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.

  • AiAsahiChiyoDaikiEmikoHanaHirokoHiroshiIsamuKeikoKenzoMaiMakotoSakuraYuki

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

Ai

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: LoveAlternative Spellings & Variations: 愛 (kanji), あい (hiragana), アイ(katana)Famous Namesakes: Singer Ai Carina Uemura, poet Ai OgawaPeak Popularity: Ai is not in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Airi

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Combines words for love with the word for either white jasmine or pearAlternative Spellings & Variations: 愛莉 or 愛梨 (kanji), アイリ or アイリ(hiragana), メリ or エリ(katana), Eri, MeriFamous Namesakes: Actress Airi TairaPeak Popularity: Airi, Eri, and Meri are not in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Akari

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: 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Famous Namesakes: Actress and singer Akari HayamiPeak Popularity: Akari has not been in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Akemi

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Bright and beautifulAlternative Spellings & Variations: 明美Famous Namesakes: Manga artist Akemi TakadaPeak Popularity: Akemi has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Anzu

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: ApricotAlternative Spellings & Variations: 杏 (kanji), アン (hiragana), アンズ(katana), AnFamous Namesakes: Actress Anzu LawsonPeak Popularity: Anzu and An are not in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Aoi

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: HollyhockAlternative Spellings & Variations: 葵 (kanji), あおい (hiragana), アオイ (katana)Famous Namesakes: Actress Aoi YūkiPeak Popularity: Aoi is not in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Chiyo

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Thousand generations, thousand worldsAlternative Spellings & Variations: 千代, 千世Famous Namesakes: Haiku poet Fukuda Chiyo-ni, kimono designer and author Chiyo UnoPeak Popularity: Chiyo has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Chiyoko

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Thousand generation childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 千代子Famous Namesakes: Television presenter and enka singer Chiyoko ShimakuraPeak Popularity: Chiyoko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Emiko

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Beautiful childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 恵美子, -笑子Famous Namesakes: Filmmaker Emiko OmoriPeak Popularity: Emiko is not in the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Fumiko

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Child of treasured beauty, hibiscus beautiful childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 富美子, 芙美子Famous Namesakes: Writer Fumiko Enchi, politician Fumiko HayashiPeak Popularity: Fumiko was in the 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. in 1919, 1920, and 1923.

Hana

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: FlowerAlternative 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​Famous Namesakes: Artist Hana UsuiPeak Popularity: Hana has been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S. since 1993, usually ranking around 700.

Haruka

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Distant or spring blossom, spring fragranceAlternative Spellings & Variations: 遥, 春花, 晴香Famous Namesakes: Actress Haruka TomatsuPeak Popularity: Haruka has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Himari

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Long jasmine, or benevolent sunflower, home of light and loveAlternative Spellings & Variations: 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: JapaneseMeaning: Generous child, abundant child, prosperous childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 寛子, 裕子, 浩子Famous Namesakes: Politician and economist Hiroko OtaPeak 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: JapaneseMeaning: Long-lived childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 寿子Famous Namesakes: Hisako, Princess Takamado, artist Hisako HibiPeak Popularity: Hisako has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Ichika

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Best, excellentAlternative Spellings & Variations: 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: JapaneseMeaning: Guidance, pearAlternative Spellings & Variations: 栞奈, KanaFamous Namesakes: Actress and singer Kanna HashimotoPeak Popularity: Kanna has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Kaori

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: FragranceAlternative Spellings & Variations: 香Famous Namesakes: Olympic figure skater Kaori SakamotoPeak Popularity: Kaori has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Kazuko

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Peaceful child, one childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 一子, 和子Famous Namesakes: 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: JapaneseMeaning: BlessingAlternative Spellings & Variations: 恵Famous Namesakes: Singer Kei YasudaPeak Popularity: Kei has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Keiko

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Lucky child, respectful child, happy childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 慶子, 敬子, 啓子, 恵子Famous Namesakes: Peruvian politician an former First Lady Keiko Fujimori, actress Keiko KitagawaPeak Popularity: Keiko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Kiyo

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Pure or holyAlternative Spellings & Variations: 清, 聖Peak Popularity: Kiyo has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Koharu

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Heart, spring, or late summerAlternative Spellings & Variations: 心春, 小春, コハルFamous Namesakes: Actress and singer Koharu KusumiPeak Popularity: Koharu has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Kokoro

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Heart, mind, soulAlternative Spellings & Variations: 心Famous Namesakes: Voice actress Kokoro KikuchiPeak Popularity: Kokoro has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Kumiko

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Forever beautiful childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 久美子Famous Namesakes: Actress Yuuka YanoPeak Popularity: Kumiko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Kyouko

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Respectful child, today’s child, apricot child, capital city childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 協子, 京子, 郷子, 杏子, KyokoFamous Namesakes: 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: JapaneseMeaning: Dance, linen robe, real loveAlternative Spellings & Variations: 舞, 麻衣, 真愛Famous Namesakes: Marathon runner Mai ItoPeak Popularity: Mai was in the top 1,000 names in the U.S. from 1983 to 1994.

