Shinto Baby Names With Meanings

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Picking a Shinto baby name has never been so easy. Our baby name tool offers a comprehensive collection of Shinto baby names with meanings. Shinto is one of the most followed religious convictions in Japan. It isn’t a religion per se. Its spirituality is based on the Japanese idea of ‘kami,’ which means a divine spirit (1). The followers of Shintoism do not have any holy scriptures in the truest sense, but they do follow Japanese classics like Kojiki and Nihongi. Shinto and Buddhism are very similar to each other. Both address the worldview questions, and both aim to attain salvation. In fact, Shinto did not have a name until Buddhism was introduced in Japan. On the 31st day of the birth of baby boys and the 32nd day of the birth of baby girls, the parents and the grandparents of the child visit a Shinto shrine for the baby naming ceremony. The priest, in between all the prayers, announces the baby’s name. The parents then carry the baby in their arms and bow to the altar. Spirituality, nature, ancestral figures, and cultural heritage inspire the Shinto baby names. These names are usually traditional and represent the connection with Japanese and Buddhist traditions and heritage, which makes them significant and unique. For example, the name Hagrama, which stands for ‘dense forest,’ here the name signifies the importance of living in harmony with nature and highlights qualities like serenity and purity. The name Sora, which means ‘sky’ or ‘heaven,’ symbolizes divine strength and vastness, which are believed to be important concepts in Shinto beliefs. Another name Chouko, which means ‘butterfly child,’ evokes the image of beautiful nature marvels, which connects to the cycle of life celebrated in Shintoism. With such amazing connections and deep-rooted meanings, these Shinto baby names look like a good fit for any baby. Below, we have listed the most common and popular Shinto names for you to select from. Take a look and pick a favorite.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Taiga	Boy	Big; Bud; Gracious
Taiki	Boy	Big, great tree; Full of brightness
Taira	Boy	Noble, warrior
Taiyo	Unisex	Sun, sunlight, radiant
Taji	Boy	The yellow and silver color
Tajiri	Unisex	Rich; Wealthy
Taka	Girl	Tall; Honorable peregrine
Takahiro	Boy	Abundantly respectful and loving
Takai	Boy	The next world
Takako	Girl	Child who is an aristocrat

Takara	Girl	Beloved jewel; Treasure
Takarra	Girl	Precious item; Precious one
Takashi	Boy	Prosperous; Noble
Takato	Boy	Precious measure of exaltation
Takaya	Boy	One who has much respect for someone
Takeo	Boy	Warrior; One who fights for his kingdom
Takeru	Unisex	Strong and courageous warrior
Takeshi	Boy	Warrior or strong and masculine
Taki	Girl	Plunging waterfall
Takota	Unisex	The Ally; Friend to everyone

Taku	Boy	Young; Living just for a little time yet
Takuma	Boy	An open truth
Takumi	Unisex	Skillful craftsman
Tamaki	Boy	A boy who is a true gem
Tamami	Girl	A woman who is a beautiful gem or jewel
Tamashini	Unisex	A soul; One who is very soulful
Tamiko	Girl	A child of great beauty
Tamiqua	Girl	People
Tamura	Girl	Japanese name meaning rice village
Tanaka	Unisex	We have become beautiful; Good

Taney	Girl	Japanese name meaning valley
Tanjiro	Unisex	Persistent and strong-minded leader
Taree	Girl	A branch that is bending
Taro	Boy	Great son
Tarou	Boy	A big son
Tatsuki	Unisex	Strong, courageous, talented
Tatsuo	Girl	A female dragon
Tatsuya	Boy	Sign of the dragon
Taura	Girl	Many lakes; Rivers
Teijo	Boy	A righteous Boy

Temari	Unisex	Hand ball, wind like
Tenten	Unisex	Heaven; Sky
Tetsuo	Boy	Iron man; Strong as iron
Tetsuya	Boy	An intelligent philosopher
Tojo	Unisex	Strong and determined
Tomiko	Girl	Child treasured by many
Tomoki	Boy	Diligent and bright
Toro	Unisex	Bull
Toshiba	Unisex	East Shibaura
Totoro	Unisex	Troll

Touka	Unisex	Wisteria flower
Touya	Unisex	Peach tree valley
Towa	Unisex	Luck, harmony, eternity
Tsubaki	Unisex	Camellia flower or beautiful flower
Tsukasa	Unisex	Light, purity, harmony
Tsukiko	Girl	Moon child
Tsuyu	Unisex	Dew; Rainy season
Tyden	Unisex	Fortunate; Ambitious; Charismatic
Umeko	Girl	Plum blossom child
Usagi	Unisex	Rabbit

Xinyue	Girl	New moon; Bright and beautiful moon
Yahiko	Boy	Strong and honest child
Yana	Unisex	God is gracious
Yasuke	Unisex	Warrior or Beyond expectation
Yato	Boy	Night person; Night approach
Yemaya	Unisex	Goddess of the ocean
Yoimiya	Unisex	Fire goddess; Sacred fire
Yoko	Girl	Bright child or woman
Yomi	Unisex	Underworld; Land of the dead
Yomii	Unisex	Unique; Energetic; Adventurous

Yori	Unisex	Dependable, loyal
Yoshiko	girl	Child of happiness; Good child
Yugi	Unisex	Game; Playful one
Yui	Unisex	Binding, gentle, delicate
Yuichi	Boy	First son
Yuina	Unisex	Peaceful, graceful, gentle
Yuji	Boy	Heroic; Courageous
Yukari	Unisex	To go far; Abundant
Yuki	Unisex	Wintery, snow, happiness
Yukiko	Girl	Snow child

Yukina	Girl	Snowy or gentle snow
Yukino	Unisex	Snowy
Yukio	Unisex	Snow boy
Yuko	Unisex	Elegant and gentle
Yuma	Unisex	Desert town or son of the chief (Japanese)
Yume	Unisex	Dream, vision, imagination
Yumeko	Unisex	Brave; Courageous
Yumiko	Girl	Beautiful child
Yuno	Girl	Life-giving, fortunate
Yurika	Girl	Beautiful reason

Yuriko	Girl	Child of Lily
Yusuke	Unisex	Strong, courageous, warrior
Yuto	Boy	Gentle; Kind
Yuuki	Unisex	Courageous happiness
Yuzu	Unisex	Citrus fruit
Yuzuki	Unisex	Moon, snow, gentle

« 1 2 3 4

Shinto baby names are straightforward and elegant choices inspired by the Shinto religion. These names are unique and have significant meanings and interesting concepts that pique curiosity. They are often derived from many essential aspects of the faith, like the elements of nature, spirituality, and deities. If you are a parent interested in the Shinto culture and beliefs, then choosing these names would be a great way to appreciate the culture and its values and traditions. Whether you choose these names for their uniqueness or meanings, they will leave a good impression on your little one.

Infographic: Mesmerizing Shinto Baby Names

Shinto baby names are attractive, with deep meanings, as they are inspired by the indigenous Japanese religion, Shinto. These names reflect cultural and spiritual values and strongly emphasize nature, ancestors, and spirits. If you are looking for a unique title for your adorable little one, go through this infographic and choose your favorite Shinto name.

attractive shinto baby names for your bundle of joy (infographic)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do Shinto baby names typically mean or symbolize?

Shinto baby names usually have meanings or symbols connected to nature, such as Cho, meaning ‘butterfly,’ virtue names, such as Guha, meaning ’a delightful person,’ and spiritual names, such as Hashan, denoting Lord Chandra (moon). These names show a strong respect for nature and the spiritual beliefs followed in Shintoism.

2. What is the significance of a baby’s name in Shintoism, and how does it affect their life or destiny?

In Shintoism, baby names often carry a spiritual significance which is believed to mold their destiny and identity. Since the naming ceremony is held under the guidance of a priest, the name is said to invite good energy and blessing for the baby. Moreover, with the involvement of the elderly members in the ceremony, Shinto names also strengthen the family lineage.

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.