Japanese names represent a nation that has rapidly modernized and incorporated technology while maintaining traditional social and cultural practices. These names showcase the history, strength, and beauty of Japan. We have gathered lists of common Japanese names and their meanings – organized by theme and popularity to help readers connect to this vital part of Japanese culture.
Japanese Names and Meanings
Unlike most other names in the world, Japanese names have incredible depth due to the unique writing practices of the language. Japanese names hold critical cultural ideas and celebrate Japanese history. The most common themes in Japanese names revolve around Japanese ideals, such as filial piety, intellect, and nobility. Many Japanese names are associated with popular Anime and Manga characters due to these forms of entertainment becoming global hits. Still, there is much more to these names than pop culture references.
Much of the Japanese language’s history is still shrouded in mystery, and the earliest records of this language were written in the 700s. This language is written in katakana, hiragana, and kanji. Kanji are loaned from the Chinese script, each making a sound while representing an entire word or idea. Two Japanese names may sound the same but have entirely different meanings depending on the kanji used to write them. Popular name kanji revolve around Confucian ideals and Japan’s environment. We have curated a comprehensive list of Japan’s most famous names and hand-picked lists of Japanese names by their impression and meaning. Please note these names may have multiple Kanji variations, and their meanings can slightly differ based on the chosen characters.
Top 100 Japanese Names
Here, you will find a comprehensive list of common Japanese names and their meanings. This list blends traditional names that reflect a deep appreciation for cultural heritage with Japanese baby names that have become popular in the West, illustrating Japan’s cosmopolitan nature.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Yoko – Sun, Child | Hiroshi – Abundant or Prosperous |
| Hiroko – Tolerant and Child | Toshiaki – Bright, luminous wisdom |
| Kazuko – Harmony and Child | Yoshio – Likable and Male |
| Keiko – Blessed or Fortunate | Takashi – Filial Piety or Loyalty |
| Akiko – Bright and Child | Yutaka – Abundance or Prosperity |
| Junko – Obedient and Child | Hirofumi – Abundant, generous literature |
| Yuko – Gentle and Child | Shinichi – True first (son), New one |
| Kyoko – Capital and Child | Kenji – Strong or Healthy |
| Mariko – Truth and Child | Tatsuo – Achieve and Man |
| Noriko – Chronicle and Child | Masashi – Prosperous |
| Setsuko – Section, Node and Child | Katsuhiko – Victorious prince |
| Tomoko – Wisdom and Child | Masayuki – True happiness |
| Kimiko – Noble and Child | Akio – Bright or Man |
| Sumiko – Clear and Child | Shigeru – Lush or Thick |
| Chieko – Child of wisdom, intelligence | Fumio – Historical man |
| Fumiko – Writing and Child | Junichi – Pure, Genuine and One |
| Eiko – Prosperity and Child | Tetsuya – Wise and Also |
| Ayako – Colorful and Child | Norio – Teach and Male |
| Yoshiko – Good and Child | Satoshi – Wise, Clever |
| Rieko – Logic and Blessing and Child | Kazuhiko – Harmony, Peace and Boy |
| Kiyoko – Pure and Child | Yasushi – Peaceful |
| Sachiko – Happiness and Child | Yoshinori – Righteous principle |
| Reiko – Lovely Sound and Child | Naoki – Straight and Tree |
| Hisako – Longevity Child | Kiyoshi – Pure or Clean |
| Mitsuko – Child of light | Hirokazu – Abundant, generous harmony |
| Yukiko – Child Of The Brave One | Kazuo – One and Man |
| Emiko – Smile and Beautiful and Child | Akihiko – Bright and Boy |
| Makiko – Truth and Record and Child | Mitsuru – Full, growing |
| Shizuko – Quiet and Child | Takayuki – Noble, precious journey |
| Haruko – Spring Child | Shingo – New and Oneself |
| Naoko – Straight and Child | Tadashi – Correct or Right |
| Kumiko – Long Time and Beauty and Child | Seiichi – Sincerity and One |
| Mikiko – Child of beautiful chronicle | Yoshikazu – Righteous harmony |
| Asako – Morning child | Tsutomu – Diligent |
| Hitomi – Pupil | Yasuhiro – Generous, abundant peace |
| Megumi – Blessing or Grace | Shoichi – First, initial prize |
| Yumi – Beauty or Reason | Ryuichi – First dragon |
| Chiaki – Thousand and Autumn | Hiroyuki – Wide and Of |
