495 Japanese Baby Boy Names With Meanings

japanese-baby-boy-names-with-meanings

Like most cultures, Japanese baby boy names are influenced by their history, culture, and traditions. These names often combine ancient customs, religious beliefs, and linguistic influences.

The Japanese have been influenced by Chinese culture, which spread particularly during the Tang dynasty (1). It is evident in their use of kanji characters, which were adopted from Chinese script (2). Even though Japanese names are written in kanji, they are still quite distinctive and can easily be differentiated from Chinese names. Many Japanese names for boys are derived from kanji, and the characters chosen often hold symbolic meanings related to nature, virtues, or desired attributes. Most first names in Japan have one, two, or three kanji. Four-syllable names are mostly given to the eldest sons in a family.

Religious beliefs also play a factor in the naming of boys in Japan. Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion (3), has a great influence on naming customs. Many baby boy names are associated with Shinto deities, historical characters, or natural and spiritual elements. Furthermore, Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan via Korea and China (4), also shows its influence in Japanese names. Buddhist names are frequently associated with enlightenment, virtue, or religious notions.

Names in Japanese culture also tend to reflect the parents' hopes for their children. Parents choose names that signify positive attributes or express their aspirations for the child's future success. Positive traits and goals are embodied by names such as Haruki, meaning spring and radiance, and Hiroshi, meaning generous and kind. Some Japanese first names, such as Mayumi, Kaneko, Masuko, and Arata, can also be used as surnames.

