Genji

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Genji

Genji is a Chinese girl name, which has 5 letters.

Genji is a Japanese name meaning “second son” or “second prince”. It is derived from the ancient Imperial House of Japan and is associated with a character from the 11th-century novel The Tale of Genji.

Pronuncation Gehn-jee

Alternate Meaning Gold

Origin or Current Usage Chinese

Gender F

Rating

Be the first one to vote!

Log in to save this name to your favorites.

What to Expect When You're Expecting

Buy On Amazon

The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be

Buy On Amazon

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide

Buy On Amazon

Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Years

Buy On Amazon

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy

Buy On Amazon
These are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Detailed Information About The Name Genji

The name 'Genji' has historical and cultural significance in Japanese society. It originated from the classical Japanese literature masterpiece called “The Tale of Genji,” written by the noblewoman and author Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century. 'Genji' refers to the protagonist of the story, Hikaru Genji, who is a beloved and charismatic nobleman. In the tale, Genji experiences various romantic encounters, political intrigues, and depicts the aristocratic culture of the Heian period. The name 'Genji' has become iconic and is widely recognized as a symbol of elegance, charm, and refined manners in Japan.

Besides its literary association, 'Genji' also holds relevance in other realms. It is a popular given name in Japan, often bestowed upon boys. People with this name are believed to possess traits such as intelligence, kindness, and a strong sense of justice. Additionally, the name has gained further recognition through various adaptations in popular culture. For instance, there are numerous manga and anime series featuring characters named Genji.

Moreover, 'Genji' is often used in Japanese martial arts to refer to a particular fighting style known as 'Genji-Yoshin-Ryu.' Practitioners of this ancient martial art emphasize agility, precision, and adapting to the opponent's movements. The name is also associated with Genji armor, a type of protective gear worn by samurai during feudal Japan. Inspired by the tales of Hikaru Genji's bravery and leadership, warriors sought to embody the character's virtues through their armor.

Overall, the name 'Genji' carries a rich history and wide significance in Japanese culture. It represents literary excellence, personal qualities, martial arts traditions, and even ancient fighting techniques. Whether through literature, popular culture, or martial arts, 'Genji' has left an indelible mark on Japanese society and continues to resonate with people to this day.

Search Baby Names & Meanings

Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!

Celebrity Baby Names

Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.

Celebrity Baby Names

Naming Your Baby

Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.

Naming Your Baby

Unusual Baby Names

Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.

Unusual Baby Names

Biblical Baby Names

Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!

Biblical Baby Names

Types of Baby Names

The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.

Types of Baby Names