| Natsuko – Summer and Child | Makoto – Sincerity or Truth |
| Kaori – Fragrance and Weaving | Toshiyuki – Journey of wisdom |
| Mayumi – True and Bow | Osamu – Discipline or Study |
| Naomi – Above all, beauty | Hideaki – Excellent brightness |
| Misaki – Beautiful or Blossom | Masato – Elegant or Correct |
| Rina – Jasmine, vegetable | Eiji – Excellent and Second |
| Ai – Love or Affection | Hideo – Excellence and Hero |
| Yui – Tie or Bind | Kunio – Country man |
| Maki – True Hope | Akira – Bright or Clear |
| Sayuri – Small and Lily | Toru – Transparent or Penetrate |
| Miki – Beautiful and Hope | Yoshiaki – Good and Bright, Clear |
| Ayumi – Walk and Beauty | Noboru – Ascend or Rise |
| Rika – Village and Fragrance | Yuji – Abundance and Assistant |
| Manami – Beautiful Love or Love Of The Sea | Takao – Noble, tall man |
| Satomi – Village and Beauty | Yasuo – Peaceful and Man |
| Kana – Possible and Apple Tree | Yoshihiro – Good and Exhibit |
| Aya – Colorful or Beautiful | Nobuyuki – Faithful happiness |
| Saki – Blossom or Hope | Shozo – Creation, elephant |
| Yuri – Lily | Tamotsu – Protector, keeper |
| Akane – Deep Red or Brilliant Red | Yuichi – First son, First one |
| Haruna – Spring Vegetables or Spring Greens | Kazunori – Harmonious principle |
| Miho – Protected, guaranteed beauty | Hisashi – Long Time |
| Hana – Flower | Toshio – Quick and Husband |
| Yuka – Gentle or Fragrant | Isamu – Bravery |
| Risa – Village and Sand | Susumu – Advance |
| Yuna – Gentle or Kind | Tsuneo – Constant man |
| Nana – Seven and Vegetable, Greens | Atsushi – Genuine or Pure |
| Sakura – Cherry Blossom | Masahiro – Correct and Exhibit |
| Aoi – Hollyhock or Blue | Hitoshi – Compassion or Benevolence |
| Mai – Dance | Takeo – Warrior and Man |
| Eri – Blessed Prize or Drawing | Shuji – Discipline and Two |
| Hinata – Sunny Place or Sunflower | Kazuki – One and Shine |
| Nozomi – Hope or Desire | Haruo – Clear Weather and Man |
| Shiori – Poem and Weaving | Satoru – Enlightenment or Comprehension |
| Minami – South | Genichi – Original first (son) |
| Nanami – Seven Seas or Seven Waves | Ichiro – One and Son |
| Momoka – Hundred and Flower | Shoji – Correct second (son) |
| Kanako – Lovely, Nara Child | Keiichi – First joy |
| Emi – Beautiful Blessing or Beautiful Smile | Katsuji – Victorious second (son) |
| Riko – Jasmine Child or Child Of Truth | Kazuya – One and Bewitching |
| Haruka – Distant or Far | Hiromitsu – Vast and Light |
| Asuka – Flying Bird | Koji – Peaceful and Two |
| Moe – Bud or Sprout | Hisao – Long Time and Heroic |
| Sayaka – Sand and Good and Fragrance | Nobuo – Faithful man |
| Tomomi – Friend and Beauty | Mitsuo – Light and Man |
| Natsumi – Summer or Beautiful | Jiro – Second Son or Next Male |
| Yuriko – Lily and Child | Tomohiro – Wisdom and Exhibit |
| Ami – Friend or Beauty | Koichi – Prosperous and One |
| Chika – Scatter Flowers or Wisdom | Shigeharu – Luxuriant spring |
| Yukari – Beautiful pear | Ryota – Great, refreshing |
| Mina – South, Everyone | Hajime – Beginning or First |
| Kaho – Flower heart | Yosuke – Helpful and supportive |
| Ayano – Color or Design | Kenta – Healthy or Strong |
| Momoko – Peach and Child | Shinji – True second (son), New path |
| Marika – True fragrance, True flower | Yusuke – Support, help |
| Satsuki – New Leaves and Moon | Daiki – Great Glory or Great Radiance |
| Hikari – Light or Radiance | Toshihiro – Quick and Exhibit |
| Arisa – Beautiful flowers | Masaki – Correct, Righteous and Tree |
| Madoka – Circle, Round | Yukihiro – Happy expanse |
| Honoka – Fragrance | Kenichi – Healthy and One |
| Kiko – Hope child | Takuya – Expand and Also |
| Suki – Liking or Fondness | Kazuhiro – Harmonious generosity |
Unique Japanese Names
These unique Japanese names challenge tradition and honor the uncommon aspects of Japanese society and culture. The names are aspirational and convey individuality and uniqueness – ideal for parents who want to leave a lasting impression.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Aika – Love and Good | Ami – Second and Beauty |
| Aiko – Love and Child | Aoki – Green and Tree |
| Akari – Light or Brightness | Aoto – Blue and Big Dipper |
| Akemi – Bright and Beauty | Asa – Morning or Daybreak |
| Akina – Bright or Autumn | Benjiro – Convenience and Second and Son |
| Akira – Bright or Clear | Botan – Peony |
