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JapaneseNames.org 日本伝統姓名命名所

Japanese Names and Their Meanings

A complete A–Z list of 100 authentic Japanese names for girls, boys and any gender, with the kanji, reading and meaning of each one, followed by names grouped by meaning.

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Japanese Names A–Z

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A

NameKanjiGenderMeaning
Akariあかり明莉GirlBright Jasminean illumination of elegance, clarity, and fragrance
Akiraあきら晶UnisexCrystal Radiancestacked three suns creating blinding clarity and sparkling intellect
Aoiあおい碧UnisexDeep Cerulean Jadecrystalline purity of ocean and mountain depths
Asahiあさひ旭UnisexRising Morning Sunglorious daybreak bringing new life and vigor
Ayameあやめ菖蒲GirlJapanese Irisnoble flower believed to ward off evil and protect home

B

NameKanjiGenderMeaning
Byakuyaびゃくや白夜UnisexWhite Night / Midnight Sunnoble illumination shining even in the darkest hours

C

NameKanjiGenderMeaning
Chachaちゃちゃ茶々UnisexPlayful Amber Teaenergetic, lively, and affectionately spirited companion
ChibiちびちびUnisexLittle Onean affectionate name for a small, playful pet
Chihiroちひろ千尋UnisexA Thousand Fathomsinfinite emotional depth, perseverance, and quiet discovery
Chiyoちよ千代GirlA Thousand Generationsblessing of enduring lineage, peace, and longevity

E

NameKanjiGenderMeaning
Emiえみ咲美GirlBlooming Beautyradiant smile like flowers unfurling in the morning mist

F

NameKanjiGenderMeaning
Fumaふうま楓真BoyTrue Maple Autumngrounded sincerity with rich vivid colors

G

NameKanjiGenderMeaning
Ginぎん銀BoyPure Silverunderstated, incandescent brilliance with razor sharpness

H

NameKanjiGenderMeaning
Hanaはな華GirlSplendor & Brilliant Bloomdazzling nobility and cultural refinement
Harutoはると陽翔BoySoaring in the Sunlightboundless freedom and high aspirations
Hayateはやて颯BoyGale Windswift, refreshing gust that clears the skies with vibrant energy
Hinataひなた陽葵GirlSunny Sunflowerradiant warmth facing towards the light
Hinataひなた日向UnisexFacing the Suncheerful warmth that brightens every shadow
Homuraほむら焔GirlSacred Blaze / Flamefiercely burning inner passion that conquers destiny
Hoshiほし星UnisexRadiant Starlighta shining celestial spark guiding your home with joy
Hotaruほたる蛍GirlFireflyglowing spirit illuminating the summer night streams

I

NameKanjiGenderMeaning
Ibukiいぶき伊吹UnisexBreath of the Mountainfresh vitality and untamed natural strength
Ieyasuいえやす家康BoyTranquil Dynasty & Enduring Peacefounder of the 250-year Edo Shogunate
Itsukiいつき樹UnisexSacred Living Treedeep roots, steadfast strength, and sheltering green branches

K

NameKanjiGenderMeaning
Kageyoshiかげよし影義BoyShadow of Righteousnesssilent guardian defending honor from the depths of darkness
Kaguraかぐら神楽GirlSacred Dance for the Kamidivine Shinto ritual dance of joy and cleansing
Kaitoかいと海斗BoyOcean Dipper Constellationdeep navigational wisdom guided by the stars
Kannaかんな柑奈GirlCitrus Resonancesweet vitality, gentle warmth, and blooming grace
Kannaかんな神無GirlBoundless Divinityquiet spiritual purity beyond worldly constraints
Kaoruかおる薫UnisexFragrant Incenseelegant aroma evoking cedar forests and temple incense
Katsuかつ勝BoyVictory & Triumphspirited, loyal protector with unwavering courage
Kazukiかずき一輝BoySingular Radianceunique brilliant light standing unmatched in clarity
Kenjiけんじ賢治BoyWise Governorvisionary intellect, calm governance, and empathy
Kenshinけんしん謙信BoyModest Devotion & Faithembodying bushido honor and spiritual discipline
Kohakuこはく琥珀UnisexGolden Amberprimordial fossilized resin holding sunlight and spirit essence
Koharuこはる小春GirlLate Autumn Sunshinegentle golden warmth before winter arrives
Kokoここ心UnisexPure Hearttender spirit overflowing with boundless unconditional love
Kotaroこたろう小太郎BoySwift Eldest Sonagile warrior endowed with fearless speed and cunning
Kumaくま熊UnisexLittle Bearbig-hearted, cuddly, and deeply loyal companion
Kuroくろ黒UnisexMidnight Blacksleek, mysterious, and loyal shadow companion
Kuroganeくろがね黒鉄BoyBlack Steel / Ancient Ironunyielding, unbreakable fortress of will
Kuzunohaくずのは葛葉GirlArrowroot Leafsacred white fox spirit of Shinoda Forest and mother of onmyoji Abe no Seimei

