670+ Unique & Popular Japanese First Names and Meanings

Kon’nichiwa!

So you want your baby to be big in Japan?

Well then, your first job as a parent is to go on the hunt for the best Japanese baby names.

Luckily for you, we’ve made your search that much easier by putting together the ultimate list of Japanese first names.

In this article: 📝

How to use Japanese first names
What’s a popular Japanese first name?
What is a good first name for a Japanese girl?
What is a good first name for a Japanese boy?
What is a Japanese unisex first name?
What is the prettiest Japanese first name?
What are cool Japanese names?
Japanese first names and meanings
What are some dark Japanese first names?
What are some unique Japanese first names?

How to use Japanese first names

Whether you’re drawn to Japanese baby names because you are a descendent of the land of the rising sun, or are looking to honor the culture that has brought us everything from Manga to samurai swords to sushi, Japanese first names are as pleasant-sounding as they are meaningful.

If you are coming to Japanese baby names from outside the Japanese culture and language, it’s important to note some key considerations:

The family name typically comes before the given name—the reverse of western naming processes. While you may want to mix things up a bit and combine first and last names in an east-meets-west sort of strategy, it’s always good to know the rules before breaking them.
Many Japanese names show heritage. For example, the name Takako means “child of Taka”. If you or your partner is a proud owner of one of many exquisite Japanese baby names, you may want to consider carrying it on in your lineage by naming your child like this.
Japanese baby names can also indicate your place in the hierarchy of siblings. The name Manzo, for example, means “third-born son”. Your child may or may not ‘thank you’ for this constant reminder of their inescapable position in the family.

Constructed from Japanese characters, many Japanese baby names are intrinsically packed with multiple meanings and are often the coming together of different concepts.

The result is that many Japanese names are not simply names.

They are a story.

Added to this, if you live in a place where the Latin alphabet is the norm, your baby will have two different ways of writing their name and may inspire a life lived in at least two languages.

Alright, let’s dive into 673 Japanese baby names and meanings ‒ sāikō!

What’s a popular Japanese first name?

Let’s kick things off with the most popular Japanese first names throughout Japan and beyond:

What are popular Japanese first names for girls?

Ever wondered what are the popular Japanese names for girls in Japan? Well, wonder no more ‒ here are the top five most common Japanese girls’ names:

Ai: Don’t be fooled by how short this popular Japanese name is. It has one of the biggest meanings in the world: “love”. If all you need is love, then this name is your answer.
Akasuki: This is a name that brings together two attributes that shine as brightly as one another. It means “bright helper”. Seriously. What mama wouldn’t want a little Akasuki around?
Chikako: If you’re looking to raise a daughter who has some insight into what on earth is going on in this crazy world of ours, you might want to call her Chikako, meaning “wisdom”. It’s high time we had more Chikakos floating around.
Kikuko: If you’re looking for a nature-themed name that will reflect your child, Kikuko is a magnificent option. It means “chrysanthemum”—so if this flower has particular relevance to you and your family, it may just be a perfect choice.
Yuko: Every parent wants a little Yuko in their midst. Why? Because the name means “helpful child”. While this may indeed come in handy around the house, raising a tiny human that has friendliness and generosity at their core can only be a good thing.

What are popular Japanese first names for boys?

Now let’s hear it for the boys ‒ here are the most popular Japanese male names:

Haruki: This name is an overlap of two beautiful images: “shining brightly” and “spring child”. As a result, it’s a Japanese name that is sure to bring much joy into your household. (Of course, the added bonus is that your child will be the namesake of bestselling author Haruki Murakami. That’s a pretty creative start to life.)
Hideo: If you’re a bit of a video game fan, you might recognize the Japanese name Hideo, after famed Japanese video game designer, Hideo Kojima, most well-known for the Metal Gear Solid series. Hideo means “excellent male child”.
Ichiro: Meaning “first-born”. Ichiro is the first prize name for a first baby. Firstborns need to get some credit for ruling the sibling roost. It’s only fair.
Kazuhiko: This Japanese baby name brings together ultimate balance with supreme royalty. Kazuhiko means “harmonious prince” in Japanese. Your little prince will undoubtedly get the start he deserves with this regal designation.
Tatsuo: So, this one’s a goody for lovers of fantasy. It’s also not bad for anyone who wants to instill in their child a sense that they have the strength to do anything. It means “masculine dragon”. Um, that’s some pretty powerful stuff to bring up in a game of make-believe.

What is a good first name for a Japanese girl?

Japanese names for girls tend to end in “a”, but there are a few exceptions that still sound elegant and strong.

Here, we’ll explore some common Japanese first names for girls, rare Japanese girl names (and meanings), and everything in between

There are so many beautiful, elegant, and poignant Japanese baby names for girls ‒ Japanese names meaning “flower”, Japanese “ocean” names, and even short Japanese names for girls.

You’ll find a lot of Japanese names that start with “A” in our list of Japanese baby names for girls ‒ particularly Japanese names meaning “flower”, “bright”, and “tomorrow”, as a few kanjis (Japanese writing characters) referring to these start with “A”.