| Amaya – Heaven and Valley | Chikao – Thousand and Leaf and Husband |
| Asami – Hemp and Beauty | Chimon – Knowledge and Hearing |
| Asuna – Tomorrow and Greens | Daichi – Big and Earth |
| Ayami – Design and Beauty | Eito – Excellence and Big Dipper |
| Ayane – Color and Sound | Enmei – Circle and Bright |
| Chihiro – Thousand and Search | Enzo – Circle or Round And Warehouse |
| Ena – Picture and Greens | Fuji – Wealth and Warrior |
| Hanae – Flower and Picture | Fumihiro – Writing and Learned |
| Haru – Spring or Clear | Genji – Source and Second |
| Harumi – Clear Weather and Beauty | Genkei – Origin and Form |
| Haya – Early or Fast | Giichi – Justice and One |
| Hayami – Early and Seeing | Goku – Awareness and Sky |
| Himawari – Facing The Sun and Flower | Goro – Five and Son |
| Hina – Sunlight or Greens | Habiki – Echo, Sound |
| Hiromi – Wide and Beauty | Haku – White |
| Izumi – Spring or Fountain | Haru – Spring or Clear |
| Kaida – Ocean and Rice Field | Hibiki – Echo or Sound |
| Kaiya – Ocean and Arrow | Hiro – Abundant or Prosperous |
| Kamiko – God and Child | Hotaru – Firefly |
| Kanna – God and Nara | Itachi – Weasel |
| Katana – Sword | Jin – Benevolence or Compassion |
| Kaya – Excellent and Arrow | Jun – Pure or Genuine |
| Kiki – Spirit and Spirit | Junichiro – Obey and One and Son |
| Kimi – You or Lord | Kaede – Maple |
| Koa – Happiness or Joy | Kaemon – Excellent and Right and Door and Gate |
| Kohana – Little and Flower | Kage – Shadow |
| Koko – Will and Child | Kaito – Ocean or Sea |
| Maiya – Dance and All The More | Kaiyo – Ocean and Ocean |
| Mako – True and Child | Kanon – Flower And Sound |
| Mana – Love or Affection | Keiji – Respect and Two |
| Mari – Truth and Reason | Keisuke – Open and Assist |
| Mayu – True and Reason | Ken – Healthy or Strong |
| Mei – Bright or Beautiful | Kenshin – Modest and Trust |
| Midori – Green | Kenzo – Healthy And Three |
| Mieko – Beautiful and Blessing and Child | Keola – Open and Thick or Great |
| Mika – Beautiful and Fragrance | Kota – Light And Thick or Great |
| Mikasa – Three and Bamboo Hat | Kotaro – Tiger and Thick or Great and Son |
| Miko – Beautiful and Child | Mako – Truth and Child |
| Mirai – Future | Miran – Not Yet And Orchid |
| Misa – Beautiful Sand or Beautiful Assistance | Niko – Two And Child |
| Miya – Beautiful and Night | Nori – Law or Method |
| Miyah – Beautiful and All The More | Oda – Small and Rice Field |
| Miyoko – Beautiful and Generation and Child | Raden – Mother-Of-Pearl |
| Miyuki – Beautiful and Snow | Raeden – Thunder and Electricity |
| Mizuki – Beautiful Moon or Water Moon | Rai – Thunder |
| Nami – Wave or Surf | Raiden – Thunder And Electricity |
| Nara – A Place Name In Japan | Raidon – Thunder and Dull |
| Nori – Chronicle or Record | Ren – Lotus or Love |
| Rai – Thunder | Renzo – Connect And Create |
| Rei – Bell | Reo – Wise and Center |
| Reika – Wise and Fragrance | Riko – Glass and Child |
| Reina – Exquisite and Apple Tree | Riku – Land or Continent |
| Rin – Dignified or Cold | Rio – Village And Center |
| Rini – Jasmine and Benevolence | Ronin – Wandering And Person |
| Rio – Jasmine and Center | Rui – Accumulate or Burden |
| Rumi – Detain and Beauty | Ruka – Lapis Lazuli and Excellent |
| Sada – Loyal or Upright | Ryo – Clear or Bright |
| Sai – Color or Coloring | Ryu – Dragon or Imperial |
| Sakai – Slope and Well | Ryuu – Dragon |
| Saori – Sand and Weaving | Sana – Early and Vegetables |
| Saya – Sand and Summit | Sasuke – Assistant and Help |
| Sora – Sky or Empty | Shiro – Four and Son |
| Sumire – Violet | Sora – Sky or Empty |
| Takara – Treasure | Souta – Sudden and Thick or Great |
| Tami – Many and Beauty | Taji – Thick and Govern |
| Tora – Tiger | Takai – Tall and Well |
| Tsunade – Rope and Hand | Thunder – Thunder and Roar |
| Umi – Ocean | Tokyo – East and Capital |
| Yoshi – Cause or Reason | Toma – Wisdom and Truth |
| Yuki – Snow | Touma – Transparent and True |
| Yumiko – Bow and Child | Yoshi – Good Luck or Fortune |
Cute Japanese Names
Check out this list of cute Japanese names – inspired by the most ‘kawaii’ sounds and meanings. Parents in Japan choose cute names to reflect their affection, warmth, and tenderness toward their children.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Aimi – Love or Beautiful | Akemi – Bright and Beauty |
| Airi – Love or Affection | Akito – Bright or Shining |
