How to say it
KAI · zen
/ˈkaɪ.zɛn/
Masculine
Kaizen
Change for the better
What it means
From the Japanese kaizen, 'improvement' or 'change for the better.'
Kaizen comes straight from the Japanese kaizen, 'improvement' or 'change for the better,' a word the world knows from manufacturing and self-betterment philosophy. As a baby name it is brand new and aspirational, riding the popular Kai- opening and closing in the calm of zen. A name that doubles as a small motto. Said KY-zen.
Popularity over time
peaked at #364 in 2025, currently #364 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–present. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Spelling
From the Japanese word for continuous improvement.
- Pronunciation
KY-zen.
Spelling variants
- Kaizan
- Kaizyn