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 Kuro heart image baby boy sign Boy The ninth son
heart image Kuromi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Mysterious; Dark; Cute
heart image Kurumi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Walnut; Black Walnut
heart image Kyari heart image baby boy sign Unisex Energetic; Charming; Unique
heart image Kyo heart image baby boy sign Unisex Village; Unite; Apricot
heart image Kyoka heart image baby boy sign Unisex Respectful flower; Mirror flower
heart image Kyoko heart image baby boy sign Girl Mirror
heart image Kyomi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Pure, beautiful spirit
heart image Kyona heart image baby boy sign Girl Strong; Unique
heart image Kyosuke heart image baby boy sign Boy With respect
heart image Kyoto heart image baby boy sign Unisex Imperial capital
heart image Kyou heart image baby boy sign Unisex Capital city
heart image Kyoya heart image baby boy sign Boy Mirror; Respectful second son
heart image Lawliet heart image baby boy sign Boy A character in the Japanese series Death Note
heart image Laxus heart image baby boy sign Boy Energetic; Powerful; Lightning
heart image Lelouch heart image baby boy sign Boy Brilliant ruler; Charismatic leader
heart image Lenalee heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful and beautiful
heart image Liella heart image baby boy sign Unisex I have a God
heart image Lucario heart image baby boy sign Unisex Fighting aura Pokémon
heart image Luffy heart image baby boy sign Unisex Energetic, adventurous, determined
heart image Lunamaria heart image baby boy sign Girl Moon-loving; Adorer of the moon
heart image Lusamine heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beauty; Light
heart image Machiko heart image baby boy sign Girl A fortunate child
heart image Madara heart image baby boy sign Unisex Mother Earth
heart image Madoka heart image baby boy sign Unisex Circle; Roundness
heart image Maeda heart image baby boy sign Unisex Surname of Japanese origin
heart image Maeko heart image baby boy sign Girl The child of truth
heart image Maemi heart image baby boy sign Girl A truthful smile
heart image Maho heart image baby boy sign Girl One who always tells the truth; An honest person
heart image Mai heart image baby boy sign Girl Water; Love; Dance
heart image Maiki heart image baby boy sign Unisex Powerful; Brave
heart image Maiko heart image baby boy sign Girl A child that has a love for dancing
heart image Maiya heart image baby boy sign Girl Rice valley
heart image Makaira heart image baby boy sign Girl One who brings Happiness
heart image Maki heart image baby boy sign Unisex Hill
heart image Makiko heart image baby boy sign Girl A child of the one who is true
heart image Makita heart image baby boy sign Unisex Hardworking and industrious
heart image Mako heart image baby boy sign Girl A woman who is grateful and truthful
heart image Makoto heart image baby boy sign Unisex A sincere person
heart image Mameha heart image baby boy sign Girl Name of the Geaisha
heart image Mamiko heart image baby boy sign Girl She who is a daughter of the sea
heart image Mamoru heart image baby boy sign Boy To protect; Guard
heart image Mana heart image baby boy sign Unisex One who is full of spirit
heart image Manami heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful love
heart image Mao heart image baby boy sign Girl A real and genuine girl
heart image Mareo heart image baby boy sign Boy He who is rare
heart image Mari heart image baby boy sign Girl Donation; Mother; Genuine; Village
heart image Mariko heart image baby boy sign Girl Genuine; Child
heart image Marise heart image baby boy sign Boy One who is infinite; Endless
heart image Maro heart image baby boy sign Boy A Japanese name meaning myself
heart image Marri heart image baby boy sign Girl A ball; An elegant dance party
heart image Maru heart image baby boy sign Boy Round; Cloud; Honey
heart image Masa heart image baby boy sign Boy Elegant; Graceful
heart image Masae heart image baby boy sign Girl One who is blessed with elegance
heart image Masahiro heart image baby boy sign Boy Elegant, respectful, peace
heart image Masakazu heart image baby boy sign Boy First son of Masa
heart image Masaki heart image baby boy sign Girl True brightness
heart image Masako heart image baby boy sign Girl A truthful, honest child
heart image Masami heart image baby boy sign Girl To become beautiful
heart image Masao heart image baby boy sign Boy A saint
heart image Masaru heart image baby boy sign Boy Victory
heart image Masato heart image baby boy sign Boy Justice
heart image Masaya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Prosperous and joyful
heart image Masumi heart image baby boy sign Girl A woman of true purity and beauty
heart image Matsu heart image baby boy sign Boy Pine tree
heart image Mayu heart image baby boy sign Unisex Graceful, gentle, beautiful
heart image Mayuka heart image baby boy sign Girl Graceful; Gentle; Beautiful
heart image Mayuko heart image baby boy sign Girl A child of Mayu
heart image Mayumi heart image baby boy sign Girl Beautiful; Genuine; Reason
heart image Meeko heart image baby boy sign Unisex Coyote-like, mischievous
heart image Megumi heart image baby boy sign Girl Blessing or grace
heart image Mei heart image baby boy sign Girl Beautiful; Chinese plum
heart image Meruem heart image baby boy sign Boy The light that illuminates all
heart image Michi heart image baby boy sign Unisex Street; Path
heart image Michiaki heart image baby boy sign Boy Road; Path; Way; Lane; Street
heart image Michiko heart image baby boy sign Girl Child of beauty and wisdom
heart image Michio heart image baby boy sign Boy Man of beauty
heart image Michiru heart image baby boy sign Unisex To rise; To fill
heart image Midna heart image baby boy sign Girl Mysterious twilight princess
heart image Midori heart image baby boy sign Girl Green
heart image Midoriya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Green valley
heart image Mie heart image baby boy sign Girl Three way division
heart image Mieko heart image baby boy sign Girl Brightness of the light
heart image Mihana heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful flower
heart image Miho heart image baby boy sign Boy Croatian form of Michael, meaning who is like God?
heart image Mihoko heart image baby boy sign Girl Child of shielded loveliness
heart image Miiko heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful child
heart image Mika heart image baby boy sign Girl Beautiful fragrance
heart image Mikai heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong, powerful, determined
heart image Mikan heart image baby boy sign Girl Orange; Tangerine
heart image Mikasa heart image baby boy sign Girl A Japanese hill name
heart image Miki heart image baby boy sign Boy Three trees together
heart image Mikio heart image baby boy sign Unisex Multiple trees or three trees
heart image Mikiya heart image baby boy sign Unisex Beautiful, intelligent, strong
heart image Miku heart image baby boy sign Girl Beautiful; Sky; Long time
heart image Minako heart image baby boy sign Girl Beautiful child
heart image Minami heart image baby boy sign Girl The one who lived in the south region; One who is from South
heart image Minato heart image baby boy sign Boy Harbor
heart image Mine heart image baby boy sign Girl A will or desire to protect
heart image Mino heart image baby boy sign Unisex Strong; Eliable; Hardworking

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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