548 Japanese Unisex Names With Lovely Meanings

Let your baby blossom with a name that honors tradition, resilience, and hard work.

Written by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

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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Edited by Aneesha Amonz, MSc Specialty: Health and WellnessExperience: 2 years

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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Fact-checked by Angela Alex, MA Specialty: Baby NamesExperience: 2 years

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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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Naming customs in Japan have a rich historical, cultural, and traditional significance, with each name carrying layers of meaning and reflecting societal values.

Traditionally, Japanese names consist of kanji characters, logographic symbols borrowed from Chinese characters. These characters carry specific meanings and can be combined to form unique names. Japanese names often have profound meanings rooted in nature, seasons, virtues, or desirable qualities.

In Japan, it is common for names to be written in hiragana, which is a syllabary used in the Japanese writing system. Unlike alphabets, hiragana characters represent syllables rather than individual sounds or whole words. Additionally, for foreign names, katakana, another syllabary in Japanese, may be used. The naming convention in Japan follows the East Asian style, where the family name is placed before the given name. For instance, in the name Suzuki Hiroshi, "Suzuki" is the family name followed by "Hiroshi," the given name (1).

The names given in Japan carry immense cultural importance, serving as a reflection of a person's character and values. Each name embodies ancient Japanese beliefs, as well as artistic and creative practices like gardening, architecture, haiku poetry, and the noble traditions of the Samurai Bushido Code. Furthermore, these names often provide insights into a person's birth order, exemplified by names like 'Taro,' which signifies the status of being the first-born male.

The Enamdict dictionary, a comprehensive compilation of Japanese Proper Names, documents a vast collection of over 138,000 Japanese family names. Similar to many countries, certain family names exhibit higher concentrations in specific regions within Japan. For instance, names like Chinen (知念) and Shimabukuro (島袋) are frequently encountered in Okinawa, but their prevalence in other parts of Japan is comparatively lower (1).

Naming practices in Japan encompass a blend of historical, cultural, and traditional elements. Whether traditional or contemporary, the process of naming boys and girls in Japan remains an essential aspect of Japanese culture, reflecting values, connections, and aspirations within society.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Naomi	Girl	Pleasantness; Beautiful; Straight; Direct
Kira	Girl	Throne; Lord; Young; Humiliator of the enemy; Sunbeam; Ray of light; Sparkling
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
Kase	Boy	Descendant of Cathassach; Vigilant; Cheese; Dwarf; Torrent
Koda	Boy	Allies; Companion; Rice paddy of happiness
Kaya	Girl	My elder sister; Rock; Resting place; Restoration; Perfume; Reward
Akira	Girl	Sun; Bright; Clear

Nori	Girl	Rites; Ceremony; Seaweed; Ocean moss
Kenya	Girl	Mountain of white; The one having stripes; Animal horn; Wise; Intelligent
Shia	Boy	Gift of God; Followers; Sect; Moon; Happiness
Irie	Girl	Cool; Nice; Peace; Harmony; Get in favor; Inlet
Aizen	Unisex	Beloved; Affectionate; Virtuous
Mika	Girl	Beautiful fragrance; Who is like God?
Orin	Boy	Fair; Pine tree; Lights
Jiraiya	Girl	Young thunder
Rami	Boy	Shooter; To be ambitious; Counsel; Protection; To come; Sheep; Night; Exalted; Mercy
Yuri	Unisex	Earthworker; Farmer; Lily; Permanence; Village; Dawn

Akai	Unisex	Red; Affection; Sea; Clothing
Azuri	Unisex	Clear blue; Sky blue
Sora	Girl	Sky; Conch shell; Heaven; Gravel
Arin	Boy	Mountain of strength; Exalted; Ireland; Purified; Dignified
Kanon	Boy	Flower; Sound; An official of the church
Zen	Unisex	Absorption; Meditative state
Taiden	Unisex	Strong, courageous, and noble
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
Rion	Boy	Little king; Kingly; Someone who is like a king; Water; Reason; Logic

Tidus	Boy	Sun
Raiya	Girl	Countryman; Sheep pasturing; Nationals; Flock; Gratitude; Thunder
Dino	Boy	A little sword; Brave bear; Camellia flower
Emori	Unisex	Great ruler; Home ruler; Brave king
Nakai	Unisex	Quieted; Pacified; The seas; Middle pit or well; Wanderer
Xion	Unisex	Citadel in the center of Jerusalem; Heaven; Tide
Kami	Boy	Lord; Loving; Divine; A youth employed in religious services; God
Jun	Boy	Pure; Clean; Truth; Talented; Handsome; Ruler; King
Emari	Unisex	Favor; Benefit; Flax; Village; Industrious; Eternal
Kasai	Unisex	Fire; Flame

Mikai	Unisex	Beautiful sea; Who is like God?
Kaidan	Boy	Companion; Friend; Warrior
Reno	Boy	King of light; Dark-skinned; Reborn
Hinata	Boy	Sunny place; Towards the sun
Imari	Unisex	Garment; Hemp; To live long; Faith
Ky	Boy	Strait; Boomerang; Fire
Mirai	Girl	The future; The time that is yet to come; Wait; Beauty; Thunder
Mekai	Unisex	The well on the other side
Lamari	Unisex	Sweet profit
Nari	Unisex	Woman; Narrow; Lily; Thunder; From Nazareth

Muna	Unisex	Desire; Wish; Spring; First; Vision; Bud
Hayze	Unisex	Hedged enclosure; Wind; Fire
Rei	Girl	Beautiful; Lovely; Bell; The tinkling of jade
Takari	Unisex	High; Profit; Benefit; Advantage; Tall; Advantage
Mase	Unisex	Between; Rapids; Current; Genuine
Tayo	Boy	Worth joy; Much or many; World
Arath	Unisex	Meaning; New; Fresh
Kona	Boy	Leeward; Small name; Small offering; Peak; Woman;Wife
Yuma	Unisex	Permanence; Excellent; Genuineness
Yuki	Unisex	Happiness; Snow; Valuable; Chronicle

