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What is the coolest name in Japan?

Here are a few of our favorite Japanese baby names. Ai. Asahi. Chiyo. Daiki. Emiko. Hana. Hiroko. Hiroshi. More items... •

verywellfamily.com - 100 Japanese Baby Names: Meanings & Origins - Verywell Family

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You might choose a Japanese name for your baby to reflect the child's heritage or because you like the sound of the name or its meaning. For example, a name that means sun can reflect your hopes for a cheerful and spirited child, or you may choose one that means beautiful, wise, or strong. Japanese names are noted with kanji characters, which often can be read in several different ways. In addition, since there are thousands of kanji to choose from, even the same name can usually be written using many different kanji combinations (some have more than 50 combinations). The kanji character for the zodiac animal for the year may also be used in boy names, but less often for girls. There is also a trend to use only one kanji character for girls' names, especially when choosing names that are associated with a plant or nature. You might also want to check out popular Chinese baby names.

Choosing a Japanese Name for Your Baby

Here are a few of our favorite Japanese baby names.

Ai

Asahi

Chiyo

Daiki

Emiko

Hana

Hiroko

Hiroshi

Isamu

Keiko

Kenzo

Mai

Makoto

Sakura

Yuki

Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin

Popular Japanese Baby Names for Girls

When looking for a name for your baby girl, consider these that have been popular recently or throughout the past few decades.

Ai

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Love

Love Alternative Spellings & Variations: 愛 (kanji), あい (hiragana), アイ(katana)

愛 (kanji), あい (hiragana), アイ(katana) Famous Namesakes: Singer Ai Carina Uemura, poet Ai Ogawa Singer Ai Carina Uemura, poet Ai Ogawa Peak Popularity: Ai is not in the top 1,000 names in the U.S. Fun Fact: Besides love, Ai can be associated with the kanji for indigo.

Airi

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Combines words for love with the word for either white jasmine or pear Combines words for love with the word for either white jasmine or pear Alternative Spellings & Variations: 愛莉 or 愛梨 (kanji), アイリ or アイリ(hiragana), メリ or エリ(katana), Eri, Meri 愛莉 or 愛梨 (kanji), アイリ or アイリ(hiragana), メリ or エリ(katana), Eri, Meri Famous Namesakes: Actress Airi Taira Actress Airi Taira Peak Popularity: Airi, Eri, and Meri are not in the top 1,000 names in the U.S. Fun Fact: Airi was both the sixth and the 13th most common name for girls in Japan in 2013. The variation using the symbol for "ri" that means white jasmine was more popular than the variation using the symbol of "ri" meaning pear.

Akari

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Combines words for red or clear with that for either cold, profit, plum, or pear tree. Combines words for red or clear with that for either cold, profit, plum, or pear tree. Alternative Spellings & Variations: 丹凛, 明里, 明梨, 明理, 朱里, 朱莉, 亜香里, あかり丹凛, 明里, 明梨, 明理, 朱里, 朱莉, 亜香里, あかり Famous Namesakes: Actress and singer Akari Hayami Actress and singer Akari Hayami Peak Popularity: Akari has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Akemi

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Bright and beautiful

Bright and beautiful Alternative Spellings & Variations: 明美

明美 Famous Namesakes: Manga artist Akemi Takada

Manga artist Akemi Takada Peak Popularity: Akemi has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Anzu

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Apricot

Apricot Alternative Spellings & Variations: 杏 (kanji), アン (hiragana), アンズ(katana), An

杏 (kanji), アン (hiragana), アンズ(katana), An Famous Namesakes: Actress Anzu Lawson

Actress Anzu Lawson Peak Popularity: Anzu and An are not in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Aoi

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Hollyhock

Hollyhock Alternative Spellings & Variations: 葵 (kanji), あおい (hiragana), アオイ (katana)

葵 (kanji), あおい (hiragana), アオイ (katana) Famous Namesakes: Actress Aoi Yūki

Actress Aoi Yūki Peak Popularity: Aoi is not in the top 1,000 names in the U.S. Fun Fact: Besides meaning a plant, aoi can also mean a blue color, represented by different symbols.

Chiyo

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Thousand generations, thousand worlds

Thousand generations, thousand worlds Alternative Spellings & Variations: 千代, 千世

千代, 千世 Famous Namesakes: Haiku poet Fukuda Chiyo-ni, kimono designer and author Chiyo Uno Haiku poet Fukuda Chiyo-ni, kimono designer and author Chiyo Uno Peak Popularity: Chiyo has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. Fun Fact: Fukuda Chiyo-ni lived in 18th-century Japan and was the first notable woman haiku poet. Her most famous haiku is "Morning Glory."

