"luminous second son"
Origin: Japanese ko (light) and ji (second son)
Language: Japanese
Koji
Pronunciation: [ k-OHJ-ee ]
Does Koji flow with your last name?
A bright Japanese name meaning radiant and prosperous
Japanese
Modern
Minimalist
Strong
Elegant
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"peaceful prosperity"
Origin: Japanese ko (peace) and ji (prosperity)
Language: Japanese
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Things to Know About This Name
- Koji is also the name of a mold used in Japanese fermentation (sake, miso, soy sauce) — a positive food association but notable
The Story of Koji
Koji is a Japanese masculine name that can be written with multiple kanji combinations, each yielding different meanings. Common writings include ko (light, radiance, or peace) and ji (second son, child, or prosperity). The name is clean, two-syllable, and distinctly Japanese while remaining accessible internationally. Koji is also the name of Aspergillus oryzae, the mold essential to fermentation of sake, miso, and soy sauce.
Koji has been a steady Japanese name for decades. Internationally, it has grown as Japanese culture, cuisine, and pop culture gained global appreciation. The name's short, punchy sound fits the modern preference for minimal, strong names.
In Japanese culture, the choice of kanji for Koji conveys the parents' aspirations — light and second son, or peace and prosperity. The fermentation connection means Koji is also central to Japanese culinary identity, associated with the transformation of simple ingredients into complex flavors.
Historical Record
Koji first appeared in US Social Security records in 1972.
Over 595 babies have been named Koji in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Koji is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #4,251 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Koji can be written with multiple kanji meaning light, second son, peace, or prosperity
- Aspergillus oryzae, the mold called koji, is essential to making sake, miso, and soy sauce
- Koji Kondo is the legendary video game composer who created the music for Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda
Koji in Other Languages
Korean
코지
Chinese
浩二
English
Koji
Japanese
光二 or 幸二 or 浩二
Japanese (hiragana)
こうじ
Popularity Over Time
#4,251
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Koji
K
Koji Uehara
Athlete
1975
Japanese professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball including the 2013 World Series champion Bost...
Japanese professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball including the 2013 World Series champion Boston Red Sox
K
Koji Kondo
Musician
1961
Japanese video game composer who created the iconic music for Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,251
- Total SSA Count
- 25
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Ko
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, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, modern style, extended 2-3 combo
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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, modern style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Koji
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Koji
What does the name Koji mean?
"luminous second son" (from Japanese ko (light) and ji (second son)). "peaceful prosperity" (from Japanese ko (peace) and ji (prosperity)). Koji is a Japanese masculine name that can be written with multiple kanji combinations, each yielding different meanings. Common writings include ko (light, radiance, or peace) and ji (second son, child, or prosperity). The name is clean, two-syllable, and distinctly Japanese while remaining accessible internationally. Koji is also the name of Aspergillus oryzae, the mold essential to fermentation of sake, miso, and soy sauce.
What is the origin of the name Koji?
Koji has Japanese ko (light) and ji (second son), Japanese ko (peace) and ji (prosperity), and Japanese origins. In Japanese ko (light) and ji (second son), it means "luminous second son". In Japanese ko (peace) and ji (prosperity), it means "peaceful prosperity".
Is Koji a boy or girl name?
Koji is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Koji?
Koji is pronounced k-OHJ-ee.
How popular is the name Koji?
Koji is currently ranked #4251 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Koji?
Popular middle name pairings include Koji James, Koji Alexander, Koji Lee, Koji Ren, Koji Kai, and Koji Rio.
What are good sibling names for Koji?
Names that pair well with Koji as siblings include Hana, Yuki, Kenji, Riku, Saki, and Taro.
How many syllables does Koji have?
Koji has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Koji a common or rare name?
Koji is an uncommon name, ranked #4251 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Koji
Koji is a boy name with Japanese origins . The name means "luminous second son" in Japanese ko (light) and ji (second son) .
Koji is currently ranked #4,251 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Koji has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-OHJ-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Koji include Ko. 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