Japanese Names That Start with A

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Japanese names are often composed of one or more kanji, which are characters that have a specific meaning and pronunciation.

Some names can also be written in hiragana or katakana, which are phonetic scripts that do not have inherent meanings. The choice of kanji, hiragana, or katakana can affect the nuance and impression of a name.

If you’re looking for unique and meaningful Japanese names that start with “A” for your baby or even your furry friend, then you are in the right place. We’ve compiled some common and popular Japanese names that start with A, for boys, girls, and unisex. We will also explain the meanings and origins of these names, as well as some variations and nicknames.

Japanese Names for Boys with A

Japanese names are known for their beauty, elegance, and deep cultural significance. Whether you’re interested in traditional names or trendy options, there are plenty of choices to explore.

Japanese names that start with “A” offer a wide range of possibilities. From traditional names like Akira and Aiko to more modern choices like Aya and Amaya, these names are not only beautiful but also carry rich meanings.

In Japanese culture, names often reflect qualities such as strength, beauty, and harmony, making them a perfect choice for those seeking a name with significance.

Here are some Japanese boy names that start with A, along with their meanings and origins.

Akira (明, 亮, 晶, etc.)

This name means “bright”, “clear”, or “sparkle”. It is a very popular name for boys, and can also be used for girls. It can be written with different kanji, each with a slightly different nuance. For example, 明 means “bright” or “light“, 亮 means “clear” or “intelligent”, and 晶 means “sparkle” or “crystal”. Some famous people with this name are Akira Kurosawa, a legendary film director, and Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball.

Akihiko (昭彦, 明彦, 章彦, etc.)

This name means “bright boy” or “shining boy”. It is a common name for boys, and can be written with different kanji combinations. For example, 昭彦 means “bright boy” or “shining boy”, 明彦 means “bright boy” or “wise boy”, and 章彦 means “bright boy” or “noble boy”. Some famous people with this name are Akihiko Hoshide, an astronaut, and Akihiko Kayaba, a fictional character from Sword Art Online.

Asahi (旭, 朝日, 朝陽, etc.)

This name means “rising sun”, “morning sun”, or “sunlight”. It is a beautiful name for boys, and can also be used for girls. It can be written with different kanji, each with a slightly different nuance. For example, 旭 means “rising sun” or “sunrise”, 朝日 means “morning sun” or “daily sun”, and 朝陽 means “morning sun” or “morning light”. Some famous people with this name are Asahi Kuromine, a fictional character from Actually, I Am…

Atsushi (篤, 篤志, 厚, etc.)

This name means “sincere”, “faithful”, or “kind”. It is a noble name for boys, and can be written with different kanji, each with a slightly different nuance. For example, 篤 means “sincere” or “faithful”, 篤志 means “sincere will” or “faithful aspiration”, and 厚 means “thick” or “kind”. Some famous people with this name are Atsushi Sakurai, a singer and songwriter, and Atsushi Nakajima, a writer and poet.

-Ayumu (歩, 歩夢, 歩夢, etc.)

This name means “walk”, “dream”, or “progress”. It is a modern name for boys, and can also be used for girls. It can be written with different kanji, each with a slightly different nuance. For example, 歩 means “walk” or “step”, 歩夢 means “walk dream” or “dream walk”, and 歩夢 means “walk progress” or “progress walk”. Some famous people with this name are Ayumu Murase, a voice actor, and Ayumu Narumi, a fictional character from Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning.

Some other Japanese boy names that start with A are:

1. Arata (新, 荒, etc.): “new”, “fresh”, or “wild”
2. Aoi (葵, 碧, etc.): “hollyhock”, “blue”, or “green”
3. Akihiro (秋宏, 彰宏, etc.): “autumn broad” or “bright broad”
4. Akito (秋人, 彰人, etc.): “autumn person” or “bright person”
5. Amane (天音, 天, etc.): “heavenly sound”, “heaven”, or “sound”
6. Akio (秋男)** – Bright or manly.
7. Akihiko (明彦)** – Bright prince.
8. Atsushi (篤志) – Sincere or true.
9. Arata (新) – Fresh or new.
10. Aoki (青木) – Blue tree.
11. Akira (明) – Bright or clear.
12. Asuka (明日香) – Tomorrow’s fragrance.
13. Amaya (天谷) – Night rain.
14. Aito (愛斗) – Love and fight.
15. Asato (朝斗) – Morning star.
16. Arima (有馬) – Existence and horse.
17. Akito (秋人) – Autumn person.
18. Arashi (嵐) – Storm or tempest.
19. Atsuhiro (篤弘) – Sincere and wide.
20. Asahi (旦) – Break of day.
21. Asuma (飛馬) – Flying horse.
22. Atsuto (厚人) – Kind-hearted person.
23. Akiyama (秋山) – Autumn mountain.
24. Akifumi (明文) – Bright writing.
25. Amaterasu (天照) – Shining in the sky.
26. Aran (亜蘭) – Asia’s orchid.
27. Ayato (文人) – Versatile person.
28. Arisato (有里郎) – Wise village son.
29. Asahi (旭日) – Rising sun.
30. Aogu (仰愚) – Look up in foolishness.
31. Aoki (碧木) – Blue tree.
32. Arisu (有栖) – Existence in the nest.
33. Asura (阿修羅) – Demigod.
34. Aruto (アルト) – Artistic sound.
35. Ainosuke (愛之助) – Beloved assistance.
36. Azumamaro (東麿) – Truth of the East.
37. Atsuhiko (篤彦) – Sincere prince.