Chiyoko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Thousand generation child

Thousand generation child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 千代子

千代子 Famous Namesakes: Television presenter and enka singer Chiyoko Shimakura

Television presenter and enka singer Chiyoko Shimakura Peak Popularity: Chiyoko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Emiko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Beautiful child

Beautiful child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 恵美子, -笑子

恵美子, -笑子 Famous Namesakes: Filmmaker Emiko Omori

Filmmaker Emiko Omori Peak Popularity: Emiko is not in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Fumiko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Child of treasured beauty, hibiscus beautiful child

Child of treasured beauty, hibiscus beautiful child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 富美子, 芙美子

富美子, 芙美子 Famous Namesakes: Writer Fumiko Enchi, politician Fumiko Hayashi

Writer Fumiko Enchi, politician Fumiko Hayashi Peak Popularity: Fumiko was in the 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. in 1919, 1920, and 1923. Fun Fact: Fumiko Hayashi was ranked 39th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes in 2006. Her roles have included being the first female mayor of Yokohama, president of BMW Tokyo, and CEO of the Daiei supermarket chain.

Hana

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Flower

Flower Alternative Spellings & Variations: 花, 陽菜 (kanji), ヒナ、ヒナタ、ハナ、ハルナ、アキナ、ヒナノ, Hina, Hinata, Haruna, Akina, Hinano 花, 陽菜 (kanji), ヒナ、ヒナタ、ハナ、ハルナ、アキナ、ヒナノ, Hina, Hinata, Haruna, Akina, Hinano Famous Namesakes: Artist Hana Usui Artist Hana Usui Peak Popularity: Hana has been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. since 1993, usually ranking around 700.

Haruka

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Distant or spring blossom, spring fragrance

Distant or spring blossom, spring fragrance Alternative Spellings & Variations: 遥, 春花, 晴香

遥, 春花, 晴香 Famous Namesakes: Actress Haruka Tomatsu

Actress Haruka Tomatsu Peak Popularity: Haruka has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Himari

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Long jasmine, or benevolent sunflower, home of light and love

Long jasmine, or benevolent sunflower, home of light and love Alternative Spellings & Variations: ひまり, 久茉莉, 仁葵, 光愛里ひまり, 久茉莉, 仁葵, 光愛里 Peak Popularity: Himari has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Hiroko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Generous child, abundant child, prosperous child

Generous child, abundant child, prosperous child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 寛子, 裕子, 浩子

寛子, 裕子, 浩子 Famous Namesakes: Politician and economist Hiroko Ota

Politician and economist Hiroko Ota Peak Popularity: Hiroko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. It was the fifth most popular name for girls in Japan in 1945.

Hisako

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Long-lived child

Long-lived child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 寿子

寿子 Famous Namesakes: Hisako, Princess Takamado, artist Hisako Hibi

Hisako, Princess Takamado, artist Hisako Hibi Peak Popularity: Hisako has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Ichika

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Best, excellent

Best, excellent Alternative Spellings & Variations: いちか, 伽, 佳

いちか, 伽, 佳 Peak Popularity: Ichika has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Kanna

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Guidance, pear

Guidance, pear Alternative Spellings & Variations: 栞奈, Kana

栞奈, Kana Famous Namesakes: Actress and singer Kanna Hashimoto

Actress and singer Kanna Hashimoto Peak Popularity: Kanna has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Kaori

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Fragrance

Fragrance Alternative Spellings & Variations: 香

香 Famous Namesakes: Olympic figure skater Kaori Sakamoto

Olympic figure skater Kaori Sakamoto Peak Popularity: Kaori has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Kazuko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Peaceful child, one child

Peaceful child, one child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 一子, 和子

一子, 和子 Famous Namesakes: Kazuko, Princess Taka (third daughter of Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun) Kazuko, Princess Taka (third daughter of Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun) Peak Popularity: Kazuko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Kei

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Blessing

Blessing Alternative Spellings & Variations: 恵

恵 Famous Namesakes: Singer Kei Yasuda

Singer Kei Yasuda Peak Popularity: Kei has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. Fun Fact: Kei was formerly mostly a male name, but it has new popularity in Japan for girl, often as a short version of Keiko.

