1592 Japanese Baby Names From The Land Of Rising Sun

A perfect blend of traditional and modern names, from Aki to Yuna!

Written by Nisha Bharatan, B.Tech Specialty: Kids Fun and Developmental ActivitiesExperience: 6 years

Nisha Bharatan is a writer with six years of experience. After completing her engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, she did content marketing courses to complement her interest in writing. Nisha discovered her passion for writing in 2016 when she started documenting her journey into motherhood.

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Edited by Rebecca Malachi, BSc Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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Fact-checked by Trisha Chakraborty, MA, BEd Specialty: Child development & educationExperience: 5 years

Trisha worked as a schoolteacher for three years before taking up professional writing in 2021. She completed her masters in English from the University of Calcutta and bachelors in Education from the University of Burdwan.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

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
Naomi	Girl	Pleasantness; Beautiful; Straight; Direct
Amaya	Girl	Heavenly valley; Elevated place; Mother capital; Night rain; End
Kairo	Boy	Victorious; Attractive; Summer color
Kiara	Girl	Dark; Bright; Shining; Peaceful; A lady with dusk hair; First ray of the sun
Romeo	Boy	From Rome; Roman; Bright; Clear
Raiden	Boy	Thunder; Lightning; God spirit
Kira	Girl	Throne; Lord; Young; Humiliator of the enemy; Sunbeam; Ray of light; Sparkling
Kason	Boy	An enclosure for calves; Calf town; Fruit; Village; Mist
Ronin	Boy	Little seal; Masterless samurai; Anaconda
Maren	Girl	Of the sea; Star of the sea; True love; Ocean loving

Kobe	Boy	Holder of the heel; May God protect; City of Kobe; Tortoise
Asa	Boy	Physician; Healer; Goddess; Morning; Child of light
Kannon	Boy	Church official; Esteemed; Free; Cane; One who observes sounds
Reina	Girl	Queen; Clean; Pure; Wise
Rayden	Boy	Ray of light; Advice; Counselor; Wise protector; Little fire; Thunder
Remi	Boy	Oarsman; Rower; Lord consoles in me; Heaven; Sky
Aya	Girl	Design; Colorful; Miracle; Verse; Sword
Hana	Girl	Hope, Flower, Bliss, Number one, craft, Shine, Moon
Kase	Boy	Descendant of Cathassach; Vigilant; Cheese; Dwarf; Torrent
Kenji	Boy	Second son; Strong; Healthy

Kimora	Girl	Tree; Wood; Town; Village; Golden meadow; From the meadow
Koda	Boy	Allies; Companion; Rice paddy of happiness
Kaya	Girl	My elder sister; Rock; Resting place; Restoration; Perfume; Reward
Kaiya	Girl	Forgiveness; Yew tree; Pure; Elegant
Kiera	Girl	Little dark one; Dark-headed; Dusky; Black
Akira	Girl	Sun; Bright; Clear
Nori	Girl	Rites; Ceremony; Seaweed; Ocean moss
Nikko	Boy	Victorious people; People's victory; Daylight
Kaisen	Unisex	Continuous improvement
Ayana	Girl	Beautiful flower; Color; Design; Spring water; Delicate

Eren	Boy	Saint; Holy person; Affection
Yuna	Girl	Gentleness; Friendliness; Excellence
Miya	Girl	A beautiful temple; Shrine; Palace; Beauty; Fruit; To watch; To care for; Night; Wished for child
Kenya	Girl	Mountain of white; The one having stripes; Animal horn; Wise; Intelligent
Rubi	Girl	Ruby; Red stone; Lapis lazuli
Kaizen	Unisex	Continuous improvement
Shia	Boy	Gift of God; Followers; Sect; Moon; Happiness
Emi	Girl	Favour; Benefit; Picture; Painting; Beautiful
Irie	Girl	Cool; Nice; Peace; Harmony; Get in favor; Inlet
Kiyomi	Girl	Pure; Clear; Clean

