The name Kemari is of Japanese origin, meaning 'ball game' or 'play ball'. It's a unisex name, traditionally used for boys but also gaining popularity among parents choosing names for girls in recent years. The name is composed of two elements: 'ke', which means 'circle' or 'group', and 'mari', meaning 'ball'. In Japan, Kemari is an ancient sport where players try to keep a ball in the air using only their feet, chest, and head, emphasizing teamwork and cooperation. This unique meaning contributes to the name's appeal among parents looking for distinctive names for their children.
The name Kemari experienced a significant increase in popularity over the given period, with a steady rise from just 7 births per year between 1996 and 1998 to peaking at 79 births in 2008. However, since then, there has been a decline, with only 52 births recorded in 2023. Overall, Kemari has been given to 1426 newborns between 1996 and 2023.