Keiko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Lucky child, respectful child, happy child

Lucky child, respectful child, happy child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 慶子, 敬子, 啓子, 恵子慶子, 敬子, 啓子, 恵子 Famous Namesakes: Peruvian politician an former First Lady Keiko Fujimori, actress Keiko Kitagawa Peruvian politician an former First Lady Keiko Fujimori, actress Keiko Kitagawa Peak Popularity: Keiko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. Fun Fact: Keiko the orca portrayed the killer whale in the movie "Free Willy." After the movie, the orca was first given a home at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. The Free Willy-Keiko Foundation attempted to return the orca to the wild in the ocean off of Norway.

Kiyo

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Pure or holy

Pure or holy Alternative Spellings & Variations: 清, 聖

清, 聖 Peak Popularity: Kiyo has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Koharu

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Heart, spring, or late summer

Heart, spring, or late summer Alternative Spellings & Variations: 心春, 小春, コハル

心春, 小春, コハル Famous Namesakes: Actress and singer Koharu Kusumi

Actress and singer Koharu Kusumi Peak Popularity: Koharu has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Kokoro

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Heart, mind, soul

Heart, mind, soul Alternative Spellings & Variations: 心

心 Famous Namesakes: Voice actress Kokoro Kikuchi

Voice actress Kokoro Kikuchi Peak Popularity: Kokoro has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Kumiko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Forever beautiful child

Forever beautiful child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 久美子

久美子 Famous Namesakes: Actress Yuuka Yano

Actress Yuuka Yano Peak Popularity: Kumiko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. Fun Fact: "Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter" is a 2014 movie based on an urban legend of a Japanese woman who goes searching for the ransom money buried in the snow in the movie "Fargo."

Kyouko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Respectful child, today's child, apricot child, capital city child

Respectful child, today's child, apricot child, capital city child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 協子, 京子, 郷子, 杏子, Kyoko 協子, 京子, 郷子, 杏子, Kyoko Famous Namesakes: Kyoko Chan Cox (daughter of Yoko Ono and her second husband Anthony Cox) Kyoko Chan Cox (daughter of Yoko Ono and her second husband Anthony Cox) Peak Popularity: Kyouko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Mai

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Dance, linen robe, real love

Dance, linen robe, real love Alternative Spellings & Variations: 舞, 麻衣, 真愛

舞, 麻衣, 真愛 Famous Namesakes: Marathon runner Mai Ito

Marathon runner Mai Ito Peak Popularity: Mai was in the top 1,000 names in the U.S. from 1983 to 1994.

Mami

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: True beauty

True beauty Alternative Spellings & Variations: 真美, 麻美

真美, 麻美 Famous Namesakes: Singer Mami Kawada

Singer Mami Kawada Peak Popularity: Mami has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Manami

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Beautiful love

Beautiful love Alternative Spellings & Variations: 愛美

愛美 Famous Namesakes: Voice actress and singer Manami Numakura

Voice actress and singer Manami Numakura Peak Popularity: Manami has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Mayumi

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Elegant, bow or truth, reason, beauty

Elegant, bow or truth, reason, beauty Alternative Spellings & Variations: 雅弓, 真由美, まゆみ, マユミ

雅弓, 真由美, まゆみ, マユミ Famous Namesakes: Actress Mayumi Tanaka

Actress Mayumi Tanaka Peak Popularity: Mayumi has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

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Megumi

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Blessing or love

Blessing or love Alternative Spellings & Variations: 恵, 愛, めぐみ

恵, 愛, めぐみ Famous Namesakes: Voice actress Megumi Hayashibara

Voice actress Megumi Hayashibara Peak Popularity: Megumi has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Mio

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Beautiful cherry blossom, or waterway

Beautiful cherry blossom, or waterway Alternative Spellings & Variations: 美桜

美桜 Famous Namesakes: Wrestler Mio Shirai

Wrestler Mio Shirai Peak Popularity: Mio has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Mirai

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Future

Future Alternative Spellings & Variations: 未来

未来 Famous Namesakes: Figure skater Mirai Nagasu

Figure skater Mirai Nagasu Peak Popularity: Mirai has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. Fun Fact: In 2018 Mirai Nagasu became the first American figure skater to land a triple axel at the Olympics.