Western names have gained popularity in Japan but traditional Japanese names remain highly valued, showcasing Japan's unique naming tradition.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Aoi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Hollyhock; Green; Blue
heart image Asahi Baby Boy Sign Boy Morning sun
heart image Haru Baby Boy Sign Boy Spring season; Sunlight; Day
heart image Haruto Baby Boy Sign Boy Spring person; Sunny person; Distant city
heart image Hinata Baby Boy Sign Boy Sunny place; Towards the sun
heart image Hiroto Baby Boy Sign Boy Person; Soar; Esteem; Command; Great; Big
heart image Itsuki Baby Boy Sign Boy Tree
heart image Kaito Baby Boy Sign Boy Sea; Ocean; Soar; Fly
heart image Kanna Baby Boy Sign Boy One of many childhood names of Lord Krishna
heart image Kei Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Square jewel; Blessing; Wise; Respect; Excellence
heart image Minato Baby Boy Sign Boy Harbor
heart image Niko Baby Boy Sign Boy People's victory
heart image Ren Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Lotus blossom
heart image Riku Baby Boy Sign Boy Powerful ruler; A variant of Richard
heart image Sana Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Brilliance; Praise
heart image Souta Baby Boy Sign Boy A sudden sound of the wind; Thick; Great
heart image Touma Baby Boy Sign Boy Assyrian form of Thomas; Twin
heart image Yamato Baby Boy Sign Boy Great harmony
heart image Youta Baby Boy Sign Boy Great sunlight
heart image Yuuma Baby Boy Sign Boy Gentle; Truthful; Honest
heart image Yuuto Baby Boy Sign Boy Gentleness; Tender person
heart image Aito Baby Boy Sign Boy Sea; Ocean; Soar; Fly
heart image Aizen Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Beloved; Affectionate
heart image Akai Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Red
heart image Akeno Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Bright, shining
heart image Akiara Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A bright person
heart image Akie Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Graceful, intelligent, serene
heart image Akihiro Baby Boy Sign Boy Bright, intelligent, gracious
heart image Akio Baby Boy Sign Boy Bright Man; Manly; Hero
heart image Akiro Baby Boy Sign Boy Bright, intelligent, courageous
heart image Akito Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Bright person; Autumn season
heart image Akiya Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Bright; Autumn
heart image Akoya Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Bright; Precious; Pure
heart image Amane Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Peaceful, serene, tranquil
heart image Ami Baby Boy Sign Boy Lord of my people
heart image Aoki Unisex Baby Sign Unisex An evergreen blue tree
heart image Arai Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Arai - Noble, strong, elegant
heart image Arata Baby Boy Sign Boy Fresh; New
heart image Arisa Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Beautiful future
heart image Asa Baby Boy Sign Boy Physician; Healer
heart image Asada Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Essence of gratitude
heart image Asas Baby Boy Sign Boy Physician; A healer; A beautiful morning
heart image Asuna Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Light, bright, morning
heart image Atari Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Japanese word for success or victory
heart image Ayami Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Exquisite and graceful
heart image Ayano Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Colorful, serene, beautiful
heart image Ayato Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Versatile and determined
heart image Azami Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Flower or thistle
heart image Azumi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Safe residence; Peaceful dwelling
heart image Benjiro Baby Boy Sign Boy Enjoys Peace
heart image Bento Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Blessed; Blessing
heart image Chibi Baby Boy Sign Boy Short person or small Child
heart image Chiharu Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Springs and clear skies
heart image Chikafusa Baby Boy Sign Boy The close one
heart image Chikao Baby Boy Sign Boy A clever and wise individual
heart image Chiko Baby Boy Sign Boy A pledge
heart image Chimon Baby Boy Sign Boy Gate of wisdom
heart image Dai Baby Boy Sign Boy A shining individual
heart image Daichi Baby Boy Sign Boy Great land; Great wisdom; First son
heart image Daido Baby Boy Sign Boy The greatest way possible
heart image Daiki Baby Boy Sign Boy The noble one; filled with radiance and light
heart image Daisuke Baby Boy Sign Boy Great helper; Grand ritual; Large protector
heart image Danno Baby Boy Sign Boy Gathering; to put together
heart image Danuja Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Knight; a ruler
heart image Denji Baby Boy Sign Boy One with electromagnetic powers
heart image Doi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Mountain; Earth
heart image Eiko Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Child of splendor
heart image Eito Baby Boy Sign Boy A very prosperous person; they are kind hearted
heart image Eizan Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sharp and intelligent
heart image Emiya Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Archer, Protector, Skillful
heart image Enmei Baby Boy Sign Boy Bright circle; Life sustaining
heart image Enso Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Circle, Zen, Enlightenment
heart image Escanor Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The shining one
heart image Fuka Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Breeze or fusion
heart image Fumihiro Baby Boy Sign Boy Extensive condemnation
heart image Geisha Baby Boy Sign Boy Japanese traditional entertainer
heart image Genkei Baby Boy Sign Boy The one who deserves honor and integrity
heart image Giichi Baby Boy Sign Boy One rule; The righteous one
heart image Gin Baby Boy Sign Boy Silver
heart image Ginjiro Baby Boy Sign Boy Good silver
heart image Goku Baby Boy Sign Boy Awakened to emptiness
heart image Goro Baby Boy Sign Boy Enlightened son
heart image Goten Baby Boy Sign Boy Heavenly sky; Straight; Perfect
heart image Gou Baby Boy Sign Boy A person who is strong and powerful just like a mountain
heart image Habiki Baby Boy Sign Boy Echo; Sound
heart image Hachi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Eight; A bee or flowerpot
heart image Hachirou Baby Boy Sign Boy Eighth Son; A variant transcription is Hachiro
heart image Hakaku Baby Boy Sign Boy White Crane
heart image Haku Baby Boy Sign Boy Eldest brother; Soul; White
heart image Hanabi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Fireworks, celebration, beauty
heart image Hanaya Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Flower shop
heart image Hannya Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Angry, vengeful spirit
heart image Hansuke Baby Boy Sign Boy A very helpful friend
heart image Hanya Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Graceful queen
heart image Hanzo Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong, noble warrior
heart image Harue Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Spring Bough; Sunshine
heart image Haruka Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Distant or far away
heart image Haruki Baby Boy Sign Boy Bright clear weather; Spring child
heart image Haruko Baby Boy Sign Boy Spring child
heart image Haruna Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Joyful or mountain of happiness
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Picking a Japanese boy name is a great way to experience the country’s beauty and connect to its heritage and linguistic richness. The above names offer a deep view of the tradition and culture of the Japanese community and can fit into modern preferences while upholding traditional values. You can select a name that signifies power or gentler ones that reflect sweet virtues. Whatever your choice may be, this carefully curated list offers pleasant and one-of-a-kind options that carry timeless appeal.

