"love, romantic feeling"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Koi
Does Koi flow with your last name?
A Japanese name meaning love and perseverance
Japanese
American
Hawaiian
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Koi
Koi comes from the Japanese word koi (鯉) meaning carp fish, specifically referring to the colorful ornamental fish kept in decorative ponds. In Japanese, the word koi (恋) also means love or romantic feelings, making it a doubly meaningful name. Koi fish are celebrated in Japanese culture as symbols of perseverance and strength, as the carp is known to swim upstream.
Koi has emerged as a fashionable name in Western countries, appealing to parents who love its clean, one-syllable sound and its connection to Japanese aesthetics. The Koi fish tattoo and garden culture has made the name broadly recognizable.
In Japanese culture, koi fish represent perseverance, good fortune, and transformation. The legend that koi swimming upstream became dragons makes them powerful symbols of ambition and strength.
Historical Record
Koi first appeared in US Social Security records in 1995.
Over 773 babies have been named Koi in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Koi is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #2,684 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Koi fish can live for over 200 years in ideal conditions
- The legend of the koi climbing a waterfall and transforming into a dragon is a popular motif in East Asian art and tattoo culture
Koi in Other Languages
Korean
잉어 (Ing-eo)
Chinese
锦鲤 (Jǐn lǐ)
Japanese
鯉 / 恋
Popularity Over Time
#2,684
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Koi
K
Koi Fresco
Other
American spiritual teacher and author known for mindfulness content on social media
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Compare Koi with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #2,684
- Total SSA Count
- 49
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese American Hawaiian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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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
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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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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Koi
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Koi is also used as a girl name, ranked #3034.
View Koi as a girl name →Similar Names
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Irish Gaelic origin
"great one"
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Old English origin
"made of gold, radiant"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Koi
What does the name Koi mean?
"love, romantic feeling" (from Japanese). Koi comes from the Japanese word koi (鯉) meaning carp fish, specifically referring to the colorful ornamental fish kept in decorative ponds. In Japanese, the word koi (恋) also means love or romantic feelings, making it a doubly meaningful name. Koi fish are celebrated in Japanese culture as symbols of perseverance and strength, as the carp is known to swim upstream.
What is the origin of the name Koi?
Koi has Japanese, American, and Hawaiian origins. In Japanese, it means "love, romantic feeling".
Is Koi a boy or girl name?
Koi is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2684. As a girl name, it is ranked #3034. Koi is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Koi?
Koi is currently ranked #2684 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Koi?
Popular middle name pairings include Koi River, Koi Blue, Koi James, Koi Lee, Koi Finn, and Koi Reef.
What are good sibling names for Koi?
Names that pair well with Koi as siblings include Kai, Reef, Cove, Marina, River, and Lake.
How many syllables does Koi have?
Koi has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Koi a common or rare name?
Koi is an uncommon name, ranked #2684 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Koi
Koi is a boy name with Japanese, American, and Hawaiian origins . The name means "love, romantic feeling" in Japanese .
Is Koi a boy or girl name? Koi is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,684 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #3,034. Koi is more commonly used as a boy name.
Koi is currently ranked #2,684 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Koi has 1 syllable, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
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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