396 Shinto Baby Names With Meanings

Embracing the tradition of names rooted in Japanese spirituality and culture.

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• Jan 5, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Picking a Shinto baby name has never been so easy. Our baby name tool offers a comprehensive collection of Shinto baby names with meanings. Shinto is one of the most followed religious convictions in Japan. It isn’t a religion per se. Its spirituality is based on the Japanese idea of ‘kami,’ which means a divine spirit (1). The followers of Shintoism do not have any holy scriptures in the truest sense, but they do follow Japanese classics like Kojiki and Nihongi. Shinto and Buddhism are very similar to each other. Both address the worldview questions, and both aim to attain salvation. In fact, Shinto did not have a name until Buddhism was introduced in Japan. On the 31st day of the birth of baby boys and the 32nd day of the birth of baby girls, the parents and the grandparents of the child visit a Shinto shrine for the baby naming ceremony. The priest, in between all the prayers, announces the baby’s name. The parents then carry the baby in their arms and bow to the altar. Spirituality, nature, ancestral figures, and cultural heritage inspire the Shinto baby names. These names are usually traditional and represent the connection with Japanese and Buddhist traditions and heritage, which makes them significant and unique. For example, the name Hagrama, which stands for ‘dense forest,’ here the name signifies the importance of living in harmony with nature and highlights qualities like serenity and purity. The name Sora, which means ‘sky’ or ‘heaven,’ symbolizes divine strength and vastness, which are believed to be important concepts in Shinto beliefs. Another name Chouko, which means ‘butterfly child,’ evokes the image of beautiful nature marvels, which connects to the cycle of life celebrated in Shintoism. With such amazing connections and deep-rooted meanings, these Shinto baby names look like a good fit for any baby. Below, we have listed the most common and popular Shinto names for you to select from. Take a look and pick a favorite.

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Name	Gender	Meaning
Air	Unisex	Breath; Life; Atmosphere
Airi	Unisex	Colorful; Cheerful; Fresh
Akatsuki	Unisex	Dawn; Daybreak
Akemi	Girl	Bright, beautiful, dawn
Akeno	Unisex	Bright, shining
Akie	Unisex	Graceful, intelligent, serene
Akino	Unisex	Autumn field
Akiro	Boy	Bright, intelligent, courageous
Akita	Unisex	Breed of bear-hunting dog from the mountainous regions of northern Japan
Akiya	Unisex	Bright; Autumn

Akuma	Unisex	Demon; Devil
Alastor	Boy	Avenger or vengeful spirit
Amane	Unisex	Peaceful, serene, tranquil
Amaterasu	Unisex	Shining in heaven
Anime	Unisex	Animation
Ao	Unisex	Brightness, brilliance, blue
Arashi	Unisex	Storm; Tempest
Asuma	Unisex	True guardian
Asumi	Unisex	Beautiful purity; Pure beauty
Asuna	Unisex	Light, bright, morning

Atari	Unisex	Japanese word for success or victory
Atsuko	Girl	Warm; Kind child
Atsushi	Boy	Industrious; Compassionate; Kind-hearted
Ayako	Girl	Reliable, gentle, peaceful
Ayami	Unisex	Exquisite and graceful
Ayano	Unisex	Colorful, serene, beautiful
Ayato	Unisex	Versatile and determined
Azumi	Unisex	Safe residence; Peaceful dwelling
Bandit	Unisex	A person who steals or robs, often as part of a group or gang
Boruto	Boy	Bolt

Chidori	Unisex	A thousand birds
Chisa	Unisex	Small; Precious
Chito	Boy	Gift
Chiyo	Girl	Thousand generations
Chiyoko	Girl	Child of a thousand generations
Chizue	Girl	Long life; Endurance; Durability
Cho	Girl	Butterfly
Chouko	Girl	Butterfly; an insect that feeds on nectar of flowers
Daigo	Girl	Strength, greatness, enlightenment
Denki	Unisex	Electricity

Dragon	Unisex	A mythical, usually large creature featuring serpentine or reptilian traits
East	Unisex	Direction of the sunrise; Opposite of west
Eevee	Unisex	Cute and versatile Pokémon
Eijiro	Boy	Great second son
Eiko	Unisex	Child of splendor
Emiya	Unisex	Archer, Protector, Skillful
Emperor	Unisex	Ruler, authority, powerful
Fuka	Unisex	Breeze or fusion
Fumi	Unisex	Literature; History
Gaara	Boy	Self-loving one

