"divine spirit, god"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Kami
Does Kami flow with your last name?
A name meaning 'divine spirit' across Japanese and Persian traditions
Japanese
American
Persian
Spiritual
Unique
Gentle
Elegant
Whimsical
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"perfect, complete"
Origin: Persian/Arabic
Language: Persian
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The Story of Kami
Kami has multiple origins depending on the culture. In Japanese, 'kami' (神) refers to divine spirits or gods in the Shinto religion — powerful supernatural forces that inhabit natural phenomena, revered ancestors, and sacred places. The name can also be a short form of Kamila in Persian/Arabic tradition, or a diminutive of Camille in Western cultures. Each origin lends the name a distinct spiritual or elegant character.
In the United States, Kami has been used sporadically as a given name since the mid-20th century, often as a nickname for Camille or Kamille. Its Japanese meaning has given it new appeal among parents interested in cross-cultural spirituality.
In Shinto tradition, kami are everywhere — in mountains, rivers, trees, and ancestors. The concept underpins Japanese culture's deep reverence for nature. A child named Kami carries this sacred connection to the natural and spiritual world.
Historical Record
Kami first appeared in US Social Security records in 1957.
Over 8,879 babies have been named Kami in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kami is past its peak , currently ranked #3,908 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Kami is a fundamental concept in Japanese Shinto religion — there are said to be eight million kami in Japan
- Kami is the name of a beloved Muppet character on the South African version of Sesame Street, the first HIV-positive Muppet
Kami in Other Languages
Arabic
کامی
French
Kami
Persian
کامی
Spanish
Kami
Japanese
神/カミ
Popularity Over Time
#3,908
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1972
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kami
K
Kami Garcia
Writer
1972
American author co-writer of Beautiful Creatures young adult fantasy series
K
Kami (Muppet) Fictional
Other
The first HIV-positive Muppet, introduced on Takalani Sesame (South African Sesame Street) in 2002
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Compare Kami with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,908
- Total SSA Count
- 38
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese American Persian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kam
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kami
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Kami is also used as a boy name, ranked #23291.
View Kami as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kami
What does the name Kami mean?
"divine spirit, god" (from Japanese). "perfect, complete" (from Persian/Arabic). Kami has multiple origins depending on the culture. In Japanese, 'kami' (神) refers to divine spirits or gods in the Shinto religion — powerful supernatural forces that inhabit natural phenomena, revered ancestors, and sacred places. The name can also be a short form of Kamila in Persian/Arabic tradition, or a diminutive of Camille in Western cultures. Each origin lends the name a distinct spiritual or elegant character.
What is the origin of the name Kami?
Kami has Japanese, Persian/Arabic, American, and Persian origins. In Japanese, it means "divine spirit, god". In Persian/Arabic, it means "perfect, complete".
Is Kami a boy or girl name?
Kami is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #3908. As a boy name, it is ranked #23291. Kami is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Kami?
Kami is currently ranked #3908 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kami?
Common nicknames for Kami include Kam.
What are good middle names for Kami?
Popular middle name pairings include Kami Lynn, Kami Rose, Kami Marie, Kami Jo, Kami Ann, Kami Grace, and Kami Lee.
What are good sibling names for Kami?
Names that pair well with Kami as siblings include Hana, Riku, Mika, Kai, Yuki, Sora, and Nori.
How many syllables does Kami have?
Kami has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kami a common or rare name?
Kami is an uncommon name, ranked #3908 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Kami?
About the Name Kami
Kami is a girl name with Japanese, American, and Persian origins . The name means "divine spirit, god" in Japanese .
Is Kami a boy or girl name? Kami is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #3,908 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #23,291. Kami is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kami is currently ranked #3,908 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kami has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kami include Kam. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kami include Kamila, Kamryn, Kamiyah, Kamari, Kamora . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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