"joyful selection"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Kisen
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Named for Japan's revered 9th-century poet-monk
Japanese
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The Story of Kisen
Kisen (喜撰) is a Japanese name most famously borne by Kisen Hoshi, one of the Rokkasen — the Six Poetry Immortals of the Heian period (9th century CE). The kanji characters mean 'joyful' (喜, ki) and 'selection' or 'compilation' (撰, sen). Kisen Hoshi was a Buddhist monk and poet whose tanka about his hermitage on Mount Uji is preserved in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, the celebrated anthology of 100 classical Japanese poems.
Kisen remains a rare and historically resonant name in Japan, associated with classical poetry and Buddhist contemplative tradition. Outside Japan, it is almost unknown, making it an intriguing choice for parents of Japanese heritage who value literary and spiritual depth.
In Japanese literary culture, Kisen Hoshi's poem is among the 100 poems in the Hyakunin Isshu, an anthology memorized by generations of schoolchildren and central to the traditional card game Karuta. The name carries associations with poetry, solitude, and mindful simplicity.
Historical Record
Kisen first appeared in US Social Security records in 2024.
Over 31 babies have been named Kisen in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kisen is a new entry on the US charts , currently ranked #3,629 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Kisen Hoshi's single surviving poem in the Hyakunin Isshu describes his mountain hermitage as so remote that people say he lives in seclusion — though he wonders if they know his name
- The Rokkasen (Six Poetry Immortals) were identified by the great poet Ki no Tsurayuki in his famous preface to the Kokin Wakashu anthology around 905 CE
- The Hyakunin Isshu card game (Karuta), which includes Kisen's poem, is a competitive sport in Japan with national championships
Kisen in Other Languages
English
Kisen
Japanese
喜撰
Popularity Over Time
#3,629
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
New Entry
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kisen
K
Kisen Hoshi
Writer
9th-century Japanese Buddhist monk and poet, one of the Six Poetry Immortals (Rokkasen) of the Heian period, known for a...
9th-century Japanese Buddhist monk and poet, one of the Six Poetry Immortals (Rokkasen) of the Heian period, known for a single surviving tanka poem preserved in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu anthology
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Compare Kisen with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,629
- Total SSA Count
- 31
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Ki
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, unique style, extended 2-3 combo
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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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, sophisticated style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, sophisticated style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, sophisticated style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kisen
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kisen
What does the name Kisen mean?
"joyful selection" (from Japanese). Kisen (喜撰) is a Japanese name most famously borne by Kisen Hoshi, one of the Rokkasen — the Six Poetry Immortals of the Heian period (9th century CE). The kanji characters mean 'joyful' (喜, ki) and 'selection' or 'compilation' (撰, sen). Kisen Hoshi was a Buddhist monk and poet whose tanka about his hermitage on Mount Uji is preserved in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, the celebrated anthology of 100 classical Japanese poems.
What is the origin of the name Kisen?
Kisen has Japanese origins. In Japanese, it means "joyful selection".
Is Kisen a boy or girl name?
Kisen is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Kisen?
Kisen is currently ranked #3629 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Kisen?
Popular middle name pairings include Kisen Ryo, Kisen Haru, Kisen Sora, Kisen Kai, Kisen Ren, and Kisen Shin.
What are good sibling names for Kisen?
Names that pair well with Kisen as siblings include Ren, Kai, Haru, Sora, Yuki, Mio, and Rin.
How many syllables does Kisen have?
Kisen has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kisen a common or rare name?
Kisen is an uncommon name, ranked #3629 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Kisen
Kisen is a boy name with Japanese origins . The name means "joyful selection" in Japanese .
Kisen is currently ranked #3,629 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kisen has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kisen include Ki. 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