624 Japanese Girl Names With Traditional Associations

The graceful harmony of tradition and modernity can be felt through these lovely names.

Written by Angela Alex, MA

Edited by Vidya Tadapatri, MSc (Biotechnology)

Fact-checked by N Pravenchandra Singh, MA

Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Japanese girl names are often inspired by nature and its elements, such as seasons, trees, and flowers. They reflect the culture’s strong connection with mother nature. Japanese names also reflect human virtues and values that reflect the country’s history and traditions. These names, as with names from many other cultures, have meanings that symbolize positive human traits and elements from nature. For feminine names, the suffixes -mi (beautiful), -ko (child), and -ka (fragrance) have also become quite popular as of late. For example, a name like Michi has multiple meanings, including ‘intelligence.’ Adding a ‘ko’ will make it Michiko, which means ‘an intelligent child.’ Two-syllable names that were popular before the 1980s are in trend again. So are short names, such as Mei, Rio, and Rei, but they have no meaning. You could assign any meaning you like to these names by adding suffixes. These would then be considered modern names, free from any association with the past. Japanese names are mainly created using kanji characters. Kanji began as pictures but changed into characters over time (1). A kanji name can be pronounced or written in multiple ways (2). Parents can create innumerable combinations of kanji to come up with a unique name for their child. These characters also allow parents to create variations that help add depth and complexity to their child’s name. There is a current trend of blending old Japanese names with fashionable suffixes. However, traditional Japanese baby girl names like Sakura (cherry blossom), Yuki (snow), and Hana (flower) continue to capture parents’ fascination. Such names not only stand for nature but also represent beauty. If you are looking for more such delightful Japanese girl names, we have you covered. Below is our unique collection of the most charming names, both popular from previous times and recent years, with their meanings.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Amaya	Girl	Heavenly valley; Elevated place; Mother capital; Night rain; End
Kiara	Girl	Dark; Bright; Shining; Peaceful; A lady with dusk hair; First ray of the sun
Reina	Girl	Queen; Clean; Pure; Wise
Aya	Girl	Design; Colorful; Miracle; Verse; Sword
Hana	Girl	Hope, Flower, Bliss, Number one, craft, Shine, Moon
Kimora	Girl	Tree; Wood; Town; Village; Golden meadow; From the meadow
Kaiya	Girl	Forgiveness; Yew tree; Pure; Elegant
Kiera	Girl	Little dark one; Dark-headed; Dusky; Black
Ayana	Girl	Beautiful flower; Color; Design; Spring water; Delicate
Yuna	Girl	Gentleness; Friendliness; Excellence

Miya	Girl	A beautiful temple; Shrine; Palace; Beauty; Fruit; To watch; To care for; Night; Wished for child
Rubi	Girl	Ruby; Red stone; Lapis lazuli
Emi	Girl	Favour; Benefit; Picture; Painting; Beautiful
Kiyomi	Girl	Pure; Clear; Clean
Mari	Girl	Donation; Mother; Genuine; Village; Reason; Logi
Sayori	Unisex	Small; Night; Village
Amya	Girl	Night rain; Beloved; The end; Pleasant place; Trusted by God
Sahana	Girl	Endurance; Patience; To bloom
Tamia	Girl	Date palm; Chipmunk; Many beautiful children
Aiza	Girl	Living; Rock; Stone; Golden moon; Visitor; Seat of love; Ravine

Kaori	Girl	Fragrant weaving
Rumi	Girl	Fasten; Flow; Beauty
Haya	Girl	Hurry; Come quickly; Life; Feathers universally
Ria	Girl	To flow; Ground; Love; Beloved; Crimson pear; Joyful; Sweet; Free
Katana	Girl	Sword; Single-edged sword; One-sided edge
Manha	Girl	A direction; A path of life; Gift from Allah; Many leaves
Mei	Girl	Beautiful; Chinese plum
Runa	Girl	Rune; Secret lore; Moon
Akari	Girl	Red village; Bright, white jasmine
Eimy	Girl	Beloved; Well-loved; Eternal beauty