Mami

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: True beautyAlternative Spellings & Variations: 真美, 麻美Famous Namesakes: Singer Mami KawadaPeak Popularity: Mami has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Manami

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Beautiful loveAlternative Spellings & Variations: 愛美Famous Namesakes: Voice actress and singer Manami NumakuraPeak Popularity: Manami has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Mayumi

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Elegant, bow or truth, reason, beautyAlternative Spellings & Variations: 雅弓, 真由美, まゆみ, マユミFamous Namesakes: Actress Mayumi TanakaPeak Popularity: Mayumi has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Megumi

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Blessing or loveAlternative Spellings & Variations: 恵, 愛, めぐみFamous Namesakes: Voice actress Megumi HayashibaraPeak Popularity: Megumi has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Mio

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Beautiful cherry blossom, or waterwayAlternative Spellings & Variations: 美桜Famous Namesakes: Wrestler Mio ShiraiPeak Popularity: Mio has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Mirai

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: FutureAlternative Spellings & Variations: 未来Famous Namesakes: Figure skater Mirai NagasuPeak Popularity: Mirai has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Misaki

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Beautiful blossomAlternative Spellings & Variations: 美咲,ミサキFamous Namesakes: Actress Misaki ItoPeak Popularity: Misaki has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Mitsuki

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Beautiful moonAlternative Spellings & Variations: 美月, MitzukiFamous Namesakes: Voice actress and singer Mitsuki SaigaPeak Popularity: Mitsuki has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Miyoko

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Beautiful generation childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 美代子Famous Namesakes: Artist Miyoko ItoPeak Popularity: Miyoko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Nanami

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Seven seaAlternative Spellings & Variations: 七海Famous Namesakes: Author Nanami ShionoPeak Popularity: Nanami has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Natsuki

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Vegetables or summer and moon or hopeAlternative Spellings & Variations: 菜月, 夏希Famous Namesakes: Manga artist Natsuki TakayaPeak Popularity: Natsuki has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Nozomi

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Several, including hopeful truth or hopeful heartAlternative Spellings & Variations: 希実, 希心Famous Namesakes: Author Nanami ShionoPeak 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: JapaneseMeaning: DignifiedAlternative Spellings & Variations: 凜 (kanji), リンFamous Namesakes: Actress Rin Takanashi, manga artist Rin SaitoPeak Popularity: Rin has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Sachiko

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Happy child, lucky childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 幸子Famous Namesakes: 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: JapaneseMeaning: Cherry blossomAlternative Spellings & Variations: 桜, サクラ、ハルFamous Namesakes: Singer Sakura MiyawakiPeak Popularity: Sakura has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Setsuko

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: MelodyAlternative Spellings & Variations: 節子Famous Namesakes: 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.

Shizuko

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Quiet childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 静子 Famous Namesakes: 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: JapaneseMeaning: Friendly child, wise childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 智子, 朋子Famous Namesakes: Photographer Tomoko SawadaPeak Popularity: Tomoko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Yoshiko

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Virtuous child, beautiful child, joyous childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 良子, 芳子, 悦子Famous Namesakes: Textile artist Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada, spy Yoshiko KawashimaPeak Popularity: Yoshiko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Youko

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Sunshine child, beautiful childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 陽子, 洋子, Yoko, YohkoFamous Namesakes: Musician and artist Yoko OnoPeak Popularity: Youko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Yua

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Tie and loveAlternative Spellings & Variations: 結愛 (kanji), ユア、 ユイナ、ユナ、ユメFamous Namesakes: Actress and singer Yua MikamiPeak Popularity: Yua has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Yui

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Tie and clothingAlternative Spellings & Variations: 結衣, ユイFamous Namesakes: Singer YuiPeak Popularity: Yui has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Yuina

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Tie and vegetables or greensAlternative Spellings & Variations: 結菜 (kanji), ユナ、ユイナ、ユウナ, Yuna, YuunaFamous Namesakes: Manga artist Yuna Aoi, figure skater Yuna KimPeak Popularity: Yuina has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Yumiko

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Archery bow child, cause beautiful childAlternative Spellings & Variations: 弓子, 由美子Famous Namesakes: Professional wrestler Yumiko HottaPeak Popularity: Yumiko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Yuuka

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Excellent flowerAlternative Spellings & Variations: 優花Famous Namesakes: Actress Yuuka YanoPeak Popularity: Yuuka has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Yuuko

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Excellent flowerAlternative Spellings & Variations: 優花Famous Namesakes: Actress Yuuka YanoPeak Popularity: Yuuko has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

Yuzuki

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Grapefruit, hopeAlternative Spellings & Variations: 結月Peak Popularity: Yuzuki has not been in the top 1,000 names