| Aka – Red | Aneko – Older Sister and Child |
| Akasuki – Daybreak | Banri – Ten Thousand and Ri |
| Ame – Rain | Bunta – Literature and Thick or Great |
| Asa – Morning | Chiasa – Thousand and Hemp |
| Asaka – Morning Fragrance | Chibi – Small, Tiny, Short |
| Ayeka – Colorful Flower | Chiko – Wisdom and Child |
| Ayuka – Walking Fragrance | Chiye – Thousand and Blessing |
| Ayumu – Walk | Dai – Big or Great |
| Azuna – Thistle or Flower | Daigo – Big and I |
| Chiasa – Thousand and Hemp | Danno – Warm and Field |
| Ema – Blessing, Truth | Denji – Transmit and Govern |
| Hachi – Eight | Eiko – Excellent and Child |
| Hanako – Flower Child or Flower Girl | Fusao – Room and Husband |
| Harue – Healing Blessing | Hachi – Eight |
| Haruhi – Spring and Day | Hironori – Vast and Rule |
| Himari – Goodness or Happiness | Ikuye – Nurture and Blessing |
| Hisa – Long Time and Assistant | Isao – Brave and Husband |
| Homare – Honor | Iwao – Rock and Heroic |
| Hoshi – Star | Jirou – Second Son |
| Jun – Moisture | Kairi – Sea and Village, Hometown |
| Kairi – Sea Village | Kamaye – Structure |
| Karen – Flower Love | Kame – Turtle |
| Kiku – Chrysanthemum | Kanna – God and Nara |
| Kikuko – Chrysanthemum and Child | Kaoru – Fragrance, Aroma |
| Kimika – You and Fragrance | Katsunori – Victory and Rule |
| Kirika – Mist and Fragrance | Kei – Respect or Honor |
| Kita – North | Kin – Gold |
| Kokomi – Heart or Mind | Ko – Child |
| Kokona – Heart or Soul | Kojii – Achievement and Govern |
| Koyuki – Small Snow | Koto – Koto |
| Kumi – Long Time and Beauty | Kuma – Bear |
| Kurumi – Walnut | Kuro – Black |
| Maemi – Dance and Beauty | Mai – Dance |
| Mameha – Bean and Feathers | Manae – True and Seedling |
| Mami – True and Beauty | Mareo – True and Heroic |
| Masami – Elegant and Beauty | Marise – Ten Thousand and Reason and World |
| Miku – Beautiful Sky or Beautiful Long Time | Maru – Circle or Round |
| Mio – Beautiful Cherry Blossom or Beautiful Thread | Masa – Correct or Right |
| Misako – Beauty and Assistant and Child | Masao – Prosperous and Male |
| Miyu – Beautiful or Gentle | Masaye – Correct and Blessing |
| Momiji – Red Leaves | Matsu – Pine Tree |
| Morika – Forest and Fragrance | Michio – Pass Through and Husband |
| Nagi – Calm | Mikio – Beautiful and Tree and Male |
| Nagisa – Seashore | Morie – Protect and Blessing |
| Natsuki – Summer and Hope | Nana – Seven |
| Ohta – Thick Field | Nao – Straight or Honest |
| Oishi – Delicious | Osuke – Assist |
| Rikka – Six and Flower | Saku – Blossom |
| Runa – Lapis lazuli | Seiua – Star and Universe and Asia |
| Saku – Bloom | Shigeo – Heavy and Heroic |
| Sana – Early Vegetable | Shogo – Leader and I |
| Seika – Star and Fragrance | Shohta – Soar and Thick or Great |
| Seina – Holy and Vegetables | Shōta – Soar, Fly and Thick, Plentiful |
| Shika – Aspiration and Fragrance | Soma – Start or Beginning |
| Sumi – Charcoal | Souji – Create and Second |
| Suzu – Bell | Taro – Thick or Great and Son |
| Taka – Tall or High | Tarou – First Son |
| Taki – Waterfall | Teijo – Emperor and Assistant |
| Tama – Jewel | Tomi – Wealth, Riches |
| Tamako – Ball, Child | Tomoka – Friend and Fragrance |
| Tamami – Jewel and Beauty | Tora – Tiger |
| Tsubaki – Camellia | Uta – Song |
| Umeko – Plum, Child | Yori – Rely Upon or Trust |
| Uta – Poem or Song | Youta – Ocean and Thick or Great |
| Wakana – Young and Vegetables | Yuki – Snow or Happiness |
| Yama – Mountain | Yukiya – Happiness and Also |
| Youta – Ocean and Thick | Yumena – Dream and Vegetables |
| Yubi – Help and Beauty | Yuto – Gentle or Superior |
| Yuina – Bind or Connect | Yuu – Excellence or Superiority |
| Yuuka – Gentle and Fragrance | Yuuki – Courage, Bravery |
Beautiful Japanese Names
Our list of beautiful Japanese names was lovingly curated to reflect the wonders of Japan’s natural landscape. Parents in Japan choose beautiful names for their children to reflect their hopes for their child’s appearance – and also to convey a sense of inner beauty and harmony.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Azami – Thistle | Akari – Bright, Light |
| Chiye – Thousand and Blessing | Akimitsu – Bright and Light |
| Chiyoko – Thousand and Generation and Child | Akinobu – Bright and Faith |
| Chizue – Thousand and Blessing | Asahi – Morning Sun or Rising Sun |
| Fumiye – Writing and Blessing | Chiharu – A Thousand and Spring |
