160 Japanese Christian Names For Your Baby

Blending cultures to forge a unique identity.

Written by Benidamika J Latam, MA, MSc Specialty: Psychology and RelationshipsExperience: 2 years

Benidamika holds a masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Assam Don Bosco University and another masters degree in English Literature from North Eastern Hill University. At MomJunction, Benidamika writes on human psychology and relationships.

Read full bio of Benidamika J Latam

Edited by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

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.

Read full bio of Shikha Thakur

Fact-checked by Shinta Liz Sunny, M.Tech Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 4 years

Shinta is a biotechnologist who is highly intrigued by science and technology. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University.

Read full bio of Shinta Liz Sunny

Last Updated on Aug 20, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Christian names are not extremely popular or widely used in Japanese culture, making them distinct and unique options for your little one. Japanese Christian names are often used as additions after their native Japanese names. Usually, Japanese names are written using the kanji script. However, Japanese Christian names are written using katakana script and adopted into Japanese phonology from their original form, instead of borrowing directly from the English language. A few examples can be Peter spelled as Petoro, Dominic is spelled as Dominiko, and Martin spelled as Maruchino. In real life, these names are not widely used or recognized. Our list is a mix of masculine and feminine Japanese Christian names, ranging from the girly Kaiya, which means ‘forgiveness,’ ‘sea,’ ‘creativity,’ or ‘pure,’ to the boyish Junichiro, which means ‘he who takes.’ Explore this interesting list to discover one-of-a-kind names for your baby boy or girl.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Kason	Boy	An enclosure for calves; Calf town; Fruit; Village; Mist
Asa	Boy	Physician; Healer; Goddess; Morning; Child of light
Hana	Girl	Grace
Kaiya	Girl	Forgiveness; Sea also; Yew tree; Pure; Creativity
Yuna	Girl	Gentleness; Friendliness
Star	Girl	Star
Rami	Boy	Shooter; To be ambitious; Counsel; Protection; To come; Sheep; Night; Exalted; Mercy
Gina	Girl	Queen; Maiden
Kaori	Girl	Fragrant weaving
Arin	Boy	Mountain of strength; Exalted; Ireland; Purified; Dignified

Ria	Girl	To flow; Ground; Love; Beloved; Crimson pear; Joyful; Sweet; Free
Katana	Girl	Sword; Single-edged sword; One-sided edge
Ken	Boy	Good health; Intelligent; Born of fire; Handsome
Maiya	Girl	Good mother; Circle; Increasingly; Illusion
Mai	Girl	Water; Love; Dance; Beloved
Rina	Girl	Pure; Joy; Singing; Melted; White jasmine; Village; Greens; To revive; To be reinvigorated; Daytime; Queen; Peace
Arina	Girl	Peace; From Hadria; Gold; Radiant one
Kami	Boy	Lord; Loving; Divine; A youth employed in religious services; God
Kato	Boy	Who knows it all; Second of twins; Wise; Increasing wisteria; East of the river
Kage	Boy	Shadow

Yumi	Girl	A beautiful archery bow
Aina	Girl	Always; The only one; Grace; Favor; Scene; Sight; Mirror; Difficult birth; Elegant love; Chaste
Thunder	Boy	A thunder
Kona	Boy	Leeward; Small name; Small offering; Peak; Woman;Wife
Arissa	Girl	Best; Bright; Harvest
Aarika	Girl	Beautiful; Lovely; Beautiful water lily; Golden; Gilded
Riona	Girl	Queen; Pure; Plum; Cherry blossom; Apple tree; Little king; Reason; Garden; Park; Sound; Logic
Toma	Boy	Romanian form of Tomas; Twin
Enna	Girl	Bird; Light; Pasture; Greens; Kindness; Elegance
Maisha	Girl	Life; Dance; Sand

Escanor	Unisex	The shining one
Mea	Girl	Mine; Red; To bud; To sprout; Love; Tower on the north wall of Jerusalem
Kana	Girl	Powerful; Incense; Excellent; Green
Bibi	Girl	The exalted one; Help; Bean; Wife; Voyager; Hostess; Day; Rain
Beni	Boy	Blessed; Son; Crimson
Raeden	Boy	Thunder God; Lightning; Beam of light; Protection
Daken	Boy	Darkness; Revenge; Strength
Daran	Boy	Orchid; Achieve; Great; Oaktree; Arrive at; Intelligent
Tora	Girl	Tigress; Thunder
Reon	Unisex	Bell; Orchestra

Arita	Girl	Owns a rice paddy; Rice paddy of ants; Virtue
Tsunade	Girl	One who is like the young thunder; Confident
Haku	Boy	Eldest brother; Soul; White
Chima	Boy	God knows; Leave; Space time
Jenova	Unisex	Ancient deity; Celestial being
Ko	Boy	Holder of the heel; Supplanter; Amber; Tall or high
Kazuya	Boy	The calm and peaceful one
Asah	Boy	Physician; Healer; Goddess; Child of light; Morning
Daichi	Boy	Great land; Great wisdom; First son
Enan	Boy	Keen-eyed; River