Japanese Names for Girls with A

Here are some Japanese girl names that start with A, along with their meanings and origins.

Akane (茜, あかね, etc.)

This name means “madder”, “deep red”, or “brilliant red”. It is a very popular name for girls, and can be written with kanji or hiragana. The kanji 茜 means “madder”, which is a plant that produces a red dye, and also symbolizes love and passion. The hiragana あかね means “deep red” or “brilliant red”, and is often associated with the sunset or the autumn leaves. Some famous people with this name are Akane Tendo, a fictional character from Ranma ½, and Akane Yamaguchi, a badminton player.

Aiko (愛子, 亜衣子, etc.)

This name means “love child”, “beloved child”, or “child of Asia”. It is a common name for girls, and can be written with different kanji combinations. For example, 愛子 means “love child” or “beloved child”, 亜衣子 means “child of Asia” or “child of clothing”, and 藍子 means “indigo child” or “child of dye”. Some famous people with this name are Aiko, a singer and songwriter, and Aiko Princess Toshi, a member of the Japanese imperial family.

Asuka (明日香, 飛鳥, etc.)

This name means “fragrance of tomorrow”, “flying bird”, or “tomorrow”. It is a beautiful name for girls, and can also be used for boys. It can be written with different kanji, each with a slightly different nuance. For example, 明日香 means “fragrance of tomorrow” or “tomorrow fragrance”, 飛鳥 means “flying bird” or “bird of flight”, and 明日 means “tomorrow” or “future”. Some famous people with this name are Asuka Langley Soryu, a fictional character from Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Asuka Teramoto, a gymnast.

Ayaka (彩花, 綾香, etc.)

This name means “colorful flower“, “design fragrance”, or “flower”. It is a popular name for girls, and can be written with different kanji combinations. For example, 彩花 means “colorful flower” or “flower of colors”, 綾香 means “design fragrance” or “fragrance of patterns”, and 花 means “flower” or “blossom”. Some famous people with this name are Ayaka Hirahara, a singer, and Ayaka Komatsu, a model and actress.

Arisa (有紗, 亜里沙, etc.)

This name means “exist gauze”, “Asia pear sand”, or “sand”. It is a modern name for girls, and can be written with different kanji combinations. For example, 有紗 means “exist gauze” or “gauze of existence”, 亜里沙 means “Asia pear sand” or “sand of Asia and pear”, and 砂 means “sand” or “grit”. Some famous people with this name are Arisa Komiya, a voice actress and idol, and Arisa Mizuki, a singer and actress.

Some other Japanese girl names that start with A are:

1. Aya (彩, 綾, etc.): “color”, “design”, or “colorful”
2. Ami (亜美, 亜実, etc.): “Asia beauty”, “Asia reality”, or “beauty”
3. Akemi (明美, 朱美, etc.): “bright beauty”, “vermilion beauty”, or “beauty”
4. Ayumi (歩美, あゆみ, etc.): “walk beauty”, “progress”, or “beautiful”
5. Azusa (梓, あずさ, etc.): “catalpa”, “sweet flag”, or “catalpa”
6. Aika (愛香) – Love fragrance.
7. Asami (麻美) – Hemp beauty.
8. Airi (愛莉) – Love jasmine.
9. Ayaka (彩香) – Color fragrance.
10. Akane (茜) – Deep red, madder plant.
11. Aya (彩) – Color or design.
12. Ami (亜美) – Asia beauty.
13. Asuka (飛鳥) – Flying bird.
14. Anzu (杏) – Apricot.
15. Ayumi (歩美) – Walk beauty.
16. Ai (愛) – Love and affection.
17. Akiko (秋子) – Autumn child.
18. Asumi (明美) – Tomorrow beauty.
19. Amaya (甘夜) – Sweet night.
20. Ayano (彩乃) – Color myriad.
21. Asahi (旭) – Morning sun.
22. Aimi (愛美) – Love beauty.

Unisex Japanese Names that starts with A

Here are some Japanese unisex names that start with A, along with their meanings and origins.

Akira (明, 亮, 晶, etc.)

This name means “bright”, “clear”, or “sparkle”. It is a very popular name for both boys and girls, and can be written with different kanji, each with a slightly different nuance. For example, 明 means “bright” or “light”, 亮 means “clear” or

Asahi (旭, 朝日, 朝陽, etc.)

