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 Setsuna Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Momentary; Transient; Intense sorrow
heart image Shakai Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Community, social interaction
heart image Shanoa Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God's grace
heart image Shiba Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Brushwood; Firewood
heart image Shichiro Baby Boy Sign Boy A seventh son
heart image Shikadai Baby Boy Sign Boy Great deer
heart image Shikamaru Baby Boy Sign Boy Gentle or pure-hearted person; As gentle as a deer
heart image Shiki Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The four seasns of the year
heart image Shin Baby Boy Sign Boy A person who is real; Genuine
heart image Shingo Baby Boy Sign Boy True faith; deep belief
heart image Shinji Baby Boy Sign Boy Truth, sincerity, trust
heart image Shinjiro Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is a pure and true person
heart image Shinobu Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Endurance; Patience
heart image Shinra Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Flame; Divine power
heart image Shinta Baby Boy Sign Boy A person who develops, cultuvates things
heart image Shinya Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Night or truth
heart image Shione Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Tide; Sound of waves
heart image Shiro Baby Boy Sign Boy Fourth son
heart image Sho Baby Boy Sign Boy One who will soar
heart image Shoan Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Peaceful; Tranquil
heart image Shohei Baby Boy Sign Boy Shining; Bountiful; Peaceful
heart image Shohta Baby Boy Sign Boy A thick, big person
heart image Shoma Baby Boy Sign Boy A boz who is alwazs reaching for the truth in life
heart image Shoto Baby Boy Sign Boy Soaring; Flying like a bird
heart image Shou Baby Boy Sign Boy One who saors and glides
heart image Shouta Baby Boy Sign Boy A big person who soars
heart image Shun Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A fast and talented person
heart image Shunsuke Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is a sagacious helper
heart image Shusuke Baby Boy Sign Boy One who learns to meditate
heart image Soma Unisex Baby Sign Unisex No
heart image Sonna Unisex Baby Sign Unisex One's wishes; True desire
heart image Sony Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Electric, innovative, technology
heart image Sorai Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Great reaping; Harvest
heart image Sosuke Baby Boy Sign Boy Courageous, noble warrior
heart image Sota Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Swift; Quick
heart image Sou Baby Boy Sign Boy Adore; Bright; Sincere; The sound of the wind
heart image Souji Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is a general director
heart image Souma Baby Boy Sign Boy Moonlight; A woman as beautiful as the moon
heart image Subaru Unisex Baby Sign Unisex One who is uniting; A term identifying the Pleiades star cluster in the constellation Taurus
heart image Suguru Baby Boy Sign Boy An eminent person
heart image Suzu Baby Boy Sign Boy A man who lives long
heart image Suzuka Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Bell; Small bell
heart image Suzuki Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A common surname in Japan; Bell of wood
heart image Suzume Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sparrow
heart image Sylphrena Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Mythological air spirit; Fairy
heart image Tabata Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strength and perseverance
heart image Tadaaki Baby Boy Sign Boy Faithful light
heart image Tadashi Baby Boy Sign Boy Good; Virtous; Loyalty; Devotion
heart image Tade Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Heart; Courageous heart
heart image Taemon Baby Boy Sign Boy One with good morals; Well behaved person
heart image Taia Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Gazelle; Ibex
heart image Taichi Baby Boy Sign Boy Means a thick or big one
heart image Taiden Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong, courageous, and noble
heart image Taiga Baby Boy Sign Boy Big; Bud; Gracious
heart image Taigen Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong, fearless, warrior
heart image Taiki Baby Boy Sign Boy Big, great tree; Full of brightness
heart image Taira Baby Boy Sign Boy Noble, warrior
heart image Taiyo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sun, sunlight, radiant
heart image Taji Baby Boy Sign Boy The yellow and silver color
heart image Tajiri Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Rich; Wealthy
heart image Takahiro Baby Boy Sign Boy Abundantly respectful and loving
heart image Takai Baby Boy Sign Boy The next world
heart image Takashi Baby Boy Sign Boy Prosperous; Noble
heart image Takato Baby Boy Sign Boy Precious measure of exaltation
heart image Takaya Baby Boy Sign Boy One who has much respect for someone
heart image Takeo Baby Boy Sign Boy Warrior; One who fights for his kingdom
heart image Takeru Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong and courageous warrior
heart image Takeshi Baby Boy Sign Boy Warrior or strong and masculine
heart image Taku Baby Boy Sign Boy Young; Living just for a little time yet
heart image Takuma Baby Boy Sign Boy An open truth
heart image Takumi Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Skillful craftsman
heart image Tamaki Baby Boy Sign Boy A boy who is a true gem
heart image Tamashini Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A soul; One who is very soulful
heart image Tamron Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Enchanting; Strong; Unique
heart image Tanaka Unisex Baby Sign Unisex We have become beautiful; Good
heart image Tanjiro Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Persistent and strong-minded leader
heart image Taro Baby Boy Sign Boy Great son
heart image Tarou Baby Boy Sign Boy A big son
heart image Taru Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A vast and huge sea of water
heart image Tatsuki Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong, courageous, talented
heart image Tatsuya Baby Boy Sign Boy Sign of the dragon
heart image Teijo Baby Boy Sign Boy A righteous Boy
heart image Temari Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Hand ball, wind like
heart image Tenten Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Heaven; Sky
heart image Tetsuo Baby Boy Sign Boy Iron man; Strong as iron
heart image Tetsuya Baby Boy Sign Boy An intelligent philosopher
heart image Thunder Baby Boy Sign Boy A thunder
heart image Tidus Baby Boy Sign Boy Sun; Sunlight
heart image Toban Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A princess
heart image Tohru Baby Boy Sign Boy A transparent person
heart image Tojo Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong and determined
heart image Toki Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Time, opportunity, period
heart image Tokyo Baby Boy Sign Boy The capital to the east
heart image Toma Baby Boy Sign Boy Romanian form of Tomas; Twin
heart image Tomiche Baby Boy Sign Boy A wealthy and prosperous person
heart image Tomie Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Blessed; Auspicious
heart image Tomiichi Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is wealthy and prosperous
heart image Tomohiro Baby Boy Sign Boy Broad wisdom or knowledge
heart image Tomoki Baby Boy Sign Boy Diligent and bright
heart image Tomoya Baby Boy Sign Boy A wise or an intelligent person
1 5 6 7 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/
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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