| Hanaye – Flower and Blessing | Chihiro – Thousand and Search |
| Haruki – Spring tree | Chikafusa – Near and Room |
| Hinano – Sunny Flower or Sunflower | Daishiro – Big and Four and Son |
| Hirona – Search, investigate | Ginjiro – Silver and Second Son |
| Hiyori – Good Weather or Fine Day | Haruka – Distant, Faraway |
| Honami – Sail wave | Haruki – Spring or Radiant Joy |
| Iwa – Rock or Stone | Haruko – Spring and Child |
| Kaede – Maple | Haruto – Sunlight or Spring |
| Kairy – Cheerful Pear | Hayato – Falcon or Swift |
| Kazane – Wind and Sound | Hideharu – Excellent and Govern |
| Kimiye – Public and Blessing | Hikaru – Light or Radiance |
| Kiwa – Princess and Feathers | Hiroaki – Wide-Ranging and Bright |
| Kohaku – Amber | Hirohito – Vast and Compassionate |
| Koharu – Small or Spring | Hiroki – Abundant or Generous |
| Koyuru – Small Village or Night Village | Hiroyoshi – Vast and Righteousness |
| Kozue – Treetops | Hisahito – Long Time and Compassionate and Person |
| Kyouko – Mirror and Child | Junpei – Pure, Honest and Level, Flat |
| Maeko – True and Blessing and Child | Kamiko – God and Child |
| Makaira – True Ocean Silk | Kamin – God or Spirit |
| Manae – Love and Seedling | Karou – Fire and Tower |
| Masae – Correct and Blessing | Katsuro – Victory and Son |
| Masaye – Correct and Blessing | Kazumi – Harmony, Peace and Beauty |
| Michi – Path | Keitaro – Square Jewel and Big and Son |
| Michiru – Full, complete | Kenchiro – Healthy and One and Son |
| Michiye – Path and Blessing | Kohana – Small and Flower |
| Mie – Beauty and Blessing | Kunihiro – Country and Exhibit |
| Mihoko – Beauty and Grain and Child | Kyō – Capital, Metropolis |
| Minako – Beauty and Apple Tree and Child | Kyou – Apricot |
| Miran – Unfulfilled Orchid | Mamoru – Protect or Guard |
| Misaye – Beauty and Blessing | Manabu – Study or Learn |
| Mitsue – Light and Blessing | Maro – Gentle, Polite |
| Momo – Peach | Masakatsu – Correct and Victory |
| Murasaki – Purple | Masakazu – Correct and Harmony |
| Namie – Elegant and Beauty and Blessing | Masami – Truth, Reality and Beauty |
| Nariko – Become and Child | Masanobu – Correct and Faith |
| Ruri – Lapis Lazuli | Masaru – Victory or Win |
| Ryo – Clear | Minato – Harbor or Port |
| Ryoko – Clear and Child | Minoru – Reality or Fruit |
| Sachie – Blessed with Happiness, Bay | Mitsuhiro – Light and Vast |
| Sakaye – Prosperity and Blessing | Mitsuye – Light and Picture |
| Sakiko – Blossoming Hopeful Child | Miyo – Beauty and Generation |
| Sanaye – True and Blessing | Nobu – Faith or Trust |
| Satoko – Village and Child | Ritsu – Law or Discipline |
| Shigeko – Lush and Child | Rokuro – Six and Son |
| Shiki – Four Seasons | Ryōta – Cool, Refreshing and Thick, Plentiful |
| Shizuka – Quiet or Calm | Shichiro – Seven and Son |
| Sueko – End and Child | Shinjiro – True and Two and Son |
| Suzume – Sparrow | Shiori – Poem and Weave |
| Tamaki – Jewel, hope | Suguru – Healthy or Strong |
| Tamiko – People and Child | Tadahiro – Loyal and Exhibit |
| Taru – Many Stays | Taiga – Big River or Greatness |
| Tomoka – Wisdom and Fragrance | Taiyo – Sun or Solar |
| Tsubasa – Wings | Takahiro – Filial Piety and Exhibit |
| Ume – Plum Blossom | Takumi – Artisan or Craftsman |
| Yuno – Dream | Tomoya – Wisdom, Intelligence and To Be |
| Yuriye – Lily and Blessing | Yasu – Peace or Tranquility |
| Yutsuki – Moonlight or Lunar | Yuma – Gentle Truth or Excellent Truth |
| Yuzu – Citrus Fruit | Yuzuru – Yield or Concede |
| Yuzuki – Gentle Moon | Zenjiro – Good and Next and Son |
Pretty Japanese Names
These pretty Japanese names emulate delicate cherry tree blossoms that Japan is famous for. Parents in Japan choose pretty names for their children to celebrate their elegance and grace, aiming to give them a name that embodies physical attractiveness and inner charm.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Asayo – Hemp and Generation | Aki – Bright, Autumn |
| Chiharu – Thousand and Spring | Akiara – Autumn and Subordinate and Elegant |
| Chinatsu – Thousand and Summer | Aoi – Hollyhock or Blue |
| Chiyo – Thousand and Generation | Atsuo – Kindness and Husband |
| Chuya – Loyal and Night | Ayumu – Walk or Progress |
| Fuyuko – Winter Child | Etsuo – Joy and Husband |
| Gen – Source or Origin | Harue – Clear Weather and Blessing |
| Hatsu – Beginning or First | Hatsuko – Beginning and Child |
