Katsumi

Katsumi (かつみ, カツミ) is a common Japanese given name used by either sex. It is also occasionally found as a surname.

Etymology

The name Katsumi is typically composed of two kanji characters. The first element can be 克 (katsu) meaning "overcome" or 勝 (katsu) meaning "victory". The second element can be 美 (mi) meaning "beautiful", 己 (mi) meaning "self", or other kanji with the same reading such as 巳 (mi, the sixth earthly branch referring to the snake zodiac) or 実 (mi, meaning "substance" or "fruit"). Common written forms include 克己, 克巳, 克美, 勝己, 勝巳, 勝美, and 勝実. The name can also be written in hiragana or katakana.

Notable Bearers

• Katsumi Asaba (1940), Japanese art director and graphic designer
• Katsumi Chou (born 1951), Japanese voice actor
• Katsumi Fukura (born 1953), Japanese high jumper
• Akinoshima Katsumi (安芸乃島 勝巳; born 1967), former sumo wrestler known for his use of guile over strength
• Katsumi Matsumura (born 1944), Japanese Olympic volleyball player
• Katsumi Nakamura (born 1994), Japanese swimmer who holds national records in the 100m freestyle
• Katsumi Nishikawa (1918−2010), Japanese film director

Cultural Significance

Katsumi's kanji components reflect aspirational virtues — overcoming difficulties (克), achieving victory (勝), and cultivating inner beauty (美) or self-awareness (己). The name's ability to be written with different kanji allows parents to convey distinct wishes for their child.

• Meaning: "overcome self" or "victory beauty" among others
• Origin: Japanese
• Type: Unisex given name (occasionally surname)
• Kanji: Various combinations such as 克己, 勝美