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 Jun heart image baby boy sign Boy Pure; Clean; Truth; Talented; Handsome; Ruler; King
heart image Junichiro heart image baby boy sign Boy He who takes
heart image Junko heart image baby boy sign Girl Sincere Child; Obedient; Genuine; Pure
heart image Junpei heart image baby boy sign Boy Pure; Genuine; Innocent; Considerate; Kind
heart image Juro heart image baby boy sign Boy Farmer; Earth worker
heart image Jurou heart image baby boy sign Boy Tenth Son; A variant of Juro
heart image Juvia heart image baby boy sign Unisex Rain or shower
heart image Jyn heart image baby boy sign Unisex Creative; Unique
heart image Kae heart image baby boy sign Unisex The sea
heart image Kaeda heart image baby boy sign Unisex Maple
heart image Kaede heart image baby boy sign unisex Maple; Maple leaf
heart image Kaemon heart image baby boy sign Boy Righthanded
heart image Kaen heart image baby boy sign Unisex Fiery; Intense; Passionate
heart image Kaeya heart image baby boy sign Boy Cool; Mysterious; Ambitious
heart image Kagami heart image baby boy sign Girl Mirror; Beauty
heart image Kage heart image baby boy sign Boy Shadow
heart image Kagome heart image baby boy sign Girl Lost
heart image Kagura heart image baby boy sign Unisex Divine entertainment; Ceremonial dance
heart image Kaguya heart image baby boy sign Girl Radiant night; Shining night
heart image Kaho heart image baby boy sign Unisex Flower child
heart image Kaiba heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong; Fearless; Assertive
heart image Kaida heart image baby boy sign Girl Little Dragon
heart image Kaide heart image baby boy sign Unisex Round; Lumpy; Maple; Beloved; Darling; Fighter; Warrior
heart image Kaido heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strength; Power; Ruler
heart image Kaien heart image baby boy sign Unisex Ocean-related; Sea-related
heart image Kaihan heart image baby boy sign Unisex Inspiring leader or warrior
heart image Kaii heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong; Powerful; Leader
heart image Kaio heart image baby boy sign Boy Ocean; Sea
heart image Kairi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Sea; Ocean village
heart image Kairu heart image baby boy sign Unisex Navy; Marine
heart image Kairy heart image baby boy sign Girl Sea
heart image Kaisen heart image baby boy sign Unisex Victorious warrior or triumphant soldier
heart image Kaisha heart image baby boy sign Unisex Healthy; Alive; Living
heart image Kaito heart image baby boy sign Boy Sea; Ocean; Soar; Fly
heart image Kaiya heart image baby boy sign Girl Forgiveness; Sea also; Yew tree; Pure; Creativity
heart image Kaiyo heart image baby boy sign Boy To forgive
heart image Kaiz heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strength, determination, leadership
heart image Kaiza heart image baby boy sign Unisex Great leader; Powerful ruler
heart image Kaizen heart image baby boy sign Unisex Continuous improvement
heart image Kaizo heart image baby boy sign Unisex Restructured; Reconfigured
heart image Kakarot heart image baby boy sign Boy Carrot
heart image Kakashi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Scarecrow or scarecrow ninja
heart image Kaku heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong, Powerful, and Resolute
heart image Kamaye heart image baby boy sign Boy Enthusiastic
heart image Kame heart image baby boy sign Boy Desolate, arid
heart image Kameko heart image baby boy sign Unisex Turtle child or child of the turtle
heart image Kamiko heart image baby boy sign Unisex Superior child or superior beauty
heart image Kamin heart image baby boy sign Boy Filled with joy
heart image Kana heart image baby boy sign Girl Powerful
heart image Kanade heart image baby boy sign Unisex Playing music
heart image Kanae heart image baby boy sign Unisex Seedling; Fruitful
heart image Kanako heart image baby boy sign Girl Child of the flower
heart image Kaname heart image baby boy sign Unisex Central or pivotal
heart image Kanari heart image baby boy sign Unisex Bird
heart image Kaneki heart image baby boy sign Boy Wise; Intelligent; Adaptable
heart image Kanna heart image baby boy sign Boy One of many childhood names of Lord Krishna
heart image Kano heart image baby boy sign Unisex One's place; One's homeland
heart image Kanon heart image baby boy sign Boy Flower; Sound
heart image Kaomi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful truth
heart image Kaon heart image baby boy sign Unisex Mysterious essence
heart image Kaori heart image baby boy sign Girl Fragrant weaving
heart image Kaoru heart image baby boy sign unisex Fragant
heart image Kariya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Noble; Strong; Brave
heart image Karou heart image baby boy sign unisex Fragrant
heart image Kasai heart image baby boy sign Unisex River; Sand
heart image Kaseya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong; Leader; Enlightened
heart image Kasumi heart image baby boy sign Girl Mist; Flower; Pure
heart image Kata heart image baby boy sign Girl Worthy one; The woman who is pure and chaste
heart image Katai heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong and powerful
heart image Katana heart image baby boy sign Girl Sword
heart image Katori heart image baby boy sign Boy Strong, graceful, warrior
heart image Katrielle heart image baby boy sign Boy Pure; Strong; Victorious
heart image Katsu heart image baby boy sign Unisex Victory; Win
heart image Katsuki heart image baby boy sign Boy Victorious moon
heart image Katsumi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Win: To overcome
heart image Katsuro heart image baby boy sign Boy The victory of the son
heart image Katsuya heart image baby boy sign Boy Victorious and harmonious
heart image Kawai heart image baby boy sign Unisex Cute and lovely
heart image Kawaii heart image baby boy sign Unisex Adorable; Cute
heart image Kaya heart image baby boy sign Girl My elder sister; Rock; Restoration; Light; Perfume
heart image Kayda heart image baby boy sign Girl Looks like a little dragon
heart image Kayo heart image baby boy sign Girl The beautiful generation
heart image Kayori heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful, delicate, enchanting
heart image Kayto heart image baby boy sign Unisex Unique and mysterious
heart image Kazane heart image baby boy sign Girl The sound that the wind makes
heart image Kaze heart image baby boy sign Unisex Wind
heart image Kazen heart image baby boy sign Unisex Windy; Wind
heart image Kazu heart image baby boy sign Boy The first one
heart image Kazue heart image baby boy sign Boy Harmony; Peace
heart image Kazuhiro heart image baby boy sign Boy Peaceful, intelligent, respected
heart image Kazuki heart image baby boy sign Boy Peaceful tree
heart image Kazuko heart image baby boy sign Girl Child of harmony
heart image Kazuma heart image baby boy sign Boy Peaceful and harmonious
heart image Kazumi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful; Harmony
heart image Kazuo heart image baby boy sign Boy The first-born child
heart image Kazuto heart image baby boy sign Unisex Harmony or peaceful
heart image Kazuya heart image baby boy sign Boy The calm and peaceful one
heart image Kazz heart image baby boy sign Boy He who makes peace
heart image Kei heart image baby boy sign Unisex Square jewel; Blessing; Wise; Respect; Excellence
heart image Keida heart image baby boy sign Unisex Type of tree; Forest

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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