This name means “rising sun”, “morning sun”, or “sunlight”. It is a beautiful name for both boys and girls, and can be written with different kanji, each with a slightly different nuance. For example, 旭 means “rising sun” or “sunrise”, 朝日 means “morning sun” or “daily sun”, and 朝陽 means “morning sun” or “morning light”. Some famous people with this name are Asahi Kuromine, a fictional character from Actually, I Am…, and Asahi Beer, a popular brand of beer in Japan.

Aoi (葵, 碧, etc.)

This name means “hollyhock”, “blue”, or “green”. It is a common name for both boys and girls, and can be written with different kanji, each with a slightly different nuance. For example, 葵 means “hollyhock”, which is a flower that symbolizes ambition and determination, and also the crest of the Tokugawa clan. 碧 means “blue” or “green”, and is often associated with the sky or the sea. Some famous people with this name are Aoi Yuuki, a voice actress, and Aoi Shouta, a singer and actor.

Ayumu (歩, 歩夢, 歩夢, etc.)

This name means “walk”, “dream”, or “progress”. It is a modern name for both boys and girls, and can be written with different kanji, each with a slightly different nuance. For example, 歩 means “walk” or “step”, 歩夢 means “walk dream” or “dream walk”, and 歩夢 means “walk progress” or “progress walk”. Some famous people with this name are Ayumu Murase, a voice actor, and Ayumu Narumi, a fictional character from Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning.

Akane (茜, あかね, etc.)

This name means “madder”, “deep red”, or “brilliant red”. It is a very popular name for both boys and girls, and can be written with kanji or hiragana. The kanji 茜 means “madder”, which is a plant that produces a red dye, and also symbolizes love and passion. The hiragana あかね means “deep red” or “brilliant red”, and is often associated with the sunset or the autumn leaves. Some famous people with this name are Akane Tendo, a fictional character from Ranma ½, and Akane Yamaguchi, a badminton player.

Aki (秋, 明, etc.)

This name means “autumn”, “bright”, or “sparkle”. It is a simple and elegant name for both boys and girls, and can be written with different kanji, each with a slightly different nuance. For example, 秋 means “autumn” or “fall”, and is often associated with the harvest season or the changing colors of the leaves. 明 means “bright” or “light”, and is often associated with the sun or the stars. Some famous people with this name are Aki Ross, a fictional character from Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, and Aki Toyosaki, a voice actress.

Some other Japanese unisex names that start with A are:

1. Arisu (有栖, 亜梨須, etc.): “exist palace”, “Asia pear need”, or “palace”
2. Akiyoshi (秋吉, 明義, etc.): “autumn lucky”, “bright justice”, or “lucky”
3. Akemi (明美, 朱美, etc.): “bright beauty”, “vermilion beauty”, or “beauty”
4. Amane (天音, 天, etc.): “heavenly sound”, “heaven”, or “sound”
5. Azumi (安純, 東海, etc.): “peaceful pure”, “east sea”, or “pure”
6. Aki (秋) – Autumn.
7. Arisa (亜里沙) – Asia village sand.
8. Asa (朝) – Morning.
9. Akihiro (秋洋) – Autumn ocean.
10. Ami (亜美) – Asia beauty.
11. Akira (明) – Bright or clear.
12. Arata (新) – New or fresh.
13. Atsushi (篤志) – Sincere or true.
14. Aya (彩) – Color or design.
15. Asuka (飛鳥) – Flying bird.
16. Ayumi (歩美) – Walk beauty.
17. Ai (愛) – Love and affection.
18. Akito (秋人) – Autumn person.
19. Arashi (嵐) – Storm or tempest.
20. Ayano (彩乃) – Color myriad.
21. Aimi (愛美) – Love beauty.

Conclusion

Choosing a name for your child is a significant decision, and Japanese names offer a rich cultural, and meaningful option. In this article, we explored the popularity and cultural significance of the Japanese name Amaya, which starts with the letter “A.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Amaya mean?

Amaya is derived from two kanji characters, meaning “night rain” or “heavenly” and “valley” or “home.” It symbolizes grace, elegance, and strength.

Is Amaya a popular name in Japan?

Yes, Amaya has been a popular name in Japan for centuries. It has been featured in Japanese literature and poetry and has been given to many Japanese princesses.

Can Amaya be paired with different middle and last names?

Yes, Amaya can be paired with various middle and last names, allowing for personalization and uniqueness.

What is the cultural significance of the name Amaya?

The name Amaya evokes a sense of peace and tranquility. It represents the beauty of nature and carries a deep cultural meaning in Japan.

Is Amaya a popular choice for parents worldwide?

Yes, Amaya is a popular choice for parents worldwide due to its beautiful meaning and cultural significance. It is a name that resonates with many people seeking grace, elegance, and strength in their child’s name.