| Hayate – Swift, sudden | Hideki – Excellent and Tree |
| Hibiki – Sound, Echo | Hideyoshi – Excellent and Righteousness |
| Hiroki – Broad tree | Hiraku – Level, Calm |
| Hisano – Long Time and Field | Hiromichi – Vast and Path |
| Hotaru – Firefly | Hiroto – Abundant or Generous |
| Ichiyo – One Leaf | Hitomu – Benevolence and Dream |
| Ikuye – Life and Respect | Hoshi – Star |
| Ima – Now | Hyousuke – Drift and Assist |
| Iori – Weaving cloth | Joben – Stature and Speech |
| Kai – Cheerful | Katash – One Eye |
| Kasumi – Mist | Katsumi – Overcome and Snake |
| Katsumi – Victorious Beauty | Katsutoshi – Victory and Benefit |
| Kayo – Excellent and Generation | Kioshi – Joy or Happiness |
| Kazumi – Harmony, Beauty | Kishi – Shore or Bank |
| Kei – Wisdom or Intelligent | Kōki – “Vast and Strong” |
| Kimiyo – Public and Generation | Kouichi – Public and One |
| Kin – Gold | Kouki – Light and Hope |
| Kinu – Silk | Masako – Elegant, Graceful and Child |
| Kiyo – Joy and Generation | Michi – Path or Way |
| Kosuke – Small Help | Michiaki – Path and Bright |
| Kouta – Peaceful, thick | Naozumi – Straight and Clear, Pure |
| Kyo – Capital, Kyoto | Noritaka – Exemplary and Filial Piety |
| Kyomi – Permitted Beauty | Orochi – Big and Snake |
| Kyou – Sound, Echo | Rei – Zero, Nothingness |
| Makoto – Sincerity, Honesty | Reiko – Lovely Sound and Child |
| Masayo – True and Generation | Riki – Strength or Power |
| Mikan – Not Yet Completed | Rin – Dignified, Cold |
| Mine – Peak or Summit | Ryoto – Clear and Fight |
| Mineyo – Peak and Generation | Ryūji – Dragon and Assistant |
| Misayo – Beauty and Generation | Ryuusei – Shooting Star |
| Mitsu – Light | Shin’Ya – Humility and Also |
| Miyo – Beauty and Generation | Shino – Will and From |
| Mon – Gate | Shinta – New and Thick |
| Natsu – Summer | Sho – To Fly or To Soar |
| Ne – Root | Shōhei – Soar, Fly and Level, Flat |
| Noa – My Love | Shota – Brave or Excellent |
| Ran – Orchid | Shouta – Soar and Thick |
| Ren – Love | Shuto – Surround and Fight |
| Satoyo – Village and Generation | Sōma – Sudden and Truth |
| Seijun – Blue and Pure | Sota – Great or Excellent |
| Seiren – Quiet and Love | Sou – Blue or Vast |
| Shino – Purple and From | Taijo – Thick or Great and Castle |
| Shinobu – Endurance or Patience | Taisei – Great Clarity or Great Sincerity |
| Subaru – Pleiades, to Unite | Takato – Hawk and Fight |
| Suzuki – Bell Tree | Takeshi – Warrior or Military |
| Taiki – Big radiance | Taku – Expand or Pioneer |
| Takane – High and Peak | Tatsuya – Attain and To Be |
| Tamayo – Pearl, Generation | Teruyoshi – Radiance and Righteousness |
| Tomoe – Comma-Shaped Crest | Tomiichi – Wealth and One |
| Tsubame – Swallow | Touji – Lamp and Official |
| Tsuru – Crane | Toya – Ten and Arrow |
| Yume – Dream | Yamato – Great Harmony or Great Peace |
| Yumena – Dream and Apple Tree | Yu – Gentle or Superior |
| Yuu – Gentleness, superiority | Yuka – Gentle and Fragrance |
Cool Japanese Names
This list of cool Japanese names would suit any J-Rock or Anime fan. Choosing a cool Japanese name for a child can be a way for parents to express their appreciation for contemporary culture and give their child a name that reflects a sense of adventure and trendiness.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Aki – Autumn or Bright | Aito – Love and Fight |
| Akiara – Good Autumn | Akihito – Bright, Clear and Benevolence, Virtue |
| Akito – Autumn, Big Dipper | Asas – Morning, Dawn |
| Ao – Blue or Green | Asuka – Flying and Bird |
| Aoki – Green Tree | Daido – Big and Road |
| Atsuko – Kind Child | Daijiro – Big and Second Son |
| Chikako – Thousand and Excellent and Child | Daiksuke – Big and Assistance |
| Chō – Butterfly | Daitaro – Big and Thick Son |
| Daiki – Great radiance | Daito – Big Sword or Great East |
| Eiji – Prosperity and Govern | Doi – Soil and Well |
| Etsuko – Joyful Child | Fumihiko – Literature and Boy |
| Fuji – Wealth and Warrior | Hansuke – Half and Help |
| Hanami – Flower and Viewing | Hanzō – Half and Storehouse |
| Hikaru – Light | Haruma – Spring or Clear Truth |
| Himiko – Ancient Japanese Queen | Haruta – Spring or Field |
| Ino – I, Field | Hayata – Quick or Fast |
| Ishi – Stone | Hisoki – Secret and Joy |
| Jona – South Of The Castle | Ikuo – Fragrance and Man |
| Kagami – Mirror | Izuki – Spring Tree or Peaceful Tree |