Aka: Meaning “red” in Japanese ‒ usually the start of a name.
Aneko: Meaning “older sister,” symbolizing familial respect.
Anzu: Meaning “apricot,” associated with sweetness and simplicity.
Arine: Meaning “one who is full of joy”.
Asaka: Meaning “bear,” symbolizing strength and courage. 🐻
Asayo: Meaning “morning,” evoking freshness and beginnings.
Asuga: Meaning “tomorrow,” suggesting hope for the future.
Asuka: Meaning “fragrance of tomorrow,” a poetic and hopeful name.
Asuna: Meaning “tomorrow” or “apple tree”.
Ayaka: Meaning “color,” often representing vibrancy and life.
Ayako: Meaning “writing,” associated with creativity.
Ayame: Meaning “iris”.
Ayami: Meaning “colorful”.
Ayano: Meaning “color”.
Ayuka: Meaning “walking flower”.
Bashira: Meaning “joyful”.
**Chiharu:**Meaning “a thousand springs,” symbolizing renewal and abundance.
Chinatsu: Meaning “thousand summers”.
Chiye: Meaning “knowledge” or “blessed,” representing wisdom.
Chiyeko or Chiyemi: Meaning “thousand blessings,” symbolizing fortune.
Cho or Chou: One of a few Japanese names meaning “butterfly”. 🦋
Chouko: Possibly one of our favorite Japanese names meaning “butterfly child”.
Eiko: Meaning “prosperous”.
Fumiye: Meaning “blessed writings”.
Hana or Hanae: Meaning “flower”. 💮
Hanako: Meaning “flower child,” a name celebrating youth and nature.
Hanaye or Hanayo: Meaning “flower”.
Haruka: Meaning “spring fragrance”.
Haruna: Meaning “springtime”.
Hatsu or Hatsumi: Meaning “beginning,” symbolizing new opportunities.
Hatsuko: Meaning “first-born daughter”.
Himawari: Meaning “sunflower”. 🌻
Hinako: The Japanese name for “sun-child”.
Hokona: Meaning “harmonious flower”.
Ikuye: Meaning “flourishing,” symbolizing growth and prosperity.
Japana: Meaning “muttering prayers,” associated with devotion.
Kaede: Meaning “maple leaf”.
Kagami: Meaning “mirror”.
Kaiya or Kaiyo: Meaning “forgiveness”.
Kameko: Meaning “tortoise”. 🐢
Kamiko: Meaning “little goddess”.
Kasumi: Meaning “mist”.
Kayo: Meaning “good”.
Kazuno or Kazuye: Meaning “harmony”.
Kiku, Kikuyo, or Kikuye: Meaning “chrysanthemum flower”.
Kimiye: Meaning “joy”.
Kimiyo: Meaning “beginning”.
Kinu or Kinuye: Meaning “silk”.
Kita: Meaning “north”.
Kiyo, Kiyono, Kiyoye, or Kiyomi: Meaning “clear”.
Kohana: Meaning “little flower”.
Kokuro: Meaning “heart”.
Kozakura: Meaning “little cherry tree”.
Kura: Meaning “treasure house”.
Kuri: Meaning “chestnut”.
Mai: Meaning “dance”. A popular 3-letter Japanese name.
Manae: Meaning “young plant”.
Mao: Meaning “true center”.
Mariko: Meaning “truth-child”.
Masako: Meaning “elegant child”.
Masaye: Meaning “prosper”.
Masayo: Meaning “elegant generation”.
Mayu: Meaning “evening”.
Mayumi: Meaning “reason”.
Megumi: Meaning “blessing”.
Miko: Meaning “shrine maiden”.
Minami: Meaning “south”.
Mine: Meaning “third daughter”.
Mineyo: Meaning “summit”.
Miran: One of our favorite Japanese names meaning “illusion”.
Misaye: Meaning “vivid color”.
Mitsuko: Meaning “shining child”.
Mitsuye or Mitsuyo: Meaning “shine”.
Momoka: Meaning “a hundred flowers”.
Momoko, Momoyo, or Momoye: Meaning “a hundred peaches”.
Namie: Meaning “blessing”.
Nanako: Meaning “red apple”. 🍎
Nanami: Meaning “seven seas”.
Okemia: Meaning “war horn”.
Reika: Meaning “flower petal”.
Reina: Meaning “wise”.
Rika or Riye: Meaning “village”.
Riko or Rina: Meaning “jasmine”.
Rini: Meaning “little bunny”.
Ritsuko: Meaning “child”.
Riyeko: Meaning “truth”.
Sadako: Meaning “chaste child”.
Sakaye: Meaning “prosper”.
Sanaye: Meaning “quick”.
Satoyo: Meaning “village”.
Saya: Meaning “sand”.
Sayaka: Meaning “brilliant”.
Shinju: Meaning “pearl”.
Shizuka or Shizuye: Meaning “calm”.
Shoko: Meaning “auspicious child”.
Sonoko: Meaning “garden-child”.
Sumiko: Meaning “child of goodness”.
Suzume: Meaning “sparrow”.
Taka: Meaning “tall”.
Takako: Meaning “sweet child”.
Takane: Meaning “mountain peak”.
Takara: Meaning “treasure”.
Takiko: Meaning “waterfall”.
Tama or Tamami: Meaning “jewel”.
Tomoka: Meaning “great friend”.
Tora: A Japanese name meaning “tiger”. 🐅
Tsubaki: Meaning “camellia”.
Ume: Meaning “plum”.
Urara: Meaning “serene”.
Uta: Meaning “song”.
Wakana: Meaning “harmony”.
Youta: Meaning “sunlight”.
Yubi: Meaning “graceful”.
Yui: Meaning “alone”.
Yuina: Meaning “tie”.
Yuka: Meaning “reason”.
Yukari: Meaning “save”.
Yumena: Meaning “famous”.
Yumiko: Meaning “bow-child”.
Yuriko: Meaning “lily child”.
Yuriye: Meaning “lily-friend”.
Zakuro: Meaning “pomegranate”.