Geisha	Boy	Japanese traditional entertainer
Giichi	Boy	One rule; The righteous one
Gin	Boy	Silver
Ginjiro	Boy	Good silver
Gion	Unisex	God is gracious
Goemon	Boy	Strong-willed; Courageous
Gringamore	Boy	A person who is not American; A person from Latin America who is settled in America.
Guha	Boy	Cave or heart
Guillem	Boy	A fearless defender who can do anything to protect his beloved
Hagrama	Boy	Dense forest; Thick woodland area; Opaque Jungle

Hajime	Unisex	Beginning; Start
Halbert	Boy	Shining jewel; Dazzling hero
Haleena	Girl	Of the light
Hanabi	Unisex	Fireworks, celebration, beauty
Hanzo	Boy	Strong, noble warrior
Haruka	Unisex	Distant or far away
Harvest	Unisex	The process of gathering ripe crops from fields
Hashan	Boy	Laughter; Lord Chandra (Moon)
Hatsumi	Unisex	First beauty
Hauba	Girl	A person's individual soul

Havard	Boy	High guardian
Hayami	Unisex	Mountain beauty
Hayato	Boy	Speedy, swift, or fast
Hewitt	Boy	Little smart one
Hibana	Unisex	Spark
Hilbrand	Boy	Sword used in battles
Hildeth	Girl	She who gives good battle counsel
Hime	Unisex	Princess
Hinode	Unisex	Sunrise
Hiromi	Unisex	Exalted, broad view

Hitachi	Unisex	Sunrise
Hitomi	Unisex	Pupil of the eye
Hiyori	Unisex	Weather
Homura	Unisex	Flame; Firelight
Hondo	Unisex	Warrior or loyal warrior
Honoka	Unisex	Harmony or peaceful spirit
Howl	Unisex	Eminent; Prominent; To cry out loud
Huzayma	Boy	He is a firm believer
Hylia	Unisex	Divine and sacred
Ichigo	Unisex	Strawberry or one with a cheerful spirit

Ichika	Unisex	First flower
Ichiro	Unisex	First son, first born
Iga	Boy	Strong warrior
Iku	Unisex	Death; To live
Inari	Unisex	Finnish goddess of fertility and agriculture
Inori	Unisex	Prayer or wish
Inu	Unisex	Dog
Inuyasha	Boy	Dog; Demon
Iori	Unisex	Fragrant weaving; Weaving with colors
Iro	Unisex	Peaceful

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Shinto baby names are straightforward and elegant choices inspired by the Shinto religion. These names are unique and have significant meanings and interesting concepts that pique curiosity. They are often derived from many essential aspects of the faith, like the elements of nature, spirituality, and deities. If you are a parent interested in the Shinto culture and beliefs, then choosing these names would be a great way to appreciate the culture and its values and traditions. Whether you choose these names for their uniqueness or meanings, they will leave a good impression on your little one.

Infographic: Mesmerizing Shinto Baby Names

Shinto baby names are attractive, with deep meanings, as they are inspired by the indigenous Japanese religion, Shinto. These names reflect cultural and spiritual values and strongly emphasize nature, ancestors, and spirits. If you are looking for a unique title for your adorable little one, go through this infographic and choose your favorite Shinto name.

attractive shinto baby names for your bundle of joy (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do Shinto baby names typically mean or symbolize?

Shinto baby names usually have meanings or symbols connected to nature, such as Cho, meaning ‘butterfly,’ virtue names, such as Guha, meaning ’a delightful person,’ and spiritual names, such as Hashan, denoting Lord Chandra (moon). These names show a strong respect for nature and the spiritual beliefs followed in Shintoism.

2. What is the significance of a baby’s name in Shintoism, and how does it affect their life or destiny?

In Shintoism, baby names often carry a spiritual significance which is believed to mold their destiny and identity. Since the naming ceremony is held under the guidance of a priest, the name is said to invite good energy and blessing for the baby. Moreover, with the involvement of the elderly members in the ceremony, Shinto names also strengthen the family lineage.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Shinto- A Japanese religion.
https://asiasociety.org/education/shinto

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.