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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

Home • Baby Names

8 Shinto Baby Girl Names Starting With Letter S

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

Read full bio of Shikha Thakur

Last Updated on Aug 23, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Sayori	Unisex	Small; Night; Village
Sayana	Unisex	Lying-down; Reclining pose; Sleeping; Bed; Sofa; Couch; Clear; Bright; Clean; Vegetable; Greens; Sayan mountains; Million
Saaya	Girl	Shadow; Shade; Shelter; Protection; Sand; Second
Sayumi	Girl	Small; Play; Beautiful
Sakira	Girl	Brightness; Lustre; Brilliance; Radiance; Splendor; Thankful
Sueko	Girl	She who is the youngest child in the family
Sushi	Girl	A Japanese dish of vinegared rice and raw fish; Strength; Drying; Hole of a reed or a cane
Shizuka	Girl	Quiet; Peaceful

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