➡️ Want more? Don’t miss our full list of Japanese baby girl names

What is a good first name for a Japanese boy?

There’s a lot to choose from our Japanese male names.

Take your time, mama ‒ you’ll know when you find the right one for your little one.

While most Japanese baby names are gender-neutral and can be used for boys, girls, and they-bies, some Japanese names are traditionally for boys.

In this list of Japanese baby names for boys, you may find a few more Japanese names that start with “I”, and a lot more Japanese first names meaning “first-born son” or “third son”, and things of that nature.

Akifumi: Meaning “bright writings”.
Akihiko: Meaning “bright boy”.
Akihito: Meaning “brilliant”.
Akimitsu: Meaning “shine”.
Akinobu or Akinori: Meaning “luminous”.
Akio: Meaning “bright”.
Akito: Meaning “clever person”.
Asahi: Meaning “morning sun”.
Atsuo: Meaning “kindness”.
Atsushi: Meaning “compassionate warrior”.
Botan: Meaning “peony”.
Bunta: Meaning “design”.
Chikao: Meaning “clever”.
Daijiro: Meaning “second son”.
Daishiro: Meaning “fourth son”.
Daisuke: Meaning “big help”.
Daitaro: Meaning “first-born son”.
Eito: Meaning “excellent person”.
Enzo: Name meaning Japanese for “circle”.
Etsuo: Meaning “rejoice”.
Fumihiko: Meaning “prince” in Japanese. 👑
Fumihiro: Meaning “history”.
Fusao: Meaning “male life”.
Genji: Meaning “heal”.
Genkei: Meaning “honored”.
Giichi: Meaning “justice”.
Ginjiro: A Japanese name meaning “silver that is good”.
Goro: Meaning “fifth”.
Hachiro: Meaning “eighth son”.
Hajime: Meaning “beginning”.
Haru or Haruto: Meaning “spring”.
Hayato: Meaning “fast”.
Hideharu: Meaning “excellent healing”.
Hiraku: Meaning “open”.
Hiro: Meaning “abundance”.
Hiroaki: Meaning “bright abundance”.
Hirokazu: Meaning “abundant harmony”.
Hiromitsu: Meaning “large light”.
Hironobu: Meaning “gentle abundance”.
Hironori: Meaning “tolerant ruler”.
Hiroshi: Meaning “generous”.
Hiroyoshi: Meaning “abundant honor”.
Hiroyuki: Meaning “abundant fortune”.
Hisashi: Meaning “ambition”.
Ikuo: Meaning “conquesting man”.
Isamu: Meaning “courage”.
Itsuo: Meaning “fifth born son”.
Iwao: Meaning “rock”.
Jiro or Joji: Meaning “second son”.
Junichiro: Meaning “he who takes”.
Juro: Meaning “tenth son”.
Kaito: Meaning “sea”. 🌊
Kanji: Meaning “feeling”.
Katash: Meaning “firm”.
Katsunori: Meaning “smart”.
Katsuro: Meaning “victorious son”.
Keisuke: Meaning “save”.
Keitaro: Meaning “blessed”.
Keizo: Meaning “third son” in Japanese.
Kenchiro: Meaning “good luck”.
Kenji: Meaning “clever second son”.
Kenshin: Meaning “modest”.
