1108 Japanese Baby Names With Meanings

Japanese Baby Names With Meanings

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Japan, one of the most developed countries in Asia, not only has a long and rich history but also has a slew of adorable names to boot. If you are looking for Japanese baby names with meanings, you are spoilt for choice.  Japanese baby names do not just embody ancient Japanese beliefs but also echo their artistic forms like gardening, haiku poetry, architecture, and noble lifestyles such as the Samurai Bushido Code. Some names also reflect the birth order. Taro, for instance, means ‘the first-born male’. Many names are also based on nature. Rio, meaning ‘one who is like a river,’ and Kiku, meaning ‘chrysanthemum,’ show the inextricable ties of the country with nature even despite futuristic advancements technologically. Moreover, names describing certain characteristics of the baby such as Makaira meaning ‘one who brings happiness,’ and Hideaki, meaning ‘excellent,’ are commonly used. Japanese names have also gained popularity in Western countries in recent years due to the growing popularity of anime and manga. Names like Mikasa and Akira are anime-based names that are slowly gaining popularity in the US (1). But whether you select a traditional Japanese name or a modern one, its meaning in Japanese is likely to be complex. That’s because one Japanese name can have a plethora of meanings. Almost every Japanese name can be written in different ways using kanji. The Katakana and Hiragana style of writing may also result in different meanings (2). Hence, a simple Japanese name like Aki could have diverse meanings such as ‘sparkle,’ ‘autumn,’ ‘bright,’ ‘clear,’ ‘morning sun,’ and ‘smart’ depending on the kanji used. Moreover, in Japan, only children or familiar people are usually called by their given names. All others are addressed using their titles like -san or -sama (3).  Below is a list of Japanese baby names along with their meanings. Browse the tool to shortlist your most favorite names and create your baby name list.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Hayne heart image baby boy sign Boy Warrior; Ruler
heart image Hekima heart image baby boy sign Boy Knowledgeable; Clever
heart image Hibana heart image baby boy sign Unisex Spark
heart image Hibiki heart image baby boy sign Boy Sound; Echo
heart image Hide heart image baby boy sign Girl Excellent
heart image Hideaki heart image baby boy sign Boy Bright; Excellent
heart image Hideki heart image baby boy sign Boy Excellence; Esteem; Excellent
heart image Hideo heart image baby boy sign Boy Excellent male child; Excellent Man
heart image Hideyoshi heart image baby boy sign Boy Excellent; Outstanding
heart image Hikari heart image baby boy sign Girl Light
heart image Hikaru heart image baby boy sign Unisex Radiance; Light
heart image Himari heart image baby boy sign Unisex Gentle, sunny, peaceful
heart image Himawari heart image baby boy sign Unisex Sunflower or Sun's Flower
heart image Hime heart image baby boy sign Unisex Princess
heart image Hina heart image baby boy sign Girl Greens; Light; Sun
heart image Hinami heart image baby boy sign Unisex Delicate, beautiful, charming
heart image Hinata heart image baby boy sign Boy Sunny place; Towards the sun
heart image Hinode heart image baby boy sign Unisex Sunrise
heart image Hiro heart image baby boy sign Girl Wide; Broad; Spacious
heart image Hiroaki heart image baby boy sign Boy Spreading brightness; Radiance and Gloriousness
heart image Hirohito heart image baby boy sign Boy Plentiful benevolence or goodwill; Abundant Benevolence
heart image Hiroki heart image baby boy sign Boy Big; Brightness; Greatness
heart image Hiroko heart image baby boy sign Girl Rich child; Magnanimous; Generous child
heart image Hiromi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exalted, broad view
heart image Hiromichi heart image baby boy sign Boy Broad street; Wilde Street
heart image Hiromitsu heart image baby boy sign Boy Large light; Extensive Radiance
heart image Hironori heart image baby boy sign Boy Benevolent ruler; Tolerant Ruler
heart image Hiroshi heart image baby boy sign Boy Generous; Tolerant
heart image Hiroto heart image baby boy sign Boy Person; Soar; Esteem; Command; Great; Big
heart image Hiroyuki heart image baby boy sign Boy A lot of happiness; Broad Happiness
heart image Hiryur heart image baby boy sign Boy A dragon who flies; A versatile and spontaneous individual
heart image Hisa heart image baby boy sign Girl Long lasting; Everlasting; From a long story
heart image Hisahito heart image baby boy sign Boy Virtuous; Calm and Everlasting
heart image Hisano heart image baby boy sign Girl Long lasting; Everlasting; From a long story; Open plain; A variant of Hisa
heart image Hisao heart image baby boy sign Boy Story of life; Life Story
heart image Hisashi heart image baby boy sign Boy Always with you; A long time intention
heart image Hisato heart image baby boy sign Boy A long lived person; One with a long life
heart image Hisoka heart image baby boy sign Unisex Secretive; Reserved
heart image Hisoki heart image baby boy sign Boy Secretive; Reserved; A variant of Hisoka
heart image Hitachi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Sunrise
heart image Hitomi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Pupil of the eye
heart image Hitomu heart image baby boy sign Unisex Wisdom; Intellect; Beautiful
heart image Hitoshi heart image baby boy sign Boy Equal; Level; Even tempered
heart image Hiyori heart image baby boy sign Unisex Weather
heart image Homura heart image baby boy sign Unisex Flame; Firelight
heart image Hona heart image baby boy sign Unisex Bearer of the garden
heart image Hondo heart image baby boy sign Unisex Warrior or loyal warrior
heart image Honoka heart image baby boy sign Unisex Harmony or peaceful spirit
heart image Hoshi heart image baby boy sign Boy Star
heart image Hoshiko heart image baby boy sign Girl Star child
heart image Hotaru heart image baby boy sign Girl Firefly
heart image Hyousuke heart image baby boy sign Boy Helpful soldier; A soldier who is very helpful; A derivative of Hyousuke
heart image Ichigo heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strawberry or one with a cheerful spirit
heart image Ichika heart image baby boy sign Unisex First flower
heart image Ichiro heart image baby boy sign Unisex First son, first born
heart image Iga heart image baby boy sign Boy Strong warrior
heart image Ika heart image baby boy sign Unisex Fish; Squid
heart image Iku heart image baby boy sign Unisex Death; To live
heart image Illumi heart image baby boy sign Unisex To light up; Illuminate
heart image Ima heart image baby boy sign Unisex Present; Now; Short for Immaculada; Immaculate
heart image Imari heart image baby boy sign Unisex Exotic, vibrant, porcelain
heart image Immi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Work; Labor
heart image Imoni heart image baby boy sign Unisex Faith
heart image Inari heart image baby boy sign Unisex Finnish goddess of fertility and agriculture
heart image Ino heart image baby boy sign Boy Greek goddess of fertility and agriculture
heart image Inori heart image baby boy sign Unisex Prayer or wish
heart image Inu heart image baby boy sign Unisex Dog
heart image Inuyasha heart image baby boy sign Boy Dog; Demon
heart image Iori heart image baby boy sign Unisex Fragrant weaving; Weaving with colors
heart image Iro heart image baby boy sign Unisex Peaceful
heart image Iroh heart image baby boy sign Boy Fire; Wise; Mentor
heart image Iroha heart image baby boy sign Unisex Japanese alphabet, first step
heart image Isana heart image baby boy sign Unisex Gift from God
heart image Issei heart image baby boy sign Boy First-born or life
heart image Issey heart image baby boy sign Unisex Gracious, strong, determined
heart image Itachi heart image baby boy sign Boy Weasel, Witty, Observer
heart image Itsuki heart image baby boy sign Boy Tree
heart image Itsumi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Joyful; Beautiful; Peace
heart image Iwa heart image baby boy sign Girl Yew; Eve
heart image Izaya heart image baby boy sign Unisex God is my salvation
heart image Izen heart image baby boy sign Unisex Word; Saying
heart image Izetta heart image baby boy sign Girl Strong-willed; Powerful
heart image Izuku heart image baby boy sign Boy Inheriting the future
heart image Izumi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Spring, fountain
heart image Jakai heart image baby boy sign Unisex Will rise; Will establish
heart image Japana heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who is energetic; Drive oriented; Ambition
heart image Jenova heart image baby boy sign Unisex Ancient deity; Celestial being
heart image Jhene heart image baby boy sign Girl God's gracious gift
heart image Jin heart image baby boy sign Boy Gold
heart image Jiren heart image baby boy sign Boy Strong and formidable
heart image Jiro heart image baby boy sign Boy Second son; Next son
heart image Joben heart image baby boy sign Boy Enjoys Cleanliness
heart image Jobon heart image baby boy sign Boy Enjoys cleanliness
heart image Joji heart image baby boy sign Unisex God is gracious
heart image Jomei heart image baby boy sign Boy Joyful, musical, passionate
heart image Jona heart image baby boy sign Unisex Dove
heart image Jotaro heart image baby boy sign Boy Strong, determined, fearless
heart image Jp heart image baby boy sign Unisex Justice of the peace; Silver
heart image Jubei heart image baby boy sign Unisex The brave one
heart image Julieanne heart image baby boy sign Girl People with this name are loyal, honest, and kind. They are noble and have an urge to live a long life in peace.

