"true bow (archery)"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Mayumi
Mayumi is a girl name of Japanese origin meaning "true bow (archery)." Ranked #4,327 in the US, popular nicknames include Mayu and Yumi.
A Japanese gem meaning 'true beauty'
Japanese
Elegant
Gentle
Sophisticated
Spiritual
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Mayumi
Mayumi is a Japanese feminine name composed of the kanji 真 (ma, meaning 'true' or 'genuine'), 弓 (yumi, meaning 'bow' as in archery), or 由 (yu, meaning 'reason') and 美 (mi, meaning 'beauty'). The most poetic reading combines 'true' and 'beauty' to evoke authentic, unpretentious loveliness. It has been used in Japan for centuries across all social classes.
Mayumi has been a consistently popular name in Japan throughout the 20th century. Outside Japan, it gained awareness through Japanese musicians like Mayumi Itsuwa, whose 1978 hit 'Kokoro no Tomo' was a massive hit across Asia.
In Japan, names ending in -mi (beauty) are traditionally feminine and highly esteemed. The yumi element also evokes the elegant art of kyudo (Japanese archery), adding a sense of discipline and grace.
Historical Record
Mayumi first appeared in US Social Security records in 1963.
Over 655 babies have been named Mayumi in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mayumi is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #4,327 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Mayumi is one of the most recognizable Japanese feminine names outside Japan
- The kanji for yumi (弓) represents the graceful arc of an archery bow
- Singer Mayumi Itsuwa popularized the name internationally in the 1970s-80s
Mayumi in Other Languages
Korean
마유미
Chinese
真弓
English
Mayumi
Spanish
Mayumi
Japanese
真弓
Popularity Over Time
#4,327
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mayumi
M
Mayumi Tanaka
Entertainer
1955
Japanese voice actress famous for voicing Monkey D. Luffy in One Piece
M
Mayumi Itsuwa
Musician
1951
Japanese singer-songwriter known for the classic ballad 'Kokoro no Tomo'
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #4,327
- Total SSA Count
- 33
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Mayu
Yumi
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, elegant 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, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mayumi
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Save Your Name Card
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mayumi
What does the name Mayumi mean?
"true bow (archery)" (from Japanese). Mayumi is a Japanese feminine name composed of the kanji 真 (ma, meaning 'true' or 'genuine'), 弓 (yumi, meaning 'bow' as in archery), or 由 (yu, meaning 'reason') and 美 (mi, meaning 'beauty'). The most poetic reading combines 'true' and 'beauty' to evoke authentic, unpretentious loveliness. It has been used in Japan for centuries across all social classes.
What is the origin of the name Mayumi?
Mayumi has Japanese origins. In Japanese, it means "true bow (archery)".
Is Mayumi a boy or girl name?
Mayumi is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Mayumi?
Mayumi is currently ranked #4327 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mayumi?
Common nicknames for Mayumi include Mayu and Yumi.
What are good middle names for Mayumi?
Popular middle name pairings include Mayumi Rose, Mayumi Grace, Mayumi Marie, Mayumi Claire, and Mayumi Lin.
What are good sibling names for Mayumi?
Names that pair well with Mayumi as siblings include Hana, Kenji, Yuki, Naomi, Ren, and Sakura.
How many syllables does Mayumi have?
Mayumi has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Mayumi a common or rare name?
Mayumi is an uncommon name, ranked #4327 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Mayumi
Mayumi is a girl name with Japanese origins . The name means "true bow (archery)" in Japanese .
Mayumi is currently ranked #4,327 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Mayumi has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Mayumi include Mayu and Yumi. 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