Eito	Boy	A very prosperous person; they are kind hearted
Daiya	Girl	Big; Great; Diamond
Akia	Girl	Clear sky; Bright; Tomorrow
Cala	Girl	Cove; Crow; Raven
Kazuo	Boy	The first-born child
Eniko	Girl	A young female deer; Prosperity; Splendor; Virtue; Child
Kairy	Girl	Sea
Daiki	Boy	Big land; Great wisdom; Great brightness
Ane	Girl	God was gracious; God has shown favor; Grace; Old; Victorious ancestor; Second sound; A girl's big brother
Kaemon	Boy	Righthanded

Joben	Boy	Enjoys Cleanliness
Kazz	Boy	He who makes peace
Kio	Unisex	Brave; Majestic; Strong
Maro	Boy	Mars; The god of war; Warlike; Male; Myself
Katrielle	Boy	Pure; Strong; Victorious
Mairi	Girl	Bitter; Dance; Plum
Toshiro	Boy	A intelligent person
Ryuu	Boy	Dragon; Noble; Prosperous
Kasen	Girl	Calf; An enclosure of calves; Flower fan
Tomoya	Boy	A wise or an intelligent person

Toshiko	Girl	An ancient or valued child
Taemon	Boy	One with good morals; Well behaved person
Chika	Girl	Wisdom; Beautiful; God is greater; Intellect
Araya	Boy	Leader by example; Good; Noble; Righteous; Wild valley
Gara	Girl	Black; Dark; Elegant; Light fabric
Alexiel	Unisex	Graceful; Strong; Dvine
Camie	Girl	Sweet, charming, and strong
Daisuke	Boy	Great helper; Grand ritual; Large protector
Kaiyo	Boy	To forgive
Joji	Unisex	God is gracious

Kazu	Boy	The first one
Kazuki	Boy	Peaceful tree
Kentaro	Boy	Big man; Big boy
Kamin	Boy	Filled with joy; Lovers; Chimney; Fireplace; Caraway; Stone
Aamaya	Girl	The end; Mother city; Heavenly valley
Tokyo	Boy	The capital to the east
Tomohiro	Boy	Broad wisdom or knowledge
Aki	Girl	Autumn; Clear; Yahweh will establish
Kagome	Girl	Lost
Tomoko	Girl	A friendly or a knowing child

Tonica	Girl	To the people; Something to the race
Chiaki	Girl	Wisdom; Thousand; Clear; Autumn
Tami	Girl	Date palm
Hanako	Girl	Child of the flower; Flower girl
Ame	Boy	Beloved; Rain; Candy; Work
Reona	Unisex	Lotus in the pond
Ashi	Girl	Paw; That which is attained; Reward; Recompense
Rie	Girl	Reason; Logic; Favor; Village; Benefit; Beloved; Love; Wished for child
Chiana	Girl	Wisdom; Intellect; Grace; Thousand
Maiko	Girl	Child; Dance; Good mother

1 2 »

Choosing a Japanese Christian name for your child is a wonderful way to give them a distinctive and unique identity. While these names are not widely used, their rarity makes them even more special. Parents who appreciate unique and meaningful names will find Japanese Christian names particularly appealing. Another reason why they are unique is that they are not directly taken and used as English names, but they are adopted into Japanese phonology. Delve into this fascinating selection of masculine, feminine, and gender-neutral names for your darling.

Infographic: Japanese Christian Names For Your Baby

While these names are not widely used in the Japanese community, the beauty and significance behind their meanings should not be ignored. Have a look at the infographic below and choose a name that best suits your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How are Japanese Christian names different from Western names?

Japanese Christian names differ from Western names primarily in their usage and adaptation. Unlike Western names, which are often used daily, Japanese Christian names are generally used less frequently. These names are written in katakana to fit Japanese phonology, adapting the original Portuguese or Latin forms. For example, Peter becomes Petoro, and John becomes Yohane.

2. What are some Serbian girl names that are easy to pronounce globally?

Japanese Christian names are shaped by a blend of Western and Japanese influences and may have stemmed from the arrival of Christian missionaries. When Portuguese missionaries, such as Francis Xavier, introduced Christianity to Japan in 1549, they brought religious teachings but may also have introduced Western naming conventions in Japan (1).

3. Do Japanese Christian names blend well with Japanese last names?

Japanese Christian names can blend with Japanese last names, though they are used less frequently in everyday life. The integration is seamless in written form, as Christian names are adapted into katakana, making them phonetically compatible with Japanese surnames.

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.

A Thread In Japan’s History: The Historical Journey Of Japanese Christianity to the Brink of Modern Japan.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1398&context=honors

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.