Japanese names are growing in popularity due to their sweet sound and fresh appeal. Despite Japan showing tremendous technological advancements in recent years, their names remain rooted in their rich cultural heritage and values. From the simple Ai to the powerful Chikafusa, this list consists of a variety of Japanese baby names with their meanings to make it easier for you to pick one for your little one. These names map the entire country and come to you on a single page. Choose the best names for your baby from this list as they deserve nothing but the best.

Infographic: Amazing Japanese Baby Names For Boys And Girls

Japan has always been known for its rich cultural heritage. It is a country that takes both its past and its future seriously and makes sure both go hand-in-hand. From Akari to Nagi to Yuna, these names have diverse meanings and origins. Look at this infographic to know the most common Japanese baby names.

unique japanese baby names with meanings (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Japanese name means rare beauty?

Hayami is a Japanese name for girls that means rare beauty.

2. What Japanese name means sparkle?

Aki is a Japanese name that means sparkle and bright.

3. What Japanese girl name is lucky?

There are several Japanese names that mean lucky. Some of them are Kota, Yukito, Koki, and Sara.

4. How are Japanese names typically written and pronounced?

Japanese names are written in the kanji script, which consists of symbols that represent different words. These symbols also give rise to different pronunciations depending on the context of the name. In addition to this, some names might also be written in phonetic language, known as hiragana or katakana.

5. How have Japanese naming trends changed over time?

The naming trends of Japan have changed according to the period of time, surroundings, situation, and modernization. For example, before World War II, names such as kiyoshi (meaning innocence) and Masaru (meaning bravery). However, after the World War, people started to prefer names that mean happiness and new beginnings, such as Keiko (meaning grace) and Sachiki (meaning happiness).

6. How do Japanese naming traditions differ from other cultures?

In western culture, the first name is followed by the family name. However, in Japanese culture the family name comes first and then comes the first name of the person. But, in recent times, Japan has also started to put family names after the first name to keep up with modernization.

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. Popularity of name Akira.
    https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
  2. A Brief Exploration of the Development of the Japanese Writing System.
    https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1008&context=honorscollege_anthro
  3. Japanese Culture: Naming.
    https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/japanese-culture/japanese-culture-naming
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