Carp; also love or affection in Japanese
In Japanese, Koi refers to the brightly colored carp fish, which are symbols of luck, prosperity, and perseverance. When used as a homophone for a different kanji, it can also mean 'love' or 'affection'. In a Western context, it is often chosen for its short, nature-inspired sound and its similarity to names like Kai.
Less common today
Koi isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #2,207 in 2025.
A character in the animated series · Avatar: The Last Airbender
Daughter of NBA player Kobe Bryant (middle name used as first)
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
