanese aesthetic appeal with a strong, minimal sound.
What is the origin of the name Kage?
Kage has Japanese and American origins. In Japanese, it means "shade, silhouette".
Is Kage a boy or girl name?
Kage is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Kage?
Kage is pronounced k-AYJ.
How popular is the name Kage?
Kage is currently ranked #4127 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kage?
Common nicknames for Kage include Kay.
What are good middle names for Kage?
Popular middle name pairings include Kage James, Kage Cole, Kage Lee, Kage Alexander, Kage Thomas, Kage River, and Kage Noah.
What are good sibling names for Kage?
Names that pair well with Kage as siblings include Kai, Sora, Hana, Ren, Luna, Zane, and Mika.
How many syllables does Kage have?
Kage has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kage a common or rare name?
Kage is an uncommon name, ranked #4127 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Kage
Kage is a boy name with Japanese and American origins . The name means "shade, silhouette" in Japanese .
Kage is currently ranked #4,127 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kage has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-AYJ, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kage include Kay. 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