401 Resilient Japanese Boy Names

Like most cultures, Japanese baby boy names are influenced by their history, culture, and traditions. These names often combine ancient customs, religious beliefs, and linguistic influences.

The Japanese have been influenced by Chinese culture, which spread particularly during the Tang dynasty (1). It is evident in their use of kanji characters, which were adopted from Chinese script (2). Even though Japanese names are written in kanji, they are still quite distinctive and can easily be differentiated from Chinese names. Many Japanese names for boys are derived from kanji, and the characters chosen often hold symbolic meanings related to nature, virtues, or desired attributes. Most first names in Japan have one, two, or three kanji. Four-syllable names are mostly given to the eldest sons in a family.

Religious beliefs also play a factor in the naming of boys in Japan. Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion (3), has a great influence on naming customs. Many baby boy names are associated with Shinto deities, historical characters, or natural and spiritual elements. Furthermore, Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan via Korea and China (4), also shows its influence in Japanese names. Buddhist names are frequently associated with enlightenment, virtue, or religious notions.

Names in Japanese culture also tend to reflect the parents' hopes for their children. Parents choose names that signify positive attributes or express their aspirations for the child's future success. Positive traits and goals are embodied by names such as Haruki, meaning spring and radiance, and Hiroshi, meaning generous and kind. Some Japanese first names, such as Mayumi, Kaneko, Masuko, and Arata, can also be used as surnames.

Western names have gained popularity in Japan but traditional Japanese names remain highly valued, showcasing Japan's unique naming tradition.

