777 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.

Name Gender Meaning
heart image Kawai Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Cute and lovely
heart image Kawaii Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Adorable; Cute
heart image Kayori Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Graceful, delicate, enchanting
heart image Kayto Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Unique and mysterious
heart image Kaze Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Wind
heart image Kazen Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Windy; Wind
heart image Kazu Baby Boy Sign Boy The first one
heart image Kazue Baby Boy Sign Boy Harmony; Peace
heart image Kazuhiro Baby Boy Sign Boy Peaceful, intelligent, respected
heart image Kazuki Baby Boy Sign Boy Peaceful tree
heart image Kazuma Baby Boy Sign Boy Peaceful and harmonious
heart image Kazumi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Beautiful; Harmony
heart image Kazuo Baby Boy Sign Boy The first-born child
heart image Kazuto Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Harmony or peaceful
heart image Kazuya Baby Boy Sign Boy The calm and peaceful one
heart image Kazz Baby Boy Sign Boy He who makes peace
heart image Keida Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Type of tree; Forest
heart image Keigo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Respectful, honorable, polite
heart image Keiji Baby Boy Sign Boy Respect; two; Governs with discretion
heart image Keisuke Baby Boy Sign Boy Strength, determined, victorious
heart image Keitaro Baby Boy Sign Boy Blessed; Huge Gift
heart image Keito Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Arrow or blessed child
heart image Kemari Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Rare; Unique; Pprecious
heart image Ken Baby Boy Sign Boy Good health; Intelligent; Born of fire; Handsome
heart image Kenichi Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong, wise, intelligent
heart image Kenji Baby Boy Sign Boy Second son; Strong; Healthy
heart image Kenjiro Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong, intelligent, honorable
heart image Kenpachi Baby Boy Sign Boy The strongest swordsman
heart image Kenshi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Swordsmanship, strong, warrior
heart image Kenshin Baby Boy Sign Boy Sword saint
heart image Kenshiro Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong, fearless warrior
heart image Kenta Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong, spirited, courageous
heart image Kentaro Baby Boy Sign Boy Big man; Big boy
heart image Kento Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong, determined, talented
heart image Kenzou Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong and healthy
heart image Keola Baby Boy Sign Boy Wise; Three
heart image Kero Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Habitational name from farms in Finland; Variant of Keronen
heart image Kiari Unisex Baby Sign Unisex To call; To shout
heart image Kichi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Lucky; Blessed
heart image Kihara Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Curly hair
heart image Kikyo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Blooming chrysanthemum
heart image Kilik Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strength; Warrior; Protector
heart image Killua Baby Boy Sign Boy Resolute; Lethal
heart image Kimari Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Unrestricted; Without limits
heart image Kimura Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Tree village
heart image Kin Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Golden
heart image Kio Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Brave; Majestic; Strong
heart image Kioshi Baby Boy Sign Boy Silent
heart image Kirito Baby Boy Sign Boy Warrior; Knight
heart image Kisa Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Kitty; Little cat
heart image Kishi Baby Boy Sign Boy Hardness; His gravity
heart image Kitai Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Hopeful, determined, strong
heart image Kiyo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Purity or pure
heart image Kiyori Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Pure beauty
heart image Kiyoshi Baby Boy Sign Boy Pure
heart image Ko Baby Boy Sign Boy To plough or to cultivate
heart image Koe Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Voice; Sound
heart image Koemi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Journey of beauty and love
heart image Kohaku Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Amber
heart image Kohana Baby Boy Sign Boy Swift
heart image Kohei Baby Boy Sign Boy Abundant light
heart image Koichi Baby Boy Sign Boy Happiness ; One
heart image Koji Baby Boy Sign Boy To light the way
heart image Kojii Baby Boy Sign Boy Abundance and two
heart image Kojiro Baby Boy Sign Boy Little second son
heart image Koki Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Time of joy; Happiness
heart image Konan Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong-willed and determined
heart image Koneko Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Kitten; Baby cat
heart image Kosuke Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Kosuke means The Rising Sun
heart image Kota Baby Boy Sign Boy River bank
heart image Kotaro Baby Boy Sign Boy Large, first-born son
heart image Koto Baby Boy Sign Boy Koto means Pure
heart image Kotone Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sound of the koto
heart image Kotori Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Little bird
heart image Kouichi Baby Boy Sign Boy The name means Happiness, One
heart image Kouki Baby Boy Sign Boy Light; Hope
heart image Kousuke Baby Boy Sign Boy Kousuke means Clear and Inlet
heart image Kouta Baby Boy Sign Boy Peaceful; Harmony
heart image Koya Baby Boy Sign Boy A clever and quick witted leader
heart image Krillin Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Short, Strong, Courageous
heart image Kubo Baby Boy Sign Boy Longevity or eternal life
heart image Kujo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Wednesday born
heart image Kuma Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Bear
heart image Kuniko Baby Boy Sign Boy The Child from the Country is the meaning of the name
heart image Kuraim Baby Boy Sign Boy The meaning of the name is Dark nad Gloomy
heart image Kurapati Baby Boy Sign Boy Kurapati means A House of Treasures
heart image Kuro Baby Boy Sign Boy The ninth son
heart image Kuromi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Mysterious; Dark; Cute
heart image Kurumi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Walnut; Black Walnut
heart image Kyari Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Energetic; Charming; Unique
heart image Kyo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Village; Unite; Apricot
heart image Kyoka Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Respectful flower; Mirror flower
heart image Kyomi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Pure, beautiful spirit
heart image Kyosuke Baby Boy Sign Boy With respect
heart image Kyoto Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Imperial capital
heart image Kyou Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Capital city
heart image Kyoya Baby Boy Sign Boy Mirror; Respectful second son
heart image Lawliet Baby Boy Sign Boy A character in the Japanese series Death Note
heart image Laxus Baby Boy Sign Boy Energetic; Powerful; Lightning
heart image Lelouch Baby Boy Sign Boy Brilliant ruler; Charismatic leader
1 2 3 4 5 6 8

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

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

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.
  1. The Japanese Missions to Tang China
    7th-9th Centuries
  2. Explore Japan Language
    https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/explore/language/index.html
  3. Japanese Religions
    https://spice.fsi.stanford.edu/docs/japanese_religions
  4. Buddhism in Ancient Japan
    https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1080/buddhism-in-ancient-japan/
Was this article helpful?
Like buttonDislike button
The following two tabs change content below.
Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood. She also specializes in baby names. A postgraduate in Human Resources from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, she likes understanding...read full bio