Misaki

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Beautiful blossom

Beautiful blossom Alternative Spellings & Variations: 美咲,ミサキ

美咲,ミサキ Famous Namesakes: Actress Misaki Ito

Actress Misaki Ito Peak Popularity: Misaki has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Mitsuki

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Beautiful moon

Beautiful moon Alternative Spellings & Variations: 美月, Mitzuki

美月, Mitzuki Famous Namesakes: Voice actress and singer Mitsuki Saiga

Voice actress and singer Mitsuki Saiga Peak Popularity: Mitsuki has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Miyoko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Beautiful generation child

Beautiful generation child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 美代子

美代子 Famous Namesakes: Artist Miyoko Ito

Artist Miyoko Ito Peak Popularity: Miyoko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Nanami

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Seven sea

Seven sea Alternative Spellings & Variations: 七海

七海 Famous Namesakes: Author Nanami Shiono

Author Nanami Shiono Peak Popularity: Nanami has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Natsuki

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Vegetables or summer and moon or hope

Vegetables or summer and moon or hope Alternative Spellings & Variations: 菜月, 夏希

菜月, 夏希 Famous Namesakes: Manga artist Natsuki Takaya

Manga artist Natsuki Takaya Peak Popularity: Natsuki has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Nozomi

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Several, including hopeful truth or hopeful heart

Several, including hopeful truth or hopeful heart Alternative Spellings & Variations: 希実, 希心

希実, 希心 Famous Namesakes: Author Nanami Shiono

Author Nanami Shiono Peak Popularity: Nozomi has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. In Japan, it was the most popular name for girls in 2017.

Rin

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Dignified

Dignified Alternative Spellings & Variations: 凜 (kanji), リン

凜 (kanji), リン Famous Namesakes: Actress Rin Takanashi, manga artist Rin Saito

Actress Rin Takanashi, manga artist Rin Saito Peak Popularity: Rin has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Sachiko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Happy child, lucky child

Happy child, lucky child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 幸子

幸子 Famous Namesakes: Sachiko, Princess Hisa (daughter of Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun) Sachiko, Princess Hisa (daughter of Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun) Peak Popularity: Sachiko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Sakura

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Cherry blossom

Cherry blossom Alternative Spellings & Variations: 桜, サクラ、ハル

桜, サクラ、ハル Famous Namesakes: Singer Sakura Miyawaki

Singer Sakura Miyawaki Peak Popularity: Sakura has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. Fun Fact: Sakura Haruno is a fictional character who became the female lead of the "Naruto" manga and anime.

Setsuko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Melody

Melody Alternative Spellings & Variations: 節子

節子 Famous Namesakes: Actress Setsuko Hara, Nuclear disarmament campaigner Setsuko Thurlow, Setsuko, Princess Chichibu (aunt of Emperor Akihito) Actress Setsuko Hara, Nuclear disarmament campaigner Setsuko Thurlow, Setsuko, Princess Chichibu (aunt of Emperor Akihito) Peak Popularity: Setsuko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. Fun Fact: Setsuko Thurlow survived the Hiroshima nuclear blast although she was only a little over a mile from the center of the explosion. She was a founding member of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons and accepted the organization's 2017 Nobel Peace Prize.

Shizuko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Quiet child

Quiet child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 静子

静子 Famous Namesakes: Actress Shizuko Hoshi, Peruvian politician Susana Shizuko Higuchi Miyagawa (former wife of Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori) Actress Shizuko Hoshi, Peruvian politician Susana Shizuko Higuchi Miyagawa (former wife of Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori) Peak Popularity: Shizuko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Tomoko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Friendly child, wise child

Friendly child, wise child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 智子, 朋子

Photographer Tomoko Sawada Peak Popularity: Tomoko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Yoshiko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Virtuous child, beautiful child, joyous child

Virtuous child, beautiful child, joyous child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 良子, 芳子, 悦子良子, 芳子, 悦子 Famous Namesakes: Textile artist Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada, spy Yoshiko Kawashima Textile artist Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada, spy Yoshiko Kawashima Peak Popularity: Yoshiko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. Fun Fact: Yoshiko Kawashima was Manchu princess known as the "Eastern Mata Hari" for her exploits of spying for the Japanese during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Youko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Sunshine child, beautiful child

Sunshine child, beautiful child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 陽子, 洋子, Yoko, Yohko

陽子, 洋子, Yoko, Yohko Famous Namesakes: Musician and artist Yoko Ono

Musician and artist Yoko Ono Peak Popularity: Youko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. Fun Fact: Japanese-American artist Yoko Ono reached worldwide celebrity in her marriage to John Lennon of the Beatles. In recent decades she is known for her promotion of human rights and peace.