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Browse Baby Names By Gender

Browse Baby Names By Alphabet

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Name Gender Meaning
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Kairo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Victorious; Attractive; Summer color
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Romeo
Baby Boy Sign Boy From Rome; Roman; Bright; Clear
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Raiden
Baby Boy Sign Boy Thunder; Lightning; God spirit
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Kason
Baby Boy Sign Boy An enclosure for calves; Calf town; Fruit; Village; Mist
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Ronin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Little seal; Masterless samurai; Anaconda
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Rayden
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ray of light; Advice; Counselor; Wise protector; Little fire; Thunder
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Remi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Oarsman; Rower; Lord consoles in me; Heaven; Sky
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Kenji
Baby Boy Sign Boy Second son; Strong; Healthy
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Nikko
Baby Boy Sign Boy Victorious people; People's victory; Daylight
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Kaisen
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Continuous improvement
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Eren
Baby Boy Sign Boy Saint; Holy person; Affection
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Kaizen
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Continuous improvement
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Ryu
Baby Boy Sign Boy Dragon; Noble; Prosperous
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Kaito
Baby Boy Sign Boy Sea; Ocean; Soar; Fly
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Kota
Baby Boy Sign Boy Great peace; Friends or allies; Fort
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Kion
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ocean; Request garden
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Broly
Baby Boy Sign Boy Powerful; Fierce; Unstoppable
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Amon
Baby Boy Sign Boy The hidden one; Trustworthy; Secret; Stable; Faithful; Immortal; Come after
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Ken
Baby Boy Sign Boy Good health; Intelligent; Born of fire; Handsome
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Kemari
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Moonlight; Kickball
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Jin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Gold; Compassionate
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Keion
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lion; Of Zeus; The homeland; To construct; Strong; Respect
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Kori
Baby Boy Sign Boy In a cauldron or hollow; Ice; Curly-haired; Coral
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Jiren
Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong and formidable
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Kato
Baby Boy Sign Boy Who knows it all; Second of twins; Wise; Increasing wisteria; East of the river
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Rui
Baby Boy Sign Boy Famous ruler; Fortress; Kind; Sympathy; Flow
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Chosen
Baby Boy Sign Boy Selected; Joseon
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Akio
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bright man; Luminous hero
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Kage
Baby Boy Sign Boy Shadow; Enclosed space
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Gohan
Baby Girl Sign Girl Cooked rice
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Kirin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Praiser; Poet; Light beam; One who praises; Sacred creature representing beauty, grace, and knowledge
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Tomi
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Twin; Wealth; Abundance; Capital; Beautiful
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Kanai
Baby Boy Sign Boy Warrior; Gold; Metal; Money; Fanatic
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Asaya
Baby Boy Sign Boy Created by God; God has created
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Nery
Baby Boy Sign Boy Candle; Advice; Army; Love; Oath
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Takai
Baby Boy Sign Boy High well
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Koji
Baby Boy Sign Boy Prosperous; Happiness; Fortune
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Kaio
Baby Boy Sign Boy Cheerful; Comfortable; World; Boundary; Open; Ravine; Gorge; Man; Hero; Lively
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Riku
Baby Boy Sign Boy Powerful ruler; Mighty king; Land
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Haruki
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bright clear weather; Spring child
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Meiko
Baby Boy Sign Boy Sprout child; Bright child; Bud child
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Killua
Baby Boy Sign Boy Resolute; Lethal
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Rai
Baby Boy Sign Boy Trust; Lightning; Thunder; King
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Ryot
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Cool; Clear; Good; Thick; Great
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Hanzo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Half; To hide; Yahweh is gracious
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Jiro
Baby Boy Sign Boy Second son; Next son; Next melodious
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Raydon
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who was born to counsel; Sunshine; Protecting hands; Thunder
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Yago
Baby Boy Sign Boy Supplanter; Holder of the heel; May God protect; Universally
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Takeo
Baby Boy Sign Boy Military man; Husband; Hero; Manly; Healthy
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Kento
Baby Boy Sign Boy A person who is strong and healthy; Happiness; Rising up
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Tadashi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Right; Correct; True; Good; Virtuous; Loyalty; Devotion
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Tae
Baby Boy Sign Boy Great; Exalted; Superior; Glory; Peaceful; Good; Very; Extreme; Many crystals
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Yuto
Baby Boy Sign Boy Permanence; Excellence; Superiority; Gentleness; Soar; Fly
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Hideki
Baby Boy Sign Boy Excellence; Esteem; Excellent; Timber trees
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Hiroshi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Generous; Tolerant
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Hiroaki
Baby Boy Sign Boy Spreading brightness; Radiance and Gloriousness
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Kiyoshi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Pure
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Eri
Baby Boy Sign Boy My guardian; Blessing; Beautiful; Love; Good; Clean
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Goku
Baby Boy Sign Boy Awakened to emptiness
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Tanjiro
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex High-valued second son
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Kaisan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Wise; Mountain opener
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Sasuke
Baby Boy Sign Boy A helper; Assistant; Shellfish; Concern oneself with
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Amara
Baby Boy Sign Boy Immortal being; Blessed with eternal life; Grace and gracious; Sky and to smile; Heaven and virtuous; Bitter
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Bento
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Blessed; Blessing; Convenience
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Daken
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bastard dog; Mongrel
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Haruto
Baby Boy Sign Boy Light; Sunny person; Distant; Remote; Clear weather
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Itachi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Weasel
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Kenshin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Humble; Modest; Trust; Believe
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Machi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ten thousand; Hemp; Wisdom; Pure; City; Man battle
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Sou
Baby Boy Sign Boy Adore; Bright; Sincere; The sound of the wind
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Sho
Baby Boy Sign Boy Soar; Prize
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Sota
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Sudden; Sound of the wind; Thick; Big; Great
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Kena
Baby Boy Sign Boy Handsome; Respect
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Sanji
Baby Boy Sign Boy Three; Character; Three o'clock; Praise
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Tomoki
Baby Boy Sign Boy Friend; Hope
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Ason
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Aythe's son; Noble title
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Enso
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Circle; Circular form
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Kiko
Baby Boy Sign Boy Home ruler; Frenchman; Hopeful child; Rare child
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Kaien
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Ocean; Sea; Inferno
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Minas
Baby Boy Sign Boy The moon; Will helmet; Sensitivity; Bright; Established one
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Raidon
Baby Boy Sign Boy Thunder; Lightning; Protector's counsel
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Kazuya
Baby Boy Sign Boy The calm and peaceful one
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Jubei
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Ten; Heap up; Pile
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Tan
Baby Boy Sign Boy New; Flat; Smooth; Morning; Dawn; Pale; Deep pool; Lake; Quiet; Tranquil; Resist; Withstand
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Yusei
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Planetary; Help; Save; Righteous friend
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Tatsuya
Baby Boy Sign Boy Achieve
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Zeldris
Baby Boy Sign Boy Invented name
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Dai
Baby Boy Sign Boy Beloved or uncle; Great; Demand; Divine; Goddesslike
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Daiden
Baby Boy Sign Boy Big group
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Daichi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Great land; Great wisdom; First son
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Enan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Keen-eyed; River
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Eiren
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Brightness; Clarity; Sparkle; Refine
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Eito
Baby Boy Sign Boy A very prosperous person; they are kind hearted
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Eizen
Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Glory; Prosperity; Eternity; Wisdom; Goodness; Virtue; Whole; Complete
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Hiroto
Baby Boy Sign Boy Person; Soar; Esteem; Command; Great; Big
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Issei
Baby Boy Sign Boy One; Clear; Star
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Kazuma
Baby Boy Sign Boy Peace; Harmony; Real, genuine
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Keisuke
Baby Boy Sign Boy A person with a kind and supportive demeanor
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Yoshihiro
Baby Boy Sign Boy Common good
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Nabi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Prophet; Beautiful; Butterfly; Apple tree
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Picking a Japanese boy name is a great way to experience the country’s beauty and connect to its heritage and linguistic richness. The above names offer a deep view of the tradition and culture of the Japanese community and can fit into modern preferences while upholding traditional values. You can select a name that signifies power or gentler ones that reflect sweet virtues. Whatever your choice may be, this carefully curated list offers pleasant and one-of-a-kind options that carry timeless appeal.

