1108 Unique Japanese Baby Names With Their 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.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Keigo	Unisex	Respectful, honorable, polite
Keiji	Boy	Respect; two; Governs with discretion
Keiko	Girl	Blessed child; Happy child; Lucky child
Keina	Girl	Prosperity
Keisuke	Boy	Strength, determined, victorious
Keitaro	Boy	Blessed; Huge Gift
Keito	Unisex	Arrow or blessed child
Kemari	Unisex	Rare; Unique; Pprecious
Ken	Boy	Good health; Intelligent; Born of fire; Handsome
Kenichi	Boy	Strong, wise, intelligent

Kenji	Boy	Second son; Strong; Healthy
Kenjiro	Boy	Strong, intelligent, honorable
Kenpachi	Boy	The strongest swordsman
Kenshi	Unisex	Swordsmanship, strong, warrior
Kenshin	Boy	Sword saint
Kenshiro	Boy	Strong, fearless warrior
Kenta	Unisex	Strong, spirited, courageous
Kentaro	Boy	Big man; Big boy
Kento	Boy	Strong, determined, talented
Kenzou	Boy	Strong and healthy

Keola	Boy	Wise; Three
Keomi	Select Gender	The life
Keon	Girl	King; God is gracious
Kero	Unisex	Habitational name from farms in Finland; Variant of Keronen
Kerriann	Girl	Yellow Japanese rose
Kiari	Unisex	To call; To shout
Kiaria	Girl	A lot of fortune
Kichi	Unisex	Lucky; Blessed
Kihara	Unisex	Curly hair
Kiki	Girl	Double happiness

Kiku	Girl	Chrysanthemum
Kikyo	Unisex	Blooming chrysanthemum
Kilik	Unisex	Strength; Warrior; Protector
Killua	Boy	Resolute; Lethal
Kimari	Unisex	Unrestricted; Without limits
Kimi	Girl	Peerless
Kimika	Girl	Noble
Kimiko	Girl	Noble child
Kimmi	Girl	Righteous
Kimura	Unisex	Tree village

Kin	unisex	Golden
Kio	Unisex	Brave; Majestic; Strong
Kioka	Girl	Mirror
Kioko	Girl	Who shares the happiness with the world
Kioshi	Boy	Silent
Kirika	Girl	Fog; Flower; Incense; Summer
Kirito	Boy	Warrior; Knight
Kisa	Unisex	Kitty; Little cat
Kishi	Boy	Hardness; His gravity
Kita	Girl	North

Kitai	Unisex	Hopeful, determined, strong
Kitiara	Girl	Blade from the north
Kiwa	Girl	She is born on the borderline
Kiyara	Girl	Pure; Clear like a crystal
Kiyo	Unisex	Purity or pure
Kiyoko	Girl	Holy Child
Kiyomi	Girl	Pure, beautiful, pure beauty
Kiyori	Unisex	Pure beauty
Kiyoshi	Boy	Pure
Ko	Boy	To plough or to cultivate

Koe	Unisex	Voice; Sound
Koemi	Unisex	Journey of beauty and love
Koge	Girl	Scented flower
Kohaku	unisex	Amber
Kohana	Boy	Swift
Koharu	Girl	Late summer
Kohei	Boy	Abundant light
Koichi	Boy	Happiness ; One
Koji	Boy	To light the way
Kojii	Boy	Abundance and two

Kojiro	Boy	Little second son
Koki	Unisex	Time of joy; Happiness
Koko	Girl	Night; Black foot
Kokoro	Girl	Heart; Mind
Konan	Unisex	Strong-willed and determined
Koneko	Unisex	Kitten; Baby cat
Kosuke	Unisex	Kosuke means The Rising Sun
Kota	Boy	River bank
Kotaro	Boy	Large, first-born son
Koto	Boy	Koto means Pure

Kotone	Unisex	Sound of the koto
Kotori	Unisex	Little bird
Kouichi	Boy	The name means Happiness, One
Kouki	Boy	Light; Hope
Kousuke	Boy	Kousuke means Clear and Inlet
Kouta	Boy	Peaceful; Harmony
Koya	Boy	A clever and quick witted leader
Kozue	Girl	Kozue means Chinesee Black Pine, a Tree
Krillin	Unisex	Short, Strong, Courageous
Kubo	Boy	Longevity or eternal life

Kujo	Unisex	Wednesday born
Kuma	unisex	Bear
Kumi	Girl	Kumi means Forever Beautiful
Kumiko	Girl	Kumiko means Companion Child
Kuniko	Boy	The Child from the Country is the meaning of the name
Kura	Girl	The name means Treasure House
Kuraim	Boy	The meaning of the name is Dark nad Gloomy
Kurapati	Boy	Kurapati means A House of Treasures
Kurenai	Girl	Crimson; Deep red
Kuri	Girl	Kuri means Chestnut

« 1 … 3 4 5 6 7 … 12 »

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)

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.