M

NameKanjiGenderMeaning
Maruまる丸UnisexPerfect Circlecomplete harmony, wholesome innocence, and gentle roundness
Masamuneまさむね政宗BoyRighteous Pillar of Ancestrylegendary swordsman and statesman valor
Matchaまっちゃ抹茶UnisexMatcha Green Teasoothing, meditative, and delightfully rich green tea charm
Matsuriまつり祭UnisexSacred Festivalvibrant celebration of life, community, and divine gratitude
Minatoみなと湊BoySafe Harbora welcoming port where people and ships gather in peace
Mioみお美桜GirlBeautiful Cherry Blossomcharming grace blooming in early spring
Miyabiみやび雅GirlCourtly Refinementquintessential Heian aesthetic of aristocratic grace and subtle wit
Mizuchiみずち蛟UnisexHorned River Dragonancient aquatic serpent deity of mist, mountain streams, and rain
Mizukiみづき瑞月UnisexAuspicious Moonblessed omen glowing like the crescent moon at dusk
Mochiもち餅UnisexMochi (Sweet Rice Cake)plump, soft, delightfully sweet, and universally loved
Momoもも桃GirlSweet Peachjuicy, cheerful blossom associated with warding off ill fortune
Musashiむさし武蔵BoyMartial Sanctuarysupreme swordsmanship, philosopher mind, and inner stillness

N

NameKanjiGenderMeaning
Nagisaなぎさ渚UnisexCalm Seashoregentle meeting of land and sea where tides rest
Nanamiななみ七海GirlSeven Seasboundless world exploration and oceanic depth
Nobunagaのぶなが信長BoyEnduring Trust & Grand Visionrelentless leadership that reshapes destiny

R

NameKanjiGenderMeaning
Raidenらいでん雷電BoyThunder & Lightning Boltsudden celestial brilliance and roaring atmospheric power
Raijinらいじん雷神BoyThunder Godferocious celestial electricity shaking heavens and earth
Rekkaれっか烈火BoyRaging Infernounquenchable fire burning through barriers with unstoppable vigor
Renれん蓮BoySacred Lotusblooming untarnished above muddy waters, pure spirit
Renれん漣UnisexWater Ripplesgentle waves spreading peace across a tranquil lake
Rikuりく陸BoyVast Continentsteadfast earth, solid integrity, and unshakeable courage
Rinりん凛GirlDignified & Cold Fortitudecommanding quiet respect, integrity, and poised strength
Ritsuりつ律UnisexHarmonic Lawmusical rhythm, principled discipline, and pitch perfect integrity
Ryujinりゅうじん龍神BoyDragon God of the Seamonarch of the Ryūgū-jō palace who controls the ocean tides
Ryunosukeりゅうのすけ龍之介BoyMediator of the Dragoncelestial power, fierce intellect, and leadership
Ryuseiりゅうせい流星BoyShooting Star / Meteorblazing through the night sky with brilliant inspiration