Yua

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Tie and love

Tie and love Alternative Spellings & Variations: 結愛 (kanji), ユア、ユイナ、ユナ、ユメ

結愛 (kanji), ユア、ユイナ、ユナ、ユメ Famous Namesakes: Actress and singer Yua Mikami

Actress and singer Yua Mikami Peak Popularity: Yua has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Yui

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Tie and clothing

Tie and clothing Alternative Spellings & Variations: 結衣, ユイ

結衣, ユイ Famous Namesakes: Singer Yui

Singer Yui Peak Popularity: Yui has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Yuina

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Tie and vegetables or greens

Tie and vegetables or greens Alternative Spellings & Variations: 結菜 (kanji), ユナ、ユイナ、ユウナ, Yuna, Yuuna 結菜 (kanji), ユナ、ユイナ、ユウナ, Yuna, Yuuna Famous Namesakes: Manga artist Yuna Aoi, figure skater Yuna Kim Manga artist Yuna Aoi, figure skater Yuna Kim Peak Popularity: Yuina has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Yumiko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Archery bow child, cause beautiful child

Archery bow child, cause beautiful child Alternative Spellings & Variations: 弓子, 由美子

弓子, 由美子 Famous Namesakes: Professional wrestler Yumiko Hotta

Professional wrestler Yumiko Hotta Peak Popularity: Yumiko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Yuuka

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Excellent flower

Excellent flower Alternative Spellings & Variations: 優花

優花 Famous Namesakes: Actress Yuuka Yano

Actress Yuuka Yano Peak Popularity: Yuuka has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Yuuko

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Excellent flower

Excellent flower Alternative Spellings & Variations: 優花

優花 Famous Namesakes: Actress Yuuka Yano

Actress Yuuka Yano Peak Popularity: Yuuko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Yuzuki

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Grapefruit, hope

Grapefruit, hope Alternative Spellings & Variations: 結月

結月 Peak Popularity: Yuzuki has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Popular Japanese Baby Names for Boys

These names have been popular for boys in Japan both historically and in recent years.

Asahi

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Morning sun, rising sun

Morning sun, rising sun Alternative Spellings & Variations: 朝陽, アサヒ

朝陽, アサヒ Famous Namesakes: Volleyball player and politician Kentaro Asahi

Volleyball player and politician Kentaro Asahi Peak Popularity: Asahi has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. Fun Fact: Asahi is also the name of a brewing company and several other companies in Japan.

Daiki

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Large tree or shining brightly

Large tree or shining brightly Alternative Spellings & Variations: 大樹, 大輝

大樹, 大輝 Famous Namesakes: Judoka Daiki Kamikawa, fashion designer Daiki Suzuki

Judoka Daiki Kamikawa, fashion designer Daiki Suzuki Peak Popularity: Daiki has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Daiksuke

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Great help

Great help Alternative Spellings & Variations: 大輔

大輔 Famous Namesakes: Baseball player Daisuke Matsuzaka, Olympic figure skater Daisuke Takahashi

Baseball player Daisuke Matsuzaka, Olympic figure skater Daisuke Takahashi Peak Popularity: Daisuke has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Haru

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Light, spring, clear weather

Light, spring, clear weather Alternative Spellings & Variations: 陽, 春, 晴, はる

陽, 春, 晴, はる Peak Popularity: Haru has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Fun Fact: Haru is a unisex name in Japan.

Haruto

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Light, soaring

Light, soaring Alternative Spellings & Variations: 陽翔, はると

陽翔, はると Famous Namesakes: Manga artist Haruto Umezawa

Manga artist Haruto Umezawa Peak Popularity: Haruto has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Hayato

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Falcon person

Falcon person Alternative Spellings & Variations: 隼人

隼人 Famous Namesakes: Former Japanese Prime Minister Hayato Ikeda

Former Japanese Prime Minister Hayato Ikeda Peak Popularity: Hayato has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. Fun Fact: The Hayato were an ancient people in Japan who resisted being ruled by the Yamato. The samurai used their name as a title, hayato no suke.

Hinata

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Toward the sun

Toward the sun Alternative Spellings & Variations: 陽向, ヒナタ、ハルタ, Haruta

陽向, ヒナタ、ハルタ, Haruta Peak Popularity: Hinata has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. Fun Fact: Hinata is also a female name in Japan and is the name of many female characters in manga.

Hiroshi

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Generous or prosperous

Generous or prosperous Alternative Spellings & Variations: 寛, 浩, Hirosi

寛, 浩, Hirosi Famous Namesakes: Astronomer Hiroshi Abe, Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi

Astronomer Hiroshi Abe, Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi Peak Popularity: Hiroshi has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. Fun Fact: Hiroshi Yamauchi transformed Nintendo from a card game company into a video game empire. In 2008 he was regarded as Japan's wealthiest person.

