290 Shinto Baby Girl Names With Meanings

Shinto-baby-girl-names-with-meanings

Celebrating a new life's arrival is a happy and momentous occasion, full of good wishes, aspirations, and new opportunities. Shinto, a native faith and cultural custom of Japan, has strongly shaped traditions and values within Japanese society. Shinto baby girl names mirror the deep link between Japanese individuals, their environment, beliefs, and heritage.
Shinto, translating to 'way of the gods,' focuses on honoring kami, a divine spirit believed to inhabit the natural elements (1). This deep respect for nature forms the essence of Shinto names, inspiring a series of names that reflect the splendor and mystery of our surroundings. These names can bring to mind the outdoors, such as gentle flowers and calm scenes, or strong natural forces like water and fire.
After about a month of a girl's birth, a special event called Miyamairi is organized at a Shinto shrine. The parents and grandparents gather to thank the gods for the newborn's arrival. A Shinto priest stands between the group and the altar, followed by the recital of a special prayer, including holding and swinging the tamagushi (a form of Shinto offering). While praying, the priest mentions the baby's name, the parent’s names, where they live, and when the baby was born. After this, the parents and grandparents take turns bowing to the altar and carefully placing their tamagushi on it.
If you're drawn to the beauty and fascination of Japanese traditions like Shinto customs, you certainly will love these exquisite names from Japanese culture. As you explore the task of choosing a name for your baby girl, we offer you a wide array of Shinto names, each holding a special meaning and a hint of everlasting charm.

NameGenderMeaning
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Air
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Breath; Life; Atmosphere
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Airi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Colorful; Cheerful; Fresh
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Akatsuki
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Dawn; Daybreak
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Akemi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Bright, beautiful, dawn
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Akeno
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Bright, shining
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Akie
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Graceful, intelligent, serene
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Akino
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Autumn field
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Akita
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Breed of bear-hunting dog from the mountainous regions of northern Japan
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Akiya
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Bright; Autumn
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Akuma
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Demon; Devil
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Amane
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Peaceful, serene, tranquil
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Amaterasu
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Shining in heaven
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Anime
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Animation
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Ao
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Brightness, brilliance, blue
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Arashi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Storm; Tempest
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Asuma
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex True guardian
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Asumi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Beautiful purity; Pure beauty
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Asuna
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Light, bright, morning
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Atari
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Japanese word for success or victory
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Atsuko
Baby Girl Sign Girl Warm; Kind child
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Ayako
Baby Girl Sign Girl Reliable, gentle, peaceful
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Ayami
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Exquisite and graceful
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Ayano
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Colorful, serene, beautiful
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Ayato
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Versatile and determined
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Azumi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Safe residence; Peaceful dwelling
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Bandit
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A person who steals or robs, often as part of a group or gang
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Chidori
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A thousand birds
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Chisa
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Small; Precious
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Chiyo
Baby Girl Sign Girl Thousand generations
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Chiyoko
Baby Girl Sign Girl Child of a thousand generations
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Chizue
Baby Girl Sign Girl Long life; Endurance; Durability
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Cho
Baby Girl Sign Girl Butterfly
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Chouko
Baby Girl Sign Girl Butterfly; an insect that feeds on nectar of flowers
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Daigo
Baby Girl Sign Girl Strength, greatness, enlightenment
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Denki
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Electricity
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Dragon
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A mythical, usually large creature featuring serpentine or reptilian traits
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East
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Direction of the sunrise; Opposite of west
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Eevee
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Cute and versatile Pokémon
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Eiko
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Child of splendor
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Emiya
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Archer, Protector, Skillful
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Emperor
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Ruler, authority, powerful
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Fuka
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Breeze or fusion
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Fumi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Literature; History
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Gion
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is gracious
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Hajime
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Beginning; Start
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Haleena
Baby Girl Sign Girl Of the light
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Hanabi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Fireworks, celebration, beauty
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Haruka
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Distant or far away
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Harvest
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The process of gathering ripe crops from fields
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Hatsumi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex First beauty
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Hauba
Baby Girl Sign Girl A person's individual soul
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Hayami
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Mountain beauty
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Hibana
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Spark
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Hildeth
Baby Girl Sign Girl She who gives good battle counsel
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Hime
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Princess
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Hinode
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sunrise
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Hiromi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Exalted, broad view
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Hitachi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sunrise
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Hitomi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Pupil of the eye
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Hiyori
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Weather
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Homura
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Flame; Firelight
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Hondo
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Warrior or loyal warrior
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Honoka
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Harmony or peaceful spirit
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Howl
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Eminent; Prominent; To cry out loud
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Hylia
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Divine and sacred
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Ichigo
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strawberry or one with a cheerful spirit
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Ichika
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex First flower
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Ichiro
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex First son, first born
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Iku
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Death; To live
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Inari
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Finnish goddess of fertility and agriculture
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Inori
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Prayer or wish
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Inu
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Dog
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Iori
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Fragrant weaving; Weaving with colors
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Iro
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Peaceful
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Iroha
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Japanese alphabet, first step
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Island
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A piece of land surrounded by water
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Itsumi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Joyful; Beautiful; Peace
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Izan
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex To give; Generosity
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Izaya
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex God is my salvation
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Izen
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Word; Saying
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Izumi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Spring, fountain
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Janiett
Baby Girl Sign Girl God is gracious
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Jennet
Baby Girl Sign Girl Heaven-sent individual
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Josephin
Baby Girl Sign Girl May God give
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Joshita
Baby Girl Sign Girl Pleased
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Jubei
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The brave one
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Julep
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A sweet drink
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Kagura
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Divine entertainment; Ceremonial dance
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Kaguya
Baby Girl Sign Girl Radiant night; Shining night
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Kaho
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Flower child
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Kaido
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strength; Power; Ruler
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Kakashi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Scarecrow or scarecrow ninja
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Kameko
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Turtle child or child of the turtle
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Kamiko
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Superior child or superior beauty
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Kana
Baby Girl Sign Girl Powerful
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Kanae
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Seedling; Fruitful
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Kanako
Baby Girl Sign Girl Child of the flower
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Kaname
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Central or pivotal
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Kaomi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Beautiful truth
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Katsu
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Victory; Win
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Choosing a Shinto baby girl's name could be a graceful and meaningful decision rooted in the Shinto religion. These names hold special meanings and intriguing cultural contexts that spark interest. They often draw inspiration from nature, spirituality, and gods. If you're a parent who admires Shinto culture, opting for these names is a beautiful gesture to honor its rich heritage and customs. Whether you're attracted to their distinctiveness or significance, these names would undoubtedly bestow a positive influence upon your beloved daughter.