| Kaname – Pivot, central point | Jūrō – Ten and Son |
| Kanon – Sound or Melody | Kanade – Sound or Melody |
| Karou – Flower Youth | Katashi – Firm, Strong |
| Kata – Form, Shape | Katsu – Victory, Win |
| Ko – Child or Baby | Katsuo – Victory and Man |
| Kokoa – Heart or Mind | Kazu – One |
| Kokoha – Heart or Mind | Kazue – Harmony and Blessing |
| Kokoro – Heart or Mind | Kazuto – One and Person |
| Kyoto – Capital City | Keizo – Respect and Three |
| Machiko – Truth and Wisdom and Child | Kentaro – Healthy, Strong and Son and Son |
| Mahiro – Ten Thousand or Broad | Kenzou – Healthy, Strong and Three |
| Maho – Truth and Sail | Kichiro – Fortunate, Lucky and Son |
| Maiko – Dance and Child | Kira – Glitter or Sparkle |
| Masa – Correct, Just | Kita – North |
| Masako – Correct and Child | Kohei – Peace and Level |
| Memori – Memory | Koya – Light and Also |
| Michiko – Beauty and Wisdom and Child | Kuniko – Country and Child |
| Mitsuki – Beautiful Moon or Full Moon | Kyosuke – Capital City and Assistance |
| Miu – Beautiful Feather or Beautiful Rabbit | Manzo – Ten Thousand and Storehouse |
| Namiko – Beautiful Child | Miki – Beautiful Tree or Sturdy Tree |
| Nishi – West | Mizu – Water |
| Nomi – Beauty of | Namiko – Wave and Beauty and Child |
| Ohara – Big Field | Naruhito – Becoming and Benevolence, Virtue |
| Oki – Open Sea | Natsuo – Summer and Man |
| Ono – Big Field | Noburu – To Rise, To Ascend |
| Orino – Weaving Field | Raijin – Thunder and God |
| Riki – Power, Strength | Reiji – Lovely and Ruler |
| Riku – Land, earth | Rikuto – Land or Continent |
| Sachi – Happiness | Ringo – Apple |
| Saeko – Clear and Child | Saburo – Third and Son |
| Sakurako – Cherry Blossom and Child | Samuru – Samurai |
| Seiko – Star and Child | Seiji – Pure, Clear and Govern |
| Sen – Thousand | Seto – Rapids and Door |
| Shin – True, genuine | Shikamaru – Aspiration, Will and Sickle and Circle |
| Shion – Purple and Garden | Shiki – Four and Seasons |
| Shoko – Auspicious and Child | Shoma – Soar and Genuine |
| Shun – Smart, Talented | Shunsuke – Excellent and Assistance |
| Soma – Blue Truth | Shusuke – Discipline and Assistance |
| Tatsuo – Achieve and Man | Suzu – Bell |
| Tetsu – Iron | Tadaaki – Loyal and Bright |
| Tokyo – Eastern Capital | Taichi – Great Wisdom or Great Intellect |
| Tomi – Wealth | Takaya – High and Arrow |
| Tomo – Friend | Takehiko – Military, Warrior and Boy |
| Tori – Bird | Takuma – Expand, Open Up and Truth, Reality |
| Toshi – Intelligent, quick | Tamaki – Jewel and Hope |
| Toshiko – Clever and Child | Tasuku – Help or Assist |
| Utano – Poem and From | Tatsuki – Achieve or Rule |
| Wakumi – Harmony and Long Time and Beauty | Tetsuo – Wise and Man |
| Yori – Reliable | Tohru – Penetrate or Thorough |
| Yoshimi – Beauty and Good | Toshiro – Clever, Talented and Son |
| Yua – Binding Love or Affection | Tsukiya – Moon and Night |
| Yura – Lily or Gentle | Zen – Zen Buddhism |
| Yuuko – Gentle and Child | Zenshiro – Good and Four and Son |
| Zen – Zen Buddhism | Zentaro – Good and Thick, Plentiful and Son |
Rare Japanese Names
This hand-picked list of rare Japanese names showcases Japan’s hidden history and legendary figures. Exploring rare Japanese names can unveil hidden gems, allowing parents to embrace the lesser-known aspects of Japanese culture and language while bestowing a rare and special name upon their child.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Aneko – Older Sister and Child | Akifumi – Bright and Sentence, Text |
| Chie – Wisdom, Intellect | Denki – Electricity |
| Chouko – Morning and Child | Fumihito – Literature and Virtuous |
| Dai – Big or Generation | Gin – Silver |
| Fumi – Writing | Hachiro – Eight and Son |
| Fumio – Literary or Cultured and Husband or Man | Hachirou – Eight and Son |
| Fusae – Branch of a Tree | Hakaku – Overnight Stay |
| Hanane – Flower or Blossom | Hikari – Light or Radiance |
| Hanano – Flower or Blossom | Hinata – Sunny Place or Sunflower |
| Hide – Excellent | Hiryur – Flying and Dragon |
| Hinako – Sunny Place and Child | Hisato – Long Life or Long-Standing |
| Hiro – Generous | Itsuki – Tree or Timber |
| Kameko – Turtle and Child | Itsuo – Excellent and Man |
| Kaoru – Fragrance | Jomei – Constant and Bright |
| Kazue – Harmony, Blessing | Jurou – Tenth Son |
| Kazuno – Harmony, Nara | Kanji – Chinese Characters |
| Kioko – Joy and Cord and Child | Kiyohiko – Pure, Clean and Boy, Son |