Infographic: Wonderful Japanese Boy Names You Will Love

Japanese names have a unique melodic feel and are usually written in Kanji script. They reflect the rich ancient Japanese culture. Different Kanji characters combine to make one-of-a-kind names. If you're fascinated with Japanese names, this infographic will help you uncover some of the top names for your boy.

lovely japanese names for your boy (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Japanese boy names mean brilliant and future?

Ayahiko, Koushi, and Ayahito are a few Japanese names meaning 'brilliant.' On the other hand, Asuma, Milay, Mirai, Miran, Mirato, and Sakito represent the 'future.' Although these names share specific meanings, other Kanji combinations can also form them, and their meaning can change.

2. Which Japanese baby boy names mean warrior or dragon?

Aohei, Ayuto, Fumiji, Hayaji, Hideshi, Takao, and Riamu are among several names that mean 'warrior' and are associated with qualities like strength, power, and bravery. Ryū, Ryūji, Ryūnosuke, Hakuryū, Ryohei, and Tatsugo, on the other hand, mean 'dragon.' However, it is vital to note that Japanese names can have different interpretations depending on the kanji characters used to write them.

3. What are some Japanese baby boy names with a historical significance or connection?

Yoshimitsu (the name of a 14th-century shogun named Ashikaga Yoshimitsu), Nobunaga (an influential Japanese figure known as ‘The Great Unifier’), Yukimura (the name of a samurai of the Sengoku period), and Ryōma (the name of a samurai who was instrumental in the establishment of the Empire of Japan in the late Edo period) are some names with prominent historical significance.

4. What are some Japanese baby boy names with powerful meanings?

Tsuyoshi (hard, rigid, or strong), Takeshi (strong, healthy), Kenta (healthy, strong, big, or great), and Riki (power, strength) are a few Japanese boy names that carry meanings associated with strength and vitality.

5. What Japanese baby boy names have a positive or uplifting meaning?

Haruki, from the combination of kanji characters 'haru' (光) and "ki" (輝), means 'light' or 'brightness.' On the other hand, Yuuki, from the Kanji character yū' (優), translates to 'excellence,' 'superiority,' and 'hope. Akira, meaning 'bright and clear,' and Hiroshi, meaning 'tolerant' or 'generous,' are Japanese boy names that exude positivity, hope, and exuberance.

6. What are some Japanese baby boy names that are related to sports or athletics?

Takumi (skilled, artisan), Masashi (elegant, will, purpose), and Daichi (big, great, wisdom) are some Japanese boy names with characters that exemplify the factors required to become a successful sportsperson, such as skill, grace, and ambition. Some famous Japanese sportsmen bearing these names include Takumi Obara, a Japanese athlete who competed in the first Olympic triathlon at the 2000 Summer Olympics. Masashi Ebinuma is a Japanese judoka who won a bronze medal in the 2012 Summer Olympics.

7. What are some Japanese baby boy names inspired by nature?

Daichi (great land), Haruki (clear weather, brightness), Aren (mountain), Gaku (mountain), and Akai (ocean) are some Japanese baby boy names associated with nature's beauty and tranquility.

8. Which Japanese baby boy names mean intelligence or wisdom?

Akitoshi symbolizes clarity and wisdom, whereas Daichirō represents intelligence. Jouken means constancy and intelligence, and Kenki refers to intellect. Like these, several other Japanese boy names that translate to wisdom and intellect include Satoshi and Kenzō.

9. What are some Japanese baby boy names that are easy to pronounce and spell?

Hiro, Ken, Kota, Shin, and Yuki are short and sweet Japanese names with straightforward pronunciation and spelling. These names are common in Japan and convenient for non-Japanese speakers to pronounce and remember.

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. The Japanese Missions to Tang China
    7th-9th Centuries
  2. Explore Japan Language
    https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/explore/language/index.html
  3. Japanese Religions
    https://spice.fsi.stanford.edu/docs/japanese_religions
  4. Buddhism in Ancient Japan
    https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1080/buddhism-in-ancient-japan/

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Praggya Joshi
Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

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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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