Kitana	Girl	Fox; Blade; Sword
Maiya	Girl	Good mother; Circle; Increasingly; Illusion
Naiomi	Girl	Pleasantness; Direct and beautiful
Mai	Girl	Water; Love; Dance; Beloved
Rina	Girl	Pure; Joy; Singing; Melted; White jasmine; Village; Greens; To revive; To be reinvigorated; Daytime; Queen; Peace
Sakura	Girl	Cherry blossom
Emiko	Girl	Beautiful child; Blessed child
Kamia	Girl	Holy valley; Upper valley
Arina	Girl	Peace; From Hadria; Gold; Radiant one
Amaiah	Girl	Night rain; Cheerful; Village of Amaya

Aiko	Girl	Little loved one; Lovable child; Child of love; Edge of a sword
Nara	Girl	Happy; Country; Sun; Pomegranate tree; Man
Sayuri	Girl	Small lily
Aine	Girl	Splendor; Radiance; Brilliance; Love sound; The only one; My eye; Descendant; Scene; Sight
Yumi	Girl	A beautiful archery bow
Neiko	Unisex	Peaceful; Calm; Comfortable
Kinza	Girl	Treasure; To see left; A kinswoman; Royal victory; Gold mint
Tamiyah	Unisex	Divine valley; Many; Beautiful
Juna	Girl	Young person; Born in June
Riana	Girl	Great queen; Village; Affection; Second; Ice crack; Waterfall

Mishika	Girl	Love of God; A medicinal plant; Blossom; Beautiful; Fragrance; Flower
Kamira-Name-Complete-Guide:-Pronunciation,-Popularity-&-More	Unisex	Flower; Heart; Good
Aina	Girl	Always; The only one; Grace; Favor; Scene; Sight; Mirror; Difficult birth; Elegant love; Chaste
Saya	Girl	Shelter; Shadow
Mahina	Girl	Moon; Month; Light; Genuine; Male; Dance; Full; Queen; Apple tree
Eriana	Girl	Most holy; Silver; Honor
Reia	Girl	To flow; Ground; Lonely, calm; Solitary, Peaceful
Yui-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-A-Comprehensive-Guide	Unisex	Tying a garment; Excellent garment; Supportive
Akemi	Girl	Bright; Beautiful
Kimiko-Name:-Complete-Guide-To-Meaning,-Origin-And-Popularity	Girl	Noble child; Valuable and beautiful child; Senior; Empress

Arissa	Girl	Best; Bright; Harvest
Saiya	Girl	Purple; Entrance; Shadow
Saori	Girl	Sand; Already; Weaving; Silk
Erina	Girl	Ireland; Fairy; Starflower; Favor; Village; Greens; That one
Asuna	Unisex	Apple tree of tomorrow
Rinoa	Girl	Queen; Sun-star; Radiant; Luminous
Aarika	Girl	Beautiful; Lovely; Beautiful water lily; Golden; Gilded
Keiko-Name-Meaning,-Origin,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide	Girl	Blessed child; Happy child; Lucky child
Nira	Girl	Plowed field; Near; Lightweight fabric; Golden eye; Grebe; Juice
Kymora	Unisex	Tree town

Mayumi	Girl	Beautiful; Genuine; Reason
Rima	Girl	White antelope; Advantage; Flax; To calm down; To quieten; Beloved; Goddess Durga
Kayda-Meaning,-History,-And-Popularity:-Complete-Guide	Girl	Little dragon; Pure; Clean
Kima	Girl	Flower blossom; Fine branches; Mane; Beautiful; Established by God
Reena	Girl	Each of the two; Torture; Joy; Singing; Molten; White jasmine; Village; Greens
Kayanna	Girl	Beautiful vegetable or greens
Maisha	Girl	Life; Dance; Sand
Ayumi	Girl	Walk; Step; Beauty; Pleasure
Kayana	Girl	Beautiful vegetable or greens
Mea-Name-Meaning-And-Origin:-A-Complete-Guide	Girl	Mine; Red; To bud; To sprout; Love; Tower on the north wall of Jerusalem

