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Japanese Baby Names (Boys & Girls)

Japanese baby names with their kanji meanings, readings and pronunciation.

Updated

Japanese given names are written with kanji chosen for their meaning, so the same spoken name can be written in many ways: Haruto, for example, can combine 陽 (“sun”) or 晴 (“clear weather”) with 翔 (“soar”). Names may also be written in hiragana or katakana.

Girls’ names traditionally ended in -ko (“child”), as in Yoko and Keiko, though endings such as -na, -ka and -mi are now more usual. Boys’ names often end in -to, -ta or -ki. Only kanji from an official list may be used in names.

Our picks

Name Gender Meaning
Hiroshi Boy tolerant, generous
Sakura Girl cherry blossom
Takeshi Boy warrior, military
Yuki Unisex snow; happiness
Satoshi Boy clever, wise
Hana Girl flower
Kenzo Boy wise, strong, or healthy; depends on kanji
Mei Girl beautiful or bud, depending on characters
Ryu Boy dragon
Kira Girl lady or ruler
Akira Unisex bright, clear
Emiko Girl meaning varies with kanji; often beautiful child

More Japanese names (44)

A

C

  • Chika God is greater or God is supreme

E

F

  • Fumiko writing child or history child

H

I

  • Isao merit, achievement, honor

J

K

  • Kannon perceiver of sounds; name of the bodhisattva of compassion
  • Kaoru fragrance
  • Katsumi victorious beauty
  • Kazuko child of harmony
  • Keiko blessed child
  • Kumiko long-lasting beautiful child
  • Kyōko capital child; also mirror child (鏡子)

M

N

  • Nanami seven seas
  • Natsuki varied meanings depending on kanji
  • Nobuo trustworthy man
  • Noriko doctrine child, rule child, or chronicle child

R

  • Raiden thunder and lightning

S

T

Y

  • Yōko child; sun, ocean, or positive
  • Yū various meanings including gentle, distant, help
  • Yuriko lily child

Z

  • Zen meditation

Frequently asked questions

What makes Japanese names special?
Japanese names often incorporate elements from nature and virtues, with kanji characters that add layers of meaning and visual beauty.
How do Japanese names work with kanji?
Japanese names are written with kanji characters that can have multiple meanings, allowing for rich symbolism and personal significance.
Are Japanese names suitable internationally?
Many Japanese names like Hana, Mei, and Kira have gained international appeal for their beautiful sounds and meanings.
What themes are common in Japanese names?
Japanese names often feature themes of nature (flowers, seasons), virtues (wisdom, strength), and positive qualities.

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