Kenzo: Meaning Japanese for “healthy and wise”.
Kiyohiko: Meaning “clear”.
Kiyoto: Meaning “noble person”.
Kohei: Meaning “navigator”.
Kotaro: Meaning “shine”.
Kouki: Meaning “light”.
Kunihiro: Meaning “abundant”.
Kuro: Meaning “ninth son”.
Kyosuke: Meaning “respectful”.
Mako: Meaning “sincerity”.
Makoto: Meaning “sincerity.
Mamoru: Meaning “defend”.
Manabu: Meaning “learn”.
Manzo: Meaning “third son” in Japanese.
Masahiro: One of a handful of Japanese “ocean” names.
Masakatsu: Meaning “lead winner”.
Masanobu or Masayuki: Meaning “elegant”.
Masaru: Meaning “commander”.
Matsu: Meaning “pine”. 🌲
Michio: Meaning “man with the strength of three thousand”.
Mikio: Meaning “tree trunk”.
Minoru: Meaning “bear fruit”.
Mitsuhiro or Mitsunobu: Meaning “shining light”.
Mitsuo: Meaning “third”.
Mizu: Meaning “water”.
Naruto: Meaning “nine-tailed mythical fox”.
Noboru or Noburu: Meaning “rise”.
Nobu: Meaning “stretch”.
Norio: Meaning “beginning”.
Osamu: Meaning “discipline”.
Raiden: Meaning “god of thunder and lightning”. 🌩️
Riku: Meaning “handsome”.
Rikuto: Meaning “land”.
Rokuro: Meaning “sixth son”.
Ronin: Meaning “wanderer”.
Saburo: Meaning “third son” in Japanese.
Samuru: Meaning “his name is God”.
Satoru: Meaning “understand”.
Satoshi: Meaning “intelligent history”.
Shichiro: Meaning “seventh son”.
Shigeo: Meaning “life”.
Shigeru or Shigeto: Meaning “luxury”.
Shikamaru: Meaning “deer”. 🦌
Shinjiro: Meaning “true”.
Shino: Meaning “bamboo”.
Shinsaku: Meaning “go forward”.
Shiro: The Japanese name for “white”. 🤍
Shogo: Meaning “enlightened”.
Suguru: Meaning “excellent”.
Susumu: Meaning “advance”.
Tadaaki: Meaning “loyal”.
Tadahiro, Tadashi, or Tadanori: The Japanese name for “faithful”.
Taijo: Meaning “large tree”.
Taiki: Meaning “radiance”.
Taiyo: The Japanese name for “sun”. ☀️
Takahiro or Takayoshi: Meaning “noble”.
Takashi: Meaning “gentleman”.
Takehiko: Meaning “prince”.
Takeshi: Meaning “warrior”.
Takumi: Meaning “artisan”.
Taro: Meaning “eldest son”.
Teruyoshi: Meaning “free”.
Tetsuo: Meaning “clear philosophy”.
Tomofumi: Meaning “smart sentence”.
Tomohiro: Meaning “wide ocean”.
Tomoya: A Japanese name meaning “friend of”.
Toru: Meaning “persistent”.
Toshihiro: Meaning “wise”.
Toshio: Meaning “agile man”.
Toshiro: Meaning “talented”.
Tsutomu: Meaning “endeavor”.
Yamato: Meaning “great harmony”.
Yasashiku: Meaning “gentle and polite”.
Yasuo: Meaning “protective”.
Yuzuru: Meaning “modest”.
Zenjiro: Meaning “second-born son”.
Zenshiro: Meaning “fourth-born son”.
Zentaro: Meaning “first-born son”.