S

NameKanjiGenderMeaning
Sakuraさくら桜GirlCherry Blossomembodiment of transient beauty, renewal, and spring grace
Senaせな星那UnisexStarlight Resonanceradiant celestial spark bridging distances
Setsunaせつな雪奈GirlSnow Blossom Maidenethereal beauty of crystalline snowflakes falling upon winter pines
Shinしん慎UnisexPrudent Mindfulnessheartfelt sincerity, contemplation, and respectful restraint
Shingenしんげん信玄BoyDeep Conviction & Profound Mysterythe famed "Tiger of Kai" and master cavalry tactician
Shinonomeしののめ東雲UnisexEastern Dawn Cloudsthe first crimson streaks of sunrise through bamboo blinds
Shionしおん紫苑UnisexTartarian Asterpurple blossom signifying remembrance and I will not forget you
Shirayukiしらゆき白雪GirlPristine White Snowuntainted, silent, and transcendent winter purity
Shiroしろ白UnisexPure Snow Whiteinnocent, crystalline, and gentle guardian
Shizukaしずか静GirlSerene Stillnessunshakable inner composure and aristocratic grace
Shomaしょうま翔真UnisexAuthentic Soaringhonest truth taking flight without pretence
Sojoboそうじょうぼう僧正坊BoyHigh Priest King of Mount Kuramasupreme ruler of the Tengu warriors
Soraそら蒼空UnisexAzure Skyboundless freedom and vast, clear perspective
Soraそら空UnisexBoundless Azure Skyfree-spirited, bright-eyed, and serene companion
Sotaそうた蒼大BoyVast Azure Expansebroad-minded spirit as immense as the blue sea and sky
Suzuすず涼GirlRefreshing Cool Breezecrisp crystalline clarity bringing relief in summer

T

NameKanjiGenderMeaning
Taigaたいが大雅BoyGrand Elegancemonumental stature combined with exquisite taste
Taigaたいが大河BoyGreat Majestic Rivera boundless current flowing through ancient woodlands
Tamamoたまも玉藻GirlJeweled Water Grasslegendary Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox Maiden (Tamamo-no-Mae)
Tomoeともえ巴GirlSacred Swirling Commaancient magatama symbol and warrior bravery
Tomomiともみ智美UnisexWisdom & Aesthetic Gracekeen intellect illuminated by kind beauty
Tsubasaつばさ翼BoyWings of Freedomsoaring above boundaries with courage and grand dreams
Tsukasaつかさ司UnisexSovereign Administratorleader who governs with fairness, balance, and wisdom
Tsukikoつきこ月子GirlChild of the Moonserene nocturnal luminescence and tranquil wisdom
Tsumugiつむぎ紬GirlHandspun Pongee Silkhumble, durable craftsmanship woven with patience

Y

NameKanjiGenderMeaning
Yoshitsuneよしつね義経BoyRighteous Wayfarertragic hero of the Genpei War and master of the eight-boat leap
Yuiゆい結衣GirlBound in Silk Robesweaving precious interpersonal connections and harmonious warmth
Yukiゆうき悠貴UnisexPrecious Eternitycalm, noble temperament blessed with serene patience
Yukimuraゆきむら幸村BoyBlessed Village Warriorthe "Crimson Demon of War", celebrated as Japan’s greatest samurai
Yuzuゆず柚子UnisexYuzu Citrusrefreshing aromatic golden citrus bringing health and good cheer
Yuzuゆず柚UnisexFragrant Yuzu Citruszesty, uplifting, and golden-hearted companion
Yuzukiゆづき結月GirlTied to the Moonpeaceful nocturnal glow weaving bonds between souls

Japanese Names by Meaning

Moon, fire, water, snow, dragons, flowers and more

Japanese names that mean moon & night

Byakuya (白夜) — White Night / Midnight Sun · Kuro (黒) — Midnight Black · Mizuki (瑞月) — Auspicious Moon · Tsukiko (月子) — Child of the Moon · Yuzuki (結月) — Tied to the Moon

Japanese names that mean fire & flame

Homura (焔) — Sacred Blaze / Flame · Rekka (烈火) — Raging Inferno · Yukimura (幸村) — Blessed Village Warrior

Japanese names that mean darkness & shadow

Kageyoshi (影義) — Shadow of Righteousness · Kotaro (小太郎) — Swift Eldest Son · Kuro (黒) — Midnight Black · Kurogane (黒鉄) — Black Steel / Ancient Iron

Japanese names that mean water, sea & rivers

Aoi (碧) — Deep Cerulean Jade · Kaito (海斗) — Ocean Dipper Constellation · Minato (湊) — Safe Harbor · Mizuchi (蛟) — Horned River Dragon · Musashi (武蔵) — Martial Sanctuary · Nagisa (渚) — Calm Seashore · Nanami (七海) — Seven Seas · Ren (蓮) — Sacred Lotus · Ren (漣) — Water Ripples · Ryujin (龍神) — Dragon God of the Sea · Sota (蒼大) — Vast Azure Expanse · Taiga (大河) — Great Majestic River · Tamamo (玉藻) — Jeweled Water Grass

