こうじ

Koji

boyJapanese

Koji is a boy name of Japanese origin, meaning “Often 'second son' with a positive kanji”.

MeaningOften 'second son' with a positive kanji
GenderBoy
OriginJapanese
Written asこうじ
PronunciationKOH-jee
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inJapan

Meaning and origin of Koji

Kōji is a classic Japanese boy's name that can be written with many kanji. Common forms such as 浩二, 幸二 or 康二 pair a first character meaning 'vast', 'happiness' or 'peace' with 二 'two', which traditionally marked a second son; others use 治 'govern' or 司 'administer' instead. The name was especially popular in the mid-twentieth century. Kōji is also the Japanese word for the mould used to make sake, miso and soy sauce, a different word written 麹.

Is Koji a religious name?

Koji has no particular religious background; it is a secular Japanese name whose meaning comes from the chosen kanji.

How popular is Koji?

Familiar in Japan, especially among men born before the 1990s; less fashionable for babies today.

Gifts with the name Koji

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Spellings and variants of Koji

KoujiKohji

Names similar to Koji

KenjiYujiShinjiTakashi

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Koji mean?

Koji means 'Often 'second son' with a positive kanji'. It is of Japanese origin.

Does Koji have a religious meaning?

Koji has no particular religious background; it is a secular Japanese name whose meaning comes from the chosen kanji.

How do you pronounce Koji?

Koji is pronounced KOH-jee.

Is Koji a boy or girl name?

Koji is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.