| Komako – Pony or Small Horse and Child | Kiyoto – Pure, Clean and Person |
| Koshoo – Lake and Soar or Fly | Kohaku – Amber |
| Kuma – Bear | Kosuke – Peaceful and Assist |
| Kura – Warehouse | Kousuke – Filial Piety and Assist |
| Kuri – Chestnut | Maki – Pasture, Field |
| Mamiko – True and Beauty and Child | Mana – Truth, Reality and What |
| Masumi – True and Clear | Miho – Beautiful and Grain |
| Mayuko – True and Reason and Child | Mitsuko – Light and Child |
| Meina – Beautiful or Love Song | Miyoko – Beautiful and Generation and Child |
| Minori – Beauty and Chronicle or Truth and Chronicle | Nagomi – Calm or Peaceful |
| Miwa – Beautiful Harmony or Beautiful Ring | Naoyuki – Straight and Happiness, Good Fortune |
| Moriko – Forest and Child | Naruto – Roaring and Gate |
| Nanako – Vegetable and Vegetable and Child | Natsu – Summer |
| Oda – Small and Rice Paddy | Noriaki – Rule and Bright |
| Okimi – Your Princess | Ohta – Big and Rice Paddy |
| Reiki – Spiritual Energy | Reiki – Gratitude, Courtesy and Precious, Valuable |
| Sadako – Chaste and Child | Ryoichi – Good and One |
| Shinju – Pearl | Saburou – Three and Son |
| Sonoko – Garden and Child | Sachi – Happiness or Blessing |
| Sugako – Should and Congratulation and Child | Sachihiro – Fortune, Happiness and Prosperous |
| Sunako – Sand and Child | Shinobu – Endurance, Patience |
| Takako – Valuable and Child | Shinsaku – New and Work, Piece |
| Takiko – Many and Branch and Child | Shion – Purple and Mallow |
| Tamura – Rice Field and Village | Shou – Soar or Fly |
| Taya – Thick or Great and Night | Shun – Speed or Swift |
| Tazu – Many or Numerous and Port or Harbor | Souma – Sudden and Genuine |
| Toru – Success, Passage | Suzuki – Bell and Tree |
| Tsumugi – Spinning Silk or Fabric | Taemon – Thick, Big and Gate |
| Urara – Abundant and Good | Taisho – Great General or Great Leader |
| Yasu – Peaceful | Taru – Barrel |
| Yayoi – March, Spring | Tomofumi – Wisdom and Sentence, Text |
| Youko – Sun and Child | Tori – Bird |
| Yu – Superior or Excellent | Touwa – East and Peace |
| Yuta – Abundant or Plentiful and Thick or Great | Touya – Freeze and Arrow |
| Zakuro – Pomegranate | Yuuma – Gentle and Genuine |
Names of Famous Japanese Men and Women
Akira Kurosawa was a prominent filmmaker whose works significantly influenced modern cinema practices. In 1990 he was awarded the Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement. His most notable works include Seven Samurai and Yojimbo. The kanji characters for the name Akira in Japanese mean ‘bright.’
Matsukata Masayoshi was born to a samurai family in 1835 and was educated in traditional Confucian theory and Western science. He served in several civic roles during the Meiji restoration period and twice served as prime minister of Japan, and was later given the noble title ‘prince.’ The kanji characters in the name Matsukata can mean ‘pine tree’ or ‘direction’.
Naoko Takeuchi is a manga artist, an art form that combines Western and Japanese styles to create comic stories. Her most notable work is the world-famous series Sailor Moon, a serialized manga series that celebrates girlhood, friendship, and magic. The name Naoko includes kanji characters that mean ‘obedient’ or ‘child.’
Hideo Kojima is an iconic video game writer and designer whose works are recognized for their playability and complex storylines. He created the hit game Metal Gear, a foundational piece for action and stealth games. The name Hideo is made of kanji characters that mean ‘superior’ and ‘husband.’
Yuzuru Hanyu is a champion ice skater who is beloved by fans across the world. He has won several major awards at a young age, including two Olympic gold medals and four Grand Prix Final championships. Yuzuru has broken nineteen world records. The kanji characters that make Yuzuru mean ‘knotted string.’
References
Information referenced in this article includes data from annual surveys on Japanese baby names conducted by the Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company, and the Open Science Framework (OSF). If you are interested in learning more about Japanese names, The Japanese Times wrote an article on the recent phenomena of Japanese baby names becoming more unique and individualistic, which may be interesting reading for parents-to-be.
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