➡️ Still searching? Check out our full list of Japanese baby boy names

What is a Japanese unisex first name?

As we mentioned before, you’ll find a huge majority of Japanese unisex names for babies on this list.

This means that most of the names on our list are actually nonbinary Japanese names ‒ suitable for girls, boys, and they-bies.

Most of the common Japanese first names and rare Japanese names are gender-neutral, so have a look at our unisex Japanese names (and meanings!).

Akari: Meaning “red plum”.
Aki: Meaning “crystal clear”. One of the more common 3-letter Japanese names.
Akiko: Meaning “bright child”.
Akira: Meaning “clarity” and “intelligence”.
Aoi: Meaning “blueish”.
Aoki: Meaning “blue tree”.
Aoko: Meaning “blue child”. 💙
Asahise: Meaning “happiness”.
Asako: Meaning “morning child”.
Atsuko: Meaning “emotional child”.
Ayumi: Meaning “progress”.
Chikafusa: Meaning “close”.
Chisato: Meaning “knowledge” or “distance”.
Dai: Meaning “to shine”.
Daichi: Meaning “first”.
Daiki: Meaning “big and shining”.
Chiyo or Chiyoko: Meaning “thousand generations”.
Daitan: Meaning “bold one”.
Eiichi: Meaning “light one”.
Eiji: Meaning “prosperity”.
Eriko: Meaning “blessed child”.
Etsu: Meaning “rejoice”.
Etsuko: Meaning “joyous child”.
Fukiko or Fukuko: Meaning “noble child”.
Fuji: Meaning “lives near the river of wisteria”. 🏔️
Fumitaka or Fumito: Meaning “writings”.
Fuyuko: Meaning “winter child”.
Hachi: Meaning “eight”.
Hamako: Meaning “seaside child”.
Haranu: Meaning “spring” or “green”.
Harue: Meaning “springtime bay”.
Haruhi: Meaning “spring day”.
Haruko: Meaning “spring child”.
Hayate: Meaning “smooth”.
Hide, Hideyo, or Kideko: Meaning “excellent”.
Hidehisa: Meaning “precious”.
Hideki, Hideyuki, or Hidenori: Meaning “excellence”.
Hidetaka: Meaning “flourish”.
Hideyoshi: Meaning “good luck”.
Hikari: Meaning “light”.
Hikaru: Meaning “shine”.
Hinata: Meaning “towards the sun”.
Hisaye or Hisayo: Meaning “longevity”.
Homare: Meaning “honor”.
Ichigo: Meaning “strawberry”. 🍓
Ichiko: Meaning “first child”.
Ikuko: Meaning “birth of a child”.
Ikuya: Meaning “raise”.
Inari: Meaning “successful one”.
Isako: Meaning “sand-child”.
Isaye: Meaning “help”.
Ishiko: Meaning “little stone”.
Isoko or Isono: Meaning “beach-child”.
Itsuki: Meaning “tree”.
Itsuko: Meaning “fifth child”.
Izumi: Meaning “spring fountain”.
Jin: Meaning “bright.”
Jona: Meaning “dove”. 🕊️
Jun: Meaning “talented”.
Junpei: Meaning “genuine”.
Kaemon or Kamin: Meaning “joyful”.
Kairi: Meaning “ocean village”.
Kaki: One of our favorite “fire” names in Japanese. 🔥
Kana: Meaning “powerful”.
Kanon: Meaning “flower”.
Kaoru: Meaning “fragrance”.
Katsu: Meaning “victorious”.
Katsuko: Meaning “victorious child”.
Katsumi: Meaning “overcome”.
Kayoko: Meaning “child of a good generation”.
Kazane: Meaning “wind that makes a sound”.
Kazuko: Meaning “one-child”.
Kazumi or Kazuto: Meaning “harmony”
Kazushige: Meaning “first harmony”.
Kazutaka: Meaning “worship”.
Kazuyuki: Meaning “harmony”.
Kei: Meaning “intelligent”.
Keiko: Meaning “happy child”.
Kenta: Meaning “healthy”.
Kimi: Meaning “delight”.
Kimiko: Meaning “noble child”.
Kin: Meaning “golden”.
Kioko: Meaning “child born happy”.
Kitsune: One of the beautiful Japanese names that mean “fox”.
Kohaku: One of a few Japanese names that mean “music”.
Koharu: Meaning “heart”.
Koichi or Kota: Meaning “happiness”.
Koji: Meaning “little one” in Japanese.
Koko: Meaning “stork”.
Kosuke: Meaning “rising sun”.
Kozue or Kozuye: Meaning “tree branches”.
Kuma: Meaning “bear”.
Kumi: Meaning “long period of time”.
Kuniko: Meaning “child from the country”.
Kuniyuki: Meaning “good fortune”.
Kyo: Meaning “peach”. 🍑
Kyou: Meaning “apricot”.
Machiko or Maeko: Meaning “truth-child”.
Maemi: Meaning “smile of truth”.
Makiko or Maki: Meaning “truth”.
Maro: Meaning “myself”.
Masa: Meaning “straightforward”.
Masaaki: Meaning “brilliant light”.
Masafumi or Masahide: Meaning “elegant”.
Masaki: Meaning “tree”. 🌳
Masashi: Meaning “ambition”.
Matsuko or Matsuyo: Meaning “pine tree-child”.
Michi: Meaning “righteous way”.
Michiaki: Meaning “path”.
Michinori: Meaning “virtue”.