Japanese names that mean light & sun

Akari (明莉) — Bright Jasmine · Akira (晶) — Crystal Radiance · Asahi (旭) — Rising Morning Sun · Byakuya (白夜) — White Night / Midnight Sun · Haruto (陽翔) — Soaring in the Sunlight · Hinata (陽葵) — Sunny Sunflower · Hinata (日向) — Facing the Sun · Hoshi (星) — Radiant Starlight · Hotaru (蛍) — Firefly · Kazuki (一輝) — Singular Radiance · Kohaku (琥珀) — Golden Amber · Koharu (小春) — Late Autumn Sunshine · Shinonome (東雲) — Eastern Dawn Clouds

Japanese names that mean snow, ice & winter

Byakuya (白夜) — White Night / Midnight Sun · Setsuna (雪奈) — Snow Blossom Maiden · Shirayuki (白雪) — Pristine White Snow · Shiro (白) — Pure Snow White · Yuzu (柚) — Fragrant Yuzu Citrus

Japanese names that mean dragons

Mizuchi (蛟) — Horned River Dragon · Ryujin (龍神) — Dragon God of the Sea · Ryunosuke (龍之介) — Mediator of the Dragon

Japanese names that mean stars & sky

Haruto (陽翔) — Soaring in the Sunlight · Hoshi (星) — Radiant Starlight · Kaito (海斗) — Ocean Dipper Constellation · Kazuki (一輝) — Singular Radiance · Ryujin (龍神) — Dragon God of the Sea · Ryusei (流星) — Shooting Star / Meteor · Sena (星那) — Starlight Resonance · Shinonome (東雲) — Eastern Dawn Clouds · Sora (蒼空) — Azure Sky · Sora (空) — Boundless Azure Sky · Taiga (大河) — Great Majestic River · Tsubasa (翼) — Wings of Freedom

Japanese names that mean flowers & blossoms

Akari (明莉) — Bright Jasmine · Ayame (菖蒲) — Japanese Iris · Emi (咲美) — Blooming Beauty · Hana (華) — Splendor & Brilliant Bloom · Hinata (陽葵) — Sunny Sunflower · Mio (美桜) — Beautiful Cherry Blossom · Momo (桃) — Sweet Peach · Ren (蓮) — Sacred Lotus · Sakura (桜) — Cherry Blossom · Setsuna (雪奈) — Snow Blossom Maiden · Shion (紫苑) — Tartarian Aster

Japanese names that mean wind & storms

Hayate (颯) — Gale Wind · Ibuki (伊吹) — Breath of the Mountain · Kaoru (薫) — Fragrant Incense · Raiden (雷電) — Thunder & Lightning Bolt · Raijin (雷神) — Thunder God · Ryunosuke (龍之介) — Mediator of the Dragon · Sojobo (僧正坊) — High Priest King of Mount Kurama · Suzu (涼) — Refreshing Cool Breeze

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some Japanese names with beautiful meanings?

Popular examples include Sakura (桜, cherry blossom), Hinata (陽葵, sunflower facing the sun), Ren (蓮, lotus), Sora (空, sky), Aoi (葵, hollyhock) and Haruto (陽翔, soaring sun). Browse the names by meaning section above for moon, fire, water, snow and more.

What is the difference between kanji, hiragana and katakana names?

Most Japanese names are written in kanji, where each character carries a meaning, so the same sound can be written many ways (Yuki can be 雪 "snow" or 幸 "happiness"). Some names, especially girls' names, are written in hiragana (さくら). Katakana is mainly used for foreign names, such as エマ for Emma.

Which comes first in a Japanese name, the family name or the given name?

In Japanese the family name comes first and the given name second, so 田中太郎 is Tanaka (family name) Tarō (given name). Since 2020 the Japanese government has asked that official English documents also put the family name first.

Can one Japanese name have several meanings?

Yes. A name's meaning depends on its kanji, not its sound. Haruka can be 遥 (distant), 春香 (spring fragrance) or 晴花 (clear-sky flower). When you choose a Japanese name, always check which kanji it uses.

More Japanese Name Lists