Hiroto

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Great person

Great person Alternative Spellings & Variations: 大翔,ヒロト、ハルト、ヤマト、ソラ、タイガ、タイト

大翔,ヒロト、ハルト、ヤマト、ソラ、タイガ、タイト Famous Namesakes: Businessman Hiroto Sakawa (CEO of Nissan)

Businessman Hiroto Sakawa (CEO of Nissan) Peak Popularity: Hiroto has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Isamu

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Brave

Brave Alternative Spellings & Variations: 勇

勇 Famous Namesakes: Japanese admiral and diplomat Isamu Takeshita, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Isamu Akasaki, artist Isamu Noguchi Japanese admiral and diplomat Isamu Takeshita, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Isamu Akasaki, artist Isamu Noguchi Peak Popularity: Isamu has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. Fun Fact: Isamu Akasaki received the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics for inventing the blue LED, which made possible energy-saving white light sources.

Itsuki

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Spring trees

Spring trees Alternative Spellings & Variations: 樹, いつき

樹, いつき Peak Popularity: Itsuki has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Jirou

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Second son

Second son Alternative Spellings & Variations: 二郎, Jiro

二郎, Jiro Famous Namesakes: Sushi master Jiro Ono, tennis player Jiro Sato

Sushi master Jiro Ono, tennis player Jiro Sato Peak Popularity: Jirou has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. Fun Fact: Documentary film "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" explores the 85-year-old sushi master and his 10-seat restaurant that has three Michelin stars.

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Kaito

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Sea and soaring, going through and beyond

Sea and soaring, going through and beyond Alternative Spellings & Variations: 海斗, 海翔, 介渡, かいと

海斗, 海翔, 介渡, かいと Famous Namesakes: Voice actor Kaito Ishikawa

Voice actor Kaito Ishikawa Peak Popularity: Kaito has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Katsutoshi

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Victory bright,

Victory bright, Alternative Spellings & Variations: 勝敏

勝敏 Famous Namesakes: Japanese admiral Katsutoshi Kawano

Japanese admiral Katsutoshi Kawano Peak Popularity: Katsutoshi has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Kazuya

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: to be one, to be in harmony

to be one, to be in harmony Alternative Spellings & Variations: 一也, 和也

一也, 和也 Famous Namesakes: Mathematician Kazuya Kato

Mathematician Kazuya Kato Peak Popularity: Kazuya has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Kenta

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Healthy and strong

Healthy and strong Alternative Spellings & Variations: 健太

健太 Famous Namesakes: Baseball player Kenta Maeda

Baseball player Kenta Maeda Peak Popularity: Kenta has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Kenzo

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Wise, three

Wise, three Alternative Spellings & Variations: 賢三

賢三 Famous Namesakes: Designer Kenzo Takada

Designer Kenzo Takada Peak Popularity: Kenzo ranked at 544 in the U.S. in 2020.

Kiyoshi

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Pure

Pure Alternative Spellings & Variations: 清, 淳, Kiyosi

清, 淳, Kiyosi Famous Namesakes: Filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa, mathematician Kiyosi Ito

Filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa, mathematician Kiyosi Ito Peak Popularity: Kiyoshi has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Makoto

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Sincerity or truth

Sincerity or truth Alternative Spellings & Variations: 誠, 真

誠, 真 Famous Namesakes: Obstacle course "ninja" racer Makoto Nagano, animator Makoto Shinkai Obstacle course "ninja" racer Makoto Nagano, animator Makoto Shinkai Peak Popularity: Makoto has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Manabu

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Learn

Learn Alternative Spellings & Variations: 学

学 Famous Namesakes: Author Manabu Miyazaki

Author Manabu Miyazaki Peak Popularity: Manabu has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Masao

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Just man

Just man Alternative Spellings & Variations: 正雄

正雄 Famous Namesakes: Religious studies author Masao Abe, analytical technology developer Masao Horiba Religious studies author Masao Abe, analytical technology developer Masao Horiba Peak Popularity: Masao has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Masaru

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Victory, excellence

Victory, excellence Alternative Spellings & Variations: 勝, 優

勝, 優 Famous Namesakes: Co-founder of Sony Masaru Ibuka, Governor of the Bank of Japan Masaru Hayami Co-founder of Sony Masaru Ibuka, Governor of the Bank of Japan Masaru Hayami Peak Popularity: Masaru has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Minato