Michiyo: Meaning “companion”.
Midori: Meaning “green”. 💚
Mieko: Meaning “prosperous”.
Minowa: Meaning “ring of kindness”.
Mirai: Meaning “future”.
Mitsu: Meaning “honey”.
Mitsuru: Meaning “satisfy”.
Mochi: Meaning “rice cake”.
Momiji: Meaning “maple”.
Momo: Meaning “one hundred”.
Moriko: Meaning “forest”.
Motoko: Meaning “child”.
Motoye: Meaning “foundation”.
Motoyo: Meaning “lifetime”.
Mutsuko: Meaning “close”.
Nagisa: Meaning “beach”.
Naoki: Meaning “tree of truth”.
Naoya: Meaning “improve”.
Namiko: Meaning “wave”.
Natsu: Meaning “born in summer”.
Naoko: Meaning “obedient child”.
Nara: Meaning “happy”.
Nariko: Meaning “gentle child”.
Natsuki, Natsuye, or Natsumi: Meaning “summer”.
Natsuko: Meaning “summer child”.
Nishi: Meaning “west”.
Nobuko: Name meaning “trust”.
Nobuhide: The Japanese name for “faithfulness”.
Nobuye: The Japanese name for “faith”.
Nobuyuki: Meaning “truth”.
Nori: Meaning “belief”.
Noriaki: Meaning “bright light”.
Noriko: Meaning “law” and “order”.
Noriyuki: Meaning “good fortune”.
Oda: Meaning “small rice paddy”.
Ohta: Meaning “eyes of the Almighty God”.
Oki: Meaning “ocean-centered”. One of the more unusual 3-letter Japanese names.
Okimi: Meaning “bright shining light”.
Rei: Meaning “law”. One of the powerful 3-letter Japanese names.
Reiji: Meaning “salute”.
Reiki: Meaning “healing”.
Reo: Japanese name meaning “wise”.
Riichi: Meaning “first”.
Riki: Meaning “power”.
Rin: Meaning “dignified”.
Ryoichi: Meaning “good”.
Ryoji: Meaning “heal”.
Ryoko: Meaning “good child”.
Ryosuke or Ryota: Meaning “clear”.
Sachi: Meaning “miracle” in Japanese.
Sachiko: Meaning “child of bliss”.
Sachio: Meaning “fortunate-born”.
Sachiye or Sachiyo: Meaning “happiness”.
Sadayo: Meaning “decide”.
Saku: Meaning “remembrance of the Lord”.
Sasuke: Meaning “help”.
Sato: Meaning “sugar”.
Satoko: Meaning “wise child”.
Sayeko: Meaning “bough-child”.
Seiichi: Meaning “first”.
Seiji: Meaning “lawful”.
Seiko: Meaning “truth”.
Setsuko: Meaning “snow-child”. ❄️
Shigeko: Meaning “luxury child”.
Shin: Meaning “true”.
Shinichi: Meaning “first”.
Shinobu: Meaning “endure”.
Shinta: Meaning “develop”.
Shiori: Meaning “bookmark”.
Shizu: Meaning “ancestor”.
Shohei: Meaning “respect”.
Shota: Meaning “commander”.
Shouta: Meaning “soaring”.
Shoya: Meaning “fly high”.
Shun: Meaning “speed”.
Shunpei: Meaning “smooth”.
Shusuke: Meaning “meditation”.
Shuya: Meaning “congratulations”.
Soji: Meaning “worship”.
Soma: Meaning “smoothly”.
Sora: A beautiful Japanese name meaning “sky”.
Sota, Souta, or Souma: Meaning “smoothly”.
Suzuki: Meaning “the ears of rice piled up”.
Taichi: Meaning “big”.
Takato or Takuma: Meaning “exalted”.
Takuya: Meaning “cultivate”.
Tamaki: Meaning “jewel tree”.
Tamiko: Meaning “child of the people”.
Taru: Meaning “small plant”.
Teruko: Meaning “shine”.
Tetsu: Meaning “iron”.
Tetsuya: Meaning “philosophy”.
Toki: Meaning “time of opportunity”.
Tokyo: The capital city of Japan.
Tomi: Meaning Japanese for “rich”.
Tomiko: Meaning “happy child”.
Tomo: Easily one of our favorite Japanese “twin” names.
Tomoe: Meaning “blessing-friend”.
Tomoko: A Japanese name meaning “friendly child”.
Tomoyo: Meaning “wise world”.
Tori: One of our favorite Japanese names meaning “bird”.
Toshi: Meaning “bright”.
Toshiko: Meaning “clever child”.
Toshiyuki: Meaning “agility”.
Tsubasa: Meaning “wings”.
Tsuneko: Meaning “always my child”.
Tsuyoshi: Meaning “sturdy”.
Utako: Meaning “song-child”.
Utano: Meaning “field of songs”.
Washi: Meaning “eagle”. 🦅
Wenhui: Meaning “bright writing”.
Yachi: Meaning “eight thousand”.
Yasu: Name meaning “calm”.
Yasuko: Meaning “tranquility”.
Yayoi: Meaning “new life”.
Yoko: Meaning “child”.
Yori: Meaning “reliable”.
Yoshimasa: Meaning “ecstacy leader”.
Yoshino: The Japanese name for “lucky field”.
Yosuke: Meaning “meditation”.
Youko: The Japanese name for “sunshine”.
Yuichi: Meaning “kind one”.
Yuji: Meaning “second”.
Yuki: Meaning “happiness”.
Yukia: Meaning “gentle tree”.
Yukiko: Meaning “happy snow-child”.
Yukino: Meaning “like snow”.
Yusei: Meaning “help”.
Yuta: Meaning “one with many friends”.
Yuya: Meaning “carefree”.
Zen: Meaning “calm meditation”.