Awa	Girl	To live; To breathe; River; Mercy; Millet
Taiga	Boy	A large river; Tiger
Camry	Unisex	Crown; Crooked nose
Kamori	Unisex	To add, forest; Excellent
Riona	Girl	Queen; Pure; Plum; Cherry blossom; Apple tree; Little king; Reason; Garden; Park; Sound; Logic
Kitai	Unisex	Hope; North; Train; Obtain; Recover; Find
Ryo	Boy	Cool; Refreshing; Distant reality; Dragon
Enna	Girl	Bird; Light; Pasture; Greens; Kindness; Elegance
Kien	Unisex	Hollyhock garden
Inari	Unisex	Carrying rice

Sola	Girl	To err; To go astray; Sky; Sun
Makaya	Unisex	Eagle hunter; God's gift; Truthful
Haru	Boy	Spring season; Sunlight; Joy
Kaneki	Boy	Money tree; God is gracious
Kana	Girl	Powerful; Incense; Excellent; Green
Saiyan	Unisex	Swallow; Jewel; Friend; Lover; Companion; Vegetable
Yoshi	Boy	Good luck; Good; Virtuous; Respectable
Zo	Unisex	Spiritual leader; Storehouse; Warehouse
Kiren	Unisex	Black; Wish; Hope; Rare; Brightness; Expensive; Orchid; Arisen
Bibi	Girl	The exalted one; Help; Bean; Wife; Voyager; Hostess; Day; Rain

Hikari	Girl	Light
Seiji	Unisex	Pure; Truthful; Sincere; Clear; Clean
Taiyo	Unisex	Sun; Strong sunlight; Ocean
Asai	Unisex	Shallow well
Norie	Unisex	Radiant; Brilliant; Good; Law; Code
Ama	Girl	Child born on Saturday; Heaven; Beloved; Vigorous; Sky; God of fertility and rain; Wet nurse; Grandmother; Dark one
Ami	Boy	Trustworthy; Reliable; Beloved; Second and beautiful; My people; My nation; Flatter and honey; Hunt; Lovable
Khye	Unisex	God; Foolish boy; Moon; Ocean
Raeden	Boy	Thunder God; Lightning; Beam of light; Protection
Shi	Boy	Time; Era; Season; Real; Stone; History; Tranquil

Yue	Girl	Moon; Blessing; Pearl; Tall mountain; Fertile
Kimi	Girl	Righteous; Secret; Raised by Yahweh; Lord; Prince
Kida	Unisex	Rice paddy near a tree
Himawari	Unisex	Sunflower
Kimari	Unisex	Unrestricted; Settlement
Katori	Boy	Beautiful jasmine girl
Meeko	Unisex	Little mischief; Blessing; Bud; Child
Orie	Boy	Cherry Blossom; To Pray; Golden City
Daran	Boy	Orchid; Achieve; Great; Oaktree; Arrive at; Intelligent
Raye	Girl	Ray of light; Advice; Counselor; Wise protector; Ewe; Beautiful

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Discover this diverse, exquisite, and thoughtfully curated list of Japanese unisex baby names with meanings, each carrying immaculate cultural significance. These names serve as timeless expressions of the country’s undying spirit and emphasize the connection between all genders. In an evolving world embracing flexibility and individuality, these unisex names allow parents to give their children a unique yet inclusive identity. We hope that this collection acts as a helpful guide for you to make an informed choice for your little one.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any Japanese unisex names related to history?

Names like Akira, meaning ‘light,’ ‘bright,’ or ‘clear,’ is a unisex name, and it is associated with one of Japan’s renowned filmmakers Akira Kurosawa. Katsumi is another unisex Japanese name that means ‘overcome,’ ‘victory,’ or ‘beautiful.’ It can be associated with Katsumi Nomizu, a Japanese-American mathematician famous for his work in differential geometry.

2. How does using Japanese unisex names set children apart from their peers?

Japanese unisex names can set apart your child from their peers because generally, Japanese names have certain suffixes attached to them at the end of the name, like ‘ro,’ ‘ta,’ or ‘ichi,’ are associated with male names, whereas suffixes like ‘ko,’ ‘mi,’ or ‘ka,’ are commonly seen with female names.

3. Are there any special rules or guidelines for choosing Japanese Baby Unisex Names?

Japanese unisex names most likely follow the same rules and guidelines when picking a name for a baby. The arrangement of the name would be a family name followed by the given name. The family name is usually patrilineal and comes before the given name. The given name is chosen at birth and is generally written in the kanji script. However, there are certain cases where names can be written using the phonetic syllabary of hiragana or katakana. It is more common for women to write their names in the hiragana syllabary than men. Japanese names tend not to include any middle names. It is also essential to consider the meaning of the name so that the family accepts it. Pronunciation is another important aspect, as well as spellings since Japanese names can have multiple spellings to their names (1).

Infographic: Japanese Unisex Baby Names For Modern Parents

Japanese names usually take inspiration from nature, virtues, different seasons, and the desirable qualities in people. The Kanji characters are of profound significance in Japanese names and can be combined in different sequences to give rise to unique names. Discover the beauty of Japanese unisex baby names with the help of this enchanting and informative infographic. Breaking free from the traditional gender naming patterns, these unisex names provide interesting options to parents.

exploring the beauty of japanese unisex names (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.

Understanding Japanese Names;
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/all-about-japanese-names

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.