Eiji is a Japanese given name for males. Its origin comes from the combination of two kanji characters: "英" meaning "heroic" or "brave", and "二" which means "two". The name Eiji therefore translates to "Hero twice born".
The history of this name is not well-documented, but it likely emerged during the early 20th century in Japan. It has since gained popularity among Japanese families who wish to bestow a strong and courageous name upon their sons.
Eiji has also made appearances in popular culture, most notably as the main character's childhood friend in the anime series "Naruto". This exposure may have contributed to its familiarity beyond Japan's borders.
The name Eiji has seen a varied but consistent presence in the United States over the past century, with a total of 60 babies given this name since 1927.
Interestingly, while the name was quite popular during the late 1920s and early 1980s, with five births each year in those decades, it seems to have gained popularity again more recently. From 2010 onwards, there were six births each year until 2013, when it dipped slightly back down to five.
However, since then, the name has seen a resurgence in popularity, with six births each year from 2016 to 2022, indicating that Eiji is once again a favored choice among parents in the United States. Despite fluctuations over time, the consistent presence of this name throughout the years demonstrates its enduring appeal.