What is the prettiest Japanese first name?

While there aren’t any Japanese names meaning “pretty”, there are tons relating to beauty ‒ which we like to think is a little more meaningful than ‘prettiness’.

So we couldn’t choose just one of the prettiest Japanese names, but feel free to browse all our Japanese baby names meaning “beauty” or “beautiful”.

Akemi: Meaning “bright beauty”.
Asami: Meaning “beauty”.
Chinami: Meaning “beautiful”.
Emica: Meaning “beautiful”.
Fumi: Meaning “beautiful lotus”.
Fumiko: Meaning “beautiful”.
Harumi: A Japanese name for “sunny beauty”.
Hiromi: Meaning “generous beauty”.
Hitomi: Meaning “beautiful wisdom”.
Kumiko: Meaning “long-time beauty”.
Makimi: Meaning “genuine beauty”.
Mami: Meaning “beautiful truth”.
Masami or Masumi: Meaning “beautiful”.
Michiko: Meaning “child of beautiful wisdom”.
Michiye: Meaning “beautiful knowledge”.
Mihoko, Mikiko, Mikayo, or Mikako: Meaning “beautiful child”.
Mika: Meaning “beautiful fragrance”.
Miki or Mikino: Meaning “beautiful tree”.
Miku: Meaning “beautiful sky”.
Minako: Meaning “beautiful child”.
Minori: Meaning “beautiful harbor”.
Misa or Misaki: Meaning “beautiful bloom”.
Misako: Meaning “beautiful child”.
Misayo: Meaning “beautiful help”.
Miu: Meaning “beautiful feather”.
Miya: Meaning “beautiful relaxing”.
Miyo, Miyoko, Miyako, or Miyeko: Meaning “beautiful child”.
Miyuki: Meaning “beautiful happiness”.
Reiko: Meaning “beautiful child”.
Rumi: Meaning “flowing beauty”.
Ruqa: Meaning “beautiful”.
Satomi: Meaning “wise beauty”.
Shigemi: Meaning “beautiful luxury”.
Sugako: Meaning “beautiful”.
Tadame: Meaning “seeds of beauty”.
Tomomi: Meaning “beautiful friend”.
Umi: Meaning “beauty”.
Wakumi: Meaning “beautiful spring of water”.
Yoshe: Meaning “beauty”.
Yoshiko: Meaning “good beauty”.
Yoshimi: Meaning “beautiful”.
Yumi or Yumie: Meaning “abundant in beauty”.

What Japanese name means rare beauty?

Because your little one’s beauty is unique, just as they are:

Hayami: Meaning “rare and unusual beauty”.

What are cool Japanese names?

After a badass Japanese name to give your little one an edge on the playground?

Here are the coolest Japanese first names for you to choose from:

Akihito: Meaning “brilliant”.
Akio: Meaning “bright”.
Akito: Meaning “clever person”.
Aneko: Meaning “older sister”.
Chiasa: Meaning “one thousand mornings”.
Chiye: Meaning “knowledge” or “blessed”.
Eiko: Meaning “prosperous”.
Eito: Meaning “excellent person”.
Hatsuko: Meaning “first-born daughter”.
Hiroaki: Meaning “bright abundance”.
Hiroyuki: Meaning “abundant fortune”.
Hisashi: Meaning “ambition”.
Ikuye: Meaning “flourishing”.
Kaito: Meaning “sea”. 🌊
Kamiko: Meaning “little goddess”.
Kenchiro: Meaning “good luck”.
Kenji: Meaning “clever second son”.
Kita: Meaning “north”.
Mai: Meaning “dance”. A popular 3-letter Japanese name.
Manae: Meaning “young plant”.
Masakatsu: Meaning “lead winner”.
Masako: Meaning “elegant child”.
Masaye: Meaning “prosper”.
Michio: Meaning “man with the strength of three thousand”.
Miran: One of our favorite Japanese names meaning “illusion”.
Mitsuko: Meaning “shining child”.
Mitsuye or Mitsuyo: Meaning “shine”.
Mizu: Meaning “water”.
Naruto: Meaning “nine-tailed mythical fox”.
Raiden: Meaning “god of thunder and lightning”. 🌩️
Riko or Rina: Meaning “jasmine”.
Riku: Meaning “handsome”.
Ronin: Meaning “wanderer”.
Suguru: Meaning “excellent”.
Taiyo: The Japanese name for “sun”. ☀️
Takehiko: Meaning “prince”.
Takeshi: Meaning “warrior”.
Tomoka: Meaning “great friend”.
Tora: A Japanese name meaning “tiger”. 🐅
Toshiro: Meaning “talented”.
Yumena: Meaning “famous”.

Japanese first names and meanings

If you’re after a specific Japanese baby name or a Japanese name with a particular meaning, we’ve got you covered.

Is Yuri a Japanese name?

Yes, Yuri is a Japanese name, traditionally given to girls.

Yuri: Meaning “lily”.

What does Yuna mean in Japanese?

Yuna is another Japanese girl name, meaning “kindness” ‒ short, sweet, and beautiful, just like your little one:

Yuna or Yuuna: Meaning “kindness”.

What Japanese first name means angel?

Because your little peanut is sent from above:

Tenshi: The Japanese name that means “angel”.

What Japanese first name means love?

There are a few Japanese names that mean “love”, for girls, boys, and gender-neutral they-bies:

Aiko: Meaning “little loved one”.
Aimi: Meaning “beautiful love”.
Aina: Meaning “love”.
Airi: Meaning “love” and “jasmine”.
Ayume: Meaning “color of love”.
Manami: Meaning “love”.
Nao: Meaning “love” or “affection”.
Ren: Meaning “love lotus”.
Suki: Meaning “loved one”.
Yua: Meaning “tied love”.

What Japanese first name means moon?

For a baby born at the height of the moon:

Katsuki: Meaning “moon”. 🌙
Mizuki: Meaning “beautiful moon”.
Satsuki: Meaning “early moon”.
Tsukiko: Meaning “moon”.

What Japanese first name means crystal?

If your baby’s eyes sparkle like crystals, you’ll love these Japanese names:

Ruri: Meaning “lapis lazuli”, a bright blue crystal.
Yoshiteru: Meaning “rich and abundant crystals”.

What Japanese first name means star?

For the baby who’s a shining star in your life, here are some Japanese baby names that mean “star”:

Hoshi: One of the more popular Japanese names that mean “star”.
Hoshiko: Meaning “star-child”.
Seina: One of our favorite Japanese names that mean “star”. ⭐

What Japanese first name means blossom?