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Unknown meaning

Unknown meaning Alternative Spellings & Variations: 湊, ミナト、カナデ、ソウ

湊, ミナト、カナデ、ソウ Peak Popularity: Minato has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Minoru

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: To bear fruit

To bear fruit Alternative Spellings & Variations: 実

実 Famous Namesakes: Architect Minoru Yamasaki

Architect Minoru Yamasaki Peak Popularity: Minoru has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. Fun Fact: Minoru Yamasaki designed the World Trade Center in New York City. He was born in Seattle, Washington and put himself through college with money earned working at a salmon cannery.

Naoki

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Straight tree

Straight tree Alternative Spellings & Variations: 直樹

直樹 Famous Namesakes: Manga artist Naoki Urasawa

Manga artist Naoki Urasawa Peak Popularity: Naoki has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Osamu

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Discipline, study

Discipline, study Alternative Spellings & Variations: 修

修 Famous Namesakes: Animator Osamu Tezuka, author Osamu Dazai

Animator Osamu Tezuka, author Osamu Dazai Peak Popularity: Osamu has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. Fun Fact: Osamu Tezuka is regarded as the Japanese Walt Disney and the father of manga. A museum of his works was built in Takarazuka.

Ren

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Lotus

Lotus Alternative Spellings & Variations: 蓮, レン

蓮, レン Famous Namesakes: Actor Ren Osugi

Actor Ren Osugi Peak Popularity: Ren has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Reo

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Smart, clever

Smart, clever Alternative Spellings & Variations: 伶, れお

伶, れお Peak Popularity: Reo has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Riku

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Land

Land Alternative Spellings & Variations: 陸, リク

陸, リク Famous Namesakes: Author Riku Onda, manga writer Riku Sanjo

Author Riku Onda, manga writer Riku Sanjo Peak Popularity: Riku has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. Fun Fact: Riku is also a popular masculine Finnish name, the Finnish form of Richard.

Ryuu

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Dragon

Dragon Alternative Spellings & Variations: 竜, 龍, Ryusei

竜, 龍, Ryusei Famous Namesakes: Painter Ryusei Kishida

Painter Ryusei Kishida Peak Popularity: Ryuu has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Saburou

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Third son

Third son Alternative Spellings & Variations: 三郎, Saburo, Saburō

三郎, Saburo, Saburō Famous Namesakes: World War II Japanese naval flying ace Saburō Sakai, diplomat Saburō Kurusu World War II Japanese naval flying ace Saburō Sakai, diplomat Saburō Kurusu Peak Popularity: Saburou has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. Fun Fact: Saburō Kurusu was the special envoy from Japan negotiating peace talks with the U.S. when his government bombed Pearl Harbor. He maintained throughout life that he was unaware of the plans for the bombing.

Shigeru

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Distant, leisurely person

Distant, leisurely person Alternative Spellings & Variations: 悠人, ユウト、ハルト

悠人, ユウト、ハルト Famous Namesakes: Scenario writer Yuto Tonokawa

Scenario writer Yuto Tonokawa Peak Popularity: Shigeru has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Sho

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Soaring

Soaring Alternative Spellings & Variations: 翔, Shou

翔, Shou Famous Namesakes: Singer and newscaster Sho Sakurai, physician Sho Timothy Yano Singer and newscaster Sho Sakurai, physician Sho Timothy Yano Peak Popularity: Sho has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. Fun Fact: Sho Yano has been called a "real-life Doogie Howser." The child prodigy from Portland, Oregon entered college at age 9, earned a Ph.D. in molecular genetics and cell biology at age 18, and graduated from medical school at age 21. His residency was in pediatric neurology.

Shota

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Soaring strongly

Soaring strongly Alternative Spellings & Variations: 翔太, Shouta

翔太, Shouta Famous Namesakes: Olympic sprinter Shota Iizuka

Olympic sprinter Shota Iizuka Peak Popularity: Shota has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Shun

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Fast

Fast Alternative Spellings & Variations: 駿, シュン、ハヤト

駿, シュン、ハヤト Famous Namesakes: Actor and voice actor Shun Yashiro

Actor and voice actor Shun Yashiro Peak Popularity: Shun has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Sora

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Sky

Sky Alternative Spellings & Variations: 空, 昊, そら

空, 昊, そら Famous Namesakes: Scenario writer Yuto Tonokawa

Scenario writer Yuto Tonokawa Peak Popularity: Sora has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Fun Fact: Sora is a unisex name in Japan.