Infographic: Wonderful Japanese Boy Names You Will Love

Japanese names have a unique melodic feel and are usually written in Kanji script. They reflect the rich ancient Japanese culture. Different Kanji characters combine to make one-of-a-kind names. If you're fascinated with Japanese names, this infographic will help you uncover some of the top names for your boy.

lovely japanese names for your boy (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Japanese boy names mean brilliant and future?

Ayahiko, Koushi, and Ayahito are a few Japanese names meaning 'brilliant.' On the other hand, Asuma, Milay, Mirai, Miran, Mirato, and Sakito represent the 'future.' Although these names share specific meanings, other Kanji combinations can also form them, and their meaning can change.

2. Which Japanese baby boy names mean warrior or dragon?

Aohei, Ayuto, Fumiji, Hayaji, Hideshi, Takao, and Riamu are among several names that mean 'warrior' and are associated with qualities like strength, power, and bravery. Ryū, Ryūji, Ryūnosuke, Hakuryū, Ryohei, and Tatsugo, on the other hand, mean 'dragon.' However, it is vital to note that Japanese names can have different interpretations depending on the kanji characters used to write them.

3. What are some Japanese baby boy names with a historical significance or connection?

Yoshimitsu (the name of a 14th-century shogun named Ashikaga Yoshimitsu), Nobunaga (an influential Japanese figure known as ‘The Great Unifier’), Yukimura (the name of a samurai of the Sengoku period), and Ryōma (the name of a samurai who was instrumental in the establishment of the Empire of Japan in the late Edo period) are some names with prominent historical significance.

4. What are some Japanese baby boy names with powerful meanings?

Tsuyoshi (hard, rigid, or strong), Takeshi (strong, healthy), Kenta (healthy, strong, big, or great), and Riki (power, strength) are a few Japanese boy names that carry meanings associated with strength and vitality.

5. What Japanese baby boy names have a positive or uplifting meaning?

Haruki, from the combination of kanji characters 'haru' (光) and "ki" (輝), means 'light' or 'brightness.' On the other hand, Yuuki, from the Kanji character yū' (優), translates to 'excellence,' 'superiority,' and 'hope. Akira, meaning 'bright and clear,' and Hiroshi, meaning 'tolerant' or 'generous,' are Japanese boy names that exude positivity, hope, and exuberance.

6. What are some Japanese baby boy names that are related to sports or athletics?

Takumi (skilled, artisan), Masashi (elegant, will, purpose), and Daichi (big, great, wisdom) are some Japanese boy names with characters that exemplify the factors required to become a successful sportsperson, such as skill, grace, and ambition. Some famous Japanese sportsmen bearing these names include Takumi Obara, a Japanese athlete who competed in the first Olympic triathlon at the 2000 Summer Olympics. Masashi Ebinuma is a Japanese judoka who won a bronze medal in the 2012 Summer Olympics.

7. What are some Japanese baby boy names inspired by nature?

Daichi (great land), Haruki (clear weather, brightness), Aren (mountain), Gaku (mountain), and Akai (ocean) are some Japanese baby boy names associated with nature's beauty and tranquility.

8. Which Japanese baby boy names mean intelligence or wisdom?

Akitoshi symbolizes clarity and wisdom, whereas Daichirō represents intelligence. Jouken means constancy and intelligence, and Kenki refers to intellect. Like these, several other Japanese boy names that translate to wisdom and intellect include Satoshi and Kenzō.

9. What are some Japanese baby boy names that are easy to pronounce and spell?

Hiro, Ken, Kota, Shin, and Yuki are short and sweet Japanese names with straightforward pronunciation and spelling. These names are common in Japan and convenient for non-Japanese speakers to pronounce and remember.

References:

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