Cherry blossoms are an important part of Japanese culture, so here are some Japanese baby names that mean “blossom”:

Saki or Sakiko: Meaning “blossom”.
Sakura, Sakurako, or Sakiya: Meaning “cherry blossom”. 🌸

What Japanese first name means princess?

If you’re after Japanese name to show your little girl just how important she is, how about:

Himeko: Meaning “princess child”.

What Japanese first name means pure?

These Japanese baby names that mean “pure” are sure to be top of your list:

Kiyoko: Meaning “pure child”.
Kyoko: Meaning “pure”.
Kiyoshi: Meaning “pure”.
Junko: Meaning “pure child”.
Sada: Meaning “pure one”.
Seijun: Meaning “pure”.
Sumiye: Meaning “pure”.

What Japanese first name means hope?

There are just a couple of Japanese names that mean hope, but we’re sure you’ll love them:

Nozomi: Meaning “hope” in Japanese.
Sonomi: Meaning “garden of hope” in Japanese.
Yuuki: Meaning “gentle hope” in Japanese.

What Japanese first name means dragon?

Now for some fierce names with the power and fiery attitude of the dragon:

Kaida: Meaning “little dragon”.
Ryoto, Ryuyi, or Ryuhei: Meaning “dragon”.
Ryu: Meaning “dragon”.
Ryuunosuke: Meaning “dragon shell”.
Tatsuhiro or Tatsuya: Meaning “dragon”.

What Japanese first name means brave?

Help your little warrior always be reminded of just how brave they are with these courageous Japanese names:

Akiyoshi: Meaning “brave and blessed”.
Yudai: Meaning “brave”.

What Japanese first name means peace?

Peace is another important aspect of Japanese culture.

Hopefully your little one will give you some peace with one of these Japanese baby names:

Hidekazu: Meaning “peace”.
Kazuaki, Kazuma, Kazuki, or Kazuhito: Meaning “peace”.
Kouta: Meaning “peace”.
Masakazu: Meaning “peace”.
Ryohei: Meaning “peaceful”.
Wakako: Meaning “peaceful child”.

What Japanese first name means dream?

It’s hard to choose our favorite Japanese name meaning dream, so here are a few:

Ayumu: A Japanese name meaning “dream”.
Miyu: Meaning “beautiful dream”.
Yume: Meaning “dream”.
Yumeji: Meaning “road to a dream”.

What are some dark Japanese first names?

If you’re into more gothic-style names, how about some of these darker-sounding Japanese baby names?

Ahmya: Meaning “black rain”.
Akane: Meaning “deep red”.
Akihiro: Meaning “bright fall”.
Akiye: Meaning “fall”. 🍂
Chiaki: Meaning “a thousand falls”.
Habiki: Meaning “echo”.
Hideaki: Meaning “excellent fall”.
Katana: Meaning “sword”.
Kazuya: One of the beautiful “fire” names in Japanese.
Kugari: A Japanese name meaning “darkness”.
Mahō: One of a few Japanese names meaning “magic”.
Mayu: Meaning “evening”.
Moto: Meaning “spirit”.
Muga: Meaning “nothing”.
Rai: Meaning “thunder”.
Ryo: Meaning “defy”.
Sayoko: A Japanese name meaning “night-child”.
Tamashini: Meaning “soul”.
Uki: Meaning “space” or “air”. One of the space-related 3-letter Japanese names.

What Japanese first name means ghost?

There’s just one hauntingly beautiful non-binary Japanese baby name that means “ghost”:

Yeuri: Meaning “ghost”.

What Japanese first name means blood?

Family is the most important thing, so how about a slightly dark Japanese baby name to build that foundation?

Chisuke: Meaning “blood”.

What are some unique Japanese first names?

To be honest, a lot of Japanese names that are popular in Japan aren’t common elsewhere, so if you’re looking for a unique Japanese name, you could really take your pick from any of the above!

But if you’re after something truly unique, how about looking up a meaningful word in an English-to-Japanese dictionary, so your baby’s Japanese name is poignant and rare?

Need a unique Japanese name right now? We hear you. How about:

Ayaki: Meaning “unique”.

What is a unique Japanese girl first name?

Quite a few Japanese baby names for girls are pretty rare in English-speaking countries, but if you want a unique Japanese girl name that’s uncommon in Japan, too, how about:

Masuyo: Meaning “world” ‒ since your baby girl is your world!

What is a unique Japanese boy first name?

From all the Japanese male names on our list, we think the most unique and uncommon Japanese name for boys is:

Hiroto: Meaning “soar”. So your baby boy can reach unimaginable heights!

Naming your baby can feel like a bit of a crazy process.

You want something meaningful.

You want something that sounds beautiful.

You want something that they’ll love at all phases of their life.

Ease the stress by considering that, in this game, there is seriously no right answer, although we hope these Japanese names and meanings help you on your journey to finding the perfect name for your little peanut.

Gut feeling goes a long way in this process.

Like all things mamahood, trust your instincts.

Sayōnara!