Sota

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Strong sound of the wind

Strong sound of the wind Alternative Spellings & Variations: 颯太, Souta

颯太, Souta Peak Popularity: Sota has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Susumu

Origin: Japanese

進 Famous Namesakes: Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist Susumu Tonegawa, actor Susumu Fujita

Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist Susumu Tonegawa, actor Susumu Fujita Peak Popularity: Susumu has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Tadashi

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Just, correct, right

Just, correct, right Alternative Spellings & Variations: 正

正 Famous Namesakes: Businessman Tadashi Yanai, fashion designer Tadashi Shoji

Businessman Tadashi Yanai, fashion designer Tadashi Shoji Peak Popularity: Tadashi has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. Fun Fact: Founder of the company Fast Retailing, Tadashi Yahai was ranked the richest man in Japan and the 35th richest in the world by Forbes in 2019.

Takumi

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Artisan, skillful, or support combined with ocean or truth

Artisan, skillful, or support combined with ocean or truth Alternative Spellings & Variations: 匠, 巧, 拓海, 拓実

匠, 巧, 拓海, 拓実 Famous Namesakes: Actor and singer Takumi Kitamura

Actor and singer Takumi Kitamura Peak Popularity: Takumi has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Takashi

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Filial piety, noble, prosperous, esteem, honor

Filial piety, noble, prosperous, esteem, honor Alternative Spellings & Variations: 孝, 隆, 崇, 尊

孝, 隆, 崇, 尊 Famous Namesakes: Actor Takashi Shimura, artist Takashi Murakami

Actor Takashi Shimura, artist Takashi Murakami Peak Popularity: Takashi has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. Fun Fact: There may soon be a Saint Takashi. A radiologist and convert to Catholicism, during World War II he treated air raid victims and survived the atomic bomb detonation in Nagasaki. He has been designated a "Servant of God," the first step towards canonization by the Catholic Church.

Takuya

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Pioneering land

Pioneering land Alternative Spellings & Variations: 拓也

拓也 Famous Namesakes: Actor and singer Takuya Kimura

Actor and singer Takuya Kimura Peak Popularity: Takuya has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Tetsuya

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: To be a philosopher, to be devoted, to be iron

To be a philosopher, to be devoted, to be iron Alternative Spellings & Variations: 哲也, 徹也, 鉄也哲也, 徹也, 鉄也 Famous Namesakes: Print artist Tetsuya Noda, record producer and songwriter Tetsuya Komuro Print artist Tetsuya Noda, record producer and songwriter Tetsuya Komuro Peak Popularity: Tetsuya has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Tsubasa

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Wings

Wings Alternative Spellings & Variations: 翼

翼 Famous Namesakes: Manga artist Tsubasa Fukuchi

Manga artist Tsubasa Fukuchi Peak Popularity: Tsubasa has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S. Fun Fact: Tsubasa Oozora is the main character in the "Captain Tsubasa" manga series. Following the life of an aspiring soccer player, the character is so popular that there are statues in his honor in Katsushika, Japan.

Youta

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Big man

Big man Alternative Spellings & Variations: 陽太, ヒナタ、ヨウタ、ハルタ, Yota

陽太, ヒナタ、ヨウタ、ハルタ, Yota Famous Namesakes: Wrestler Yota Tsuji

Wrestler Yota Tsuji Peak Popularity: Youta has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Yuki

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Happiness, snow, create value

Happiness, snow, create value Alternative Spellings & Variations: 幸, 雪, 由貴, 由紀

幸, 雪, 由貴, 由紀 Famous Namesakes: Marathon runner Yuki Kawauchi

Marathon runner Yuki Kawauchi Peak Popularity: Yuki has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Yutaka

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Rich, relaxation, fertile

Rich, relaxation, fertile Alternative Spellings & Variations: 豊, 寛, 穣

豊, 寛, 穣 Famous Namesakes: Musician Yutaka Ozaki

Musician Yutaka Ozaki Peak Popularity: Yutaka has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Yuuma

Origin: Japanese

Japanese Meaning: Distant, leisurely and genuine

Distant, leisurely and genuine Alternative Spellings & Variations: 悠真, ユウマ、ハルマ, Haruma

悠真, ユウマ、ハルマ, Haruma Peak Popularity: Yuuma has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Yuuto

verywellfamily.com - 100 Japanese Baby Names: Meanings & Origins - Verywell Family

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