Infographic: Splendid Shinto Baby Girl Names

Shinto names hold strong connections to Japan's culture and spiritual customs. They carry special meanings and symbols reflecting family beliefs and hopes for their child. Capture the heart of Shinto beliefs by giving your precious child a name that will be remembered for generations. Find the ideal Shinto name for your daughter by scrolling through our infographic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How are Shinto baby girl names chosen?

In Japanese culture, an O-Sichiya or naming ceremony is held approximately seven days after the baby’s birth. Usually girl names end with the suffix ‘ko,’ written as ‘子’ signifying ‘child.’ After a name has been selected, the father would hang the Meimeisho, a kind of scroll or poster, with the baby’s name written in Japanese calligraphy (2).

2. What is the significance of naming a Shinto baby girl after a particular season?

Japanese parents may choose to name their child after a season they were born in or create a name that is inspired by the season. Season-inspired names reveal the importance of seasons in Japanese culture.

3. Is it common to use honorifics in Shinto baby girl names?

Honorifics are a part of Japanese culture and are commonly used after a person’s name. The suffix “San” is usually used after a person’s name for both men and women. It is similar to “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” and “Ms.” Sometimes the title “Sama,” a formal version of San, is used. These titles show respect, deference, humility, or a level of formality depending on the social situation (3).

4. Can a Shinto baby girl’s name be based on a deity or kami?

Yes, feminine names like Inari (meaning carrying rise), Amaterasu (meaning shining over heaven), Benzaiten (a Japanese form of Goddess Saraswati), and Sakuya (meaning bloom or blossom) are based on the different deities or kamis of Japanese culture.

5. What are some traditional Shinto baby girl names?

Names like Sora, meaning ‘sky,’ Cho, which denotes ‘butterfly,’ and Subaru, which means ‘to unite,’ are considered traditional Shinto names for girls.

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. Shinto
    https://asiasociety.org/education/shinto
  2. Kuralay Batkalova et al.; (2016); Rites of Passage in Japanese Traditional Culture.
    https://papers.iafor.org/wp-content/uploads/papers/iicj2016/IICJ2016_26954.pdf
  3. Japanese Culture.
    https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/japanese-culture/japanese-culture-naming
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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.

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