Geisha	Boy	Traditional Japanese entertainer
Asami	Girl	Beautiful hemp; Morning beauty; Beautiful morning
Neeko	Unisex	Sound; Child; Rather; Radical; Sunday; Grace;
Suki	Girl	A beloved woman
Emiya	Unisex	Bliss; Three arrows; Shrine; Three valleys
Airi	Unisex	Love; White jasmine; Messenger; Herald
Arisa	Unisex	Existing sand; Noble-like
Emika	Girl	Smile; Beauty; Whole; Great
Kaida	Girl	Little Dragon; Pure
Kiki	Girl	Double happiness; Caster plant; New beginnings; Hope; She-wolf; Blue jay

Misa	Girl	Beautiful sea; Three; Fine sand; Happiness; Who is like God
Kairen	Unisex	Sea; Ocean; Lotus
Amiria	Girl	Unceasing; Vigorous; Brave; To love; Sea
Kaisa	Girl	Pure; Each of the two; Silky ocean
Beni	Boy	Blessed; Son; Crimson
Koi	Unisex	Love; Affection; Yearn For; Romantic love; Passionate love
Neomi	Girl	Pleasantness; Beautiful sound; Honest and beautiful
Tomeka	Girl	Many beautiful children
Rukia	Girl	Love; Fondness; The moon; A princess; A noblewoman; Rise; ascent; Charm; Spell
Akiko	Girl	Clear child; Crystal child; Bright child; Autumn child

…

Japanese baby girl names blend natural elements with valued human qualities. They are rooted in Japanese culture and tradition and exude grace and elegance. People opt for these baby girl names not only because they depict the rich cultural tapestry of Japan but also because they capture the true essence of Japanese history and heritage. You may select any combination of kanji characters to create a conventional or modern name for your daughter. These meaningful Japanese baby girl names are sure to inspire you no matter your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Yuna a Japanese name?

Yes. Yuna is a Japanese name with several meanings depending on the choice of kanji characters. The most common meanings of Yuna are dream, gentle, peace, and vision.

2. What are some rare Japanese girl names?

Some rare Japanese names for girls include Emiko, Tadashi, Kazuko, Chiyo, and Fumiko.

3. What Japanese girl name means jewel?

There are several Japanese girl names that are related to jewel. Some of these names are Aoku, Akuru, and Chizuko.

4. What Japanese name means butterfly?

Japanese names that mean butterfly are Cho and Choko.

5. Are there any Japanese girl names that have a meaning related to strength or power?

Yes. Many baby girl names in the Japanese language mean strength and power. Some examples of such names are Kaya, Rikina, Rikiyo, and Takumi.

6. Are there any traditional naming customs for Japanese baby girls?

According to Japanese naming traditions, parents must name their girl child with ko (子, “child”) at the end of the given name. However, this practice is not so common nowadays.

Infographic: Beautiful Japanese Names For Your Adorable Girl

Japanese baby girl names are often connected to nature. Trees and flowers mostly inspire these names. These names may also represent qualities such as beauty, elegance, and grace. If you are looking for beautiful Japanese baby names for your daughter, you may want to look at the infographic below.

adorable japanese baby girl names(infographic)

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.

Explore Japan Language.
https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/explore/language/index.html
Dictionary of Japanese Names.
https://cjki.org/samples/jname.htm

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Author Editor Fact Checker

Angela AlexMA

Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

Read full bio of Angela Alex

Vidya TadapatriMSc (Biotechnology)

Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology.

Read full bio of Vidya Tadapatri

N Pravenchandra SinghMA

Praven is an English literature expert. He did his bachelors in English from Delhi University and masters in English from Manipur University. Besides, he holds a certificate in multimedia design and content creation from NIELIT Imphal and presented papers at various national and international conferences.

Read full bio of N Pravenchandra Singh