Mari	Girl	Donation; Mother; Genuine; Village; Reason; Logi
Aizen	Unisex	Beloved; Affectionate; Virtuous
Mika	Girl	Beautiful fragrance; Who is like God?
Sayori	Unisex	Small; Night; Village
Orin	Boy	Fair; Pine tree; Lights
Amya	Girl	Night rain; Beloved; The end; Pleasant place; Trusted by God
Jiraiya	Girl	Young thunder
Sahana	Girl	Endurance; Patience; To bloom
Rami	Boy	Shooter; To be ambitious; Counsel; Protection; To come; Sheep; Night; Exalted; Mercy
Ryu	Boy	Dragon; Noble; Prosperous

Tamia	Girl	Date palm; Chipmunk; Many beautiful children
Aiza	Girl	Living; Rock; Stone; Golden moon; Visitor; Seat of love; Ravine
Kaori	Girl	Fragrant weaving
Kaito	Boy	Sea; Ocean; Soar; Fly
Rumi	Girl	Fasten; Flow; Beauty
Yuri	Unisex	Earthworker; Farmer; Lily; Permanence; Village; Dawn
Akai	Unisex	Red; Affection; Sea; Clothing
Azuri	Unisex	Clear blue; Sky blue
Kota	Boy	Great peace; Friends or allies; Fort
Haya	Girl	Hurry; Come quickly; Life; Feathers universally

Sora	Girl	Sky; Conch shell; Heaven; Gravel
Kion	Boy	Ocean; Request garden
Broly	Boy	Powerful; Fierce; Unstoppable
Arin	Boy	Mountain of strength; Exalted; Ireland; Purified; Dignified
Kanon	Boy	Flower; Sound; An official of the church
Zen	Unisex	Absorption; Meditative state
Amon	Boy	The hidden one; Trustworthy; Secret; Stable; Faithful; Immortal; Come after
Ria	Girl	To flow; Ground; Love; Beloved; Crimson pear; Joyful; Sweet; Free
Katana	Girl	Sword; Single-edged sword; One-sided edge
Ken	Boy	Good health; Intelligent; Born of fire; Handsome

Manha	Girl	A direction; A path of life; Gift from Allah; Many leaves
Kemari	Unisex	Moonlight; Kickball
Jin	Boy	Gold; Compassionate
Taiden	Unisex	Strong, courageous, and noble
Mei	Girl	Beautiful; Chinese plum
Nino	Boy	Two; Benevolence; Little girl; Little boy; Child Christ; Yahweh is gracious; Fish; He will add
Tai	Unisex	Very; Extreme; Talent; Ability; Tide; Large; Calm; Abandon; Enduring
Runa	Girl	Rune; Secret lore; Moon
Akari	Girl	Red village; Bright, white jasmine
Keion	Boy	Lion; Of Zeus; The homeland; To construct; Strong; Respect

Eimy	Girl	Beloved; Well-loved; Eternal beauty
Rion	Boy	Little king; Kingly; Someone who is like a king; Water; Reason; Logic
Tidus	Boy	Sun
Kitana	Girl	Fox; Blade; Sword
Maiya	Girl	Good mother; Circle; Increasingly; Illusion
Naiomi	Girl	Pleasantness; Direct and beautiful
Raiya	Girl	Countryman; Sheep pasturing; Nationals; Flock; Gratitude; Thunder
Mai	Girl	Water; Love; Dance; Beloved
Rina	Girl	Pure; Joy; Singing; Melted; White jasmine; Village; Greens; To revive; To be reinvigorated; Daytime; Queen; Peace
Dino	Boy	A little sword; Brave bear; Camellia flower

Sakura	Girl	Cherry blossom
Emori	Unisex	Great ruler; Home ruler; Brave king
Nakai	Unisex	Quieted; Pacified; The seas; Middle pit or well; Wanderer
Kori	Boy	In a cauldron or hollow; Ice; Curly-haired; Coral
Emiko	Girl	Beautiful child; Blessed child
Kamia	Girl	Holy valley; Upper valley
Arina	Girl	Peace; From Hadria; Gold; Radiant one
Amaiah	Girl	Night rain; Cheerful; Village of Amaya
Xion	Unisex	Citadel in the center of Jerusalem; Heaven; Tide
Aiko	Girl	Little loved one; Lovable child; Child of love; Edge of a sword

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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.

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.

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)

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.

Popularity of name Akira.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
A Brief Exploration of the Development of the Japanese Writing System.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1008&context=honorscollege_anthro
Japanese Culture: Naming.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/japanese-culture/japanese-culture-naming

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.