Izumi is a Japanese given name of both feminine and masculine usage. The name Izumi derives from the elements izu meaning "spring" or "fountain," and mi meaning "beautiful." Therefore, Izumi means "beautiful spring" in English. This name has been popular among Japanese families for centuries due to its positive connotations with nature and beauty.
The use of Izumi as a given name can be traced back to ancient Japan. It was often given to children born during the rainy season or near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, or seas. In some cases, parents would choose this name as a wish for their child to have a prosperous and beautiful life like a flowing spring.
Historically, there are several notable figures with the name Izumi in Japanese history and culture. One prominent example is Izumi Shikibu, an 11th-century poet who was celebrated for her waka poetry during the Heian period. Her work continues to inspire literary enthusiasts today.
Today, Izumi remains a popular choice among Japanese parents due to its timeless meaning and elegant sound. It has also gained international recognition thanks to globalization and increased interest in Japanese culture worldwide. Despite its growing popularity abroad, Izumi retains strong roots within Japanese tradition and heritage.
The name Izumi has seen varied popularity over the past two decades in the United States, according to the statistics provided.
From 1998 to 2023, there have been a total of 130 births registered with the name Izumi. The number of births fluctuated each year, showing no clear upward or downward trend.
In 1998 and 2003, Izumi was given to five babies each year. There was a slight increase in popularity between 2008 and 2010, with six births in 2008, seven in 2009, and five in 2010.
The name gained notable attention from 2011 onwards, with twelve births recorded that year. This high point was followed by a decrease to seven births in 2012, but it rebounded to eleven births in 2014.
After 2014, the popularity of Izumi fluctuated moderately. There were eight births each in 2017 and 2019, six births in 2018, seven births in both 2020 and 2021, and then a significant spike to twenty births in 2022.
The most recent year for which data is available, 2023, saw ten births with the name Izumi, indicating that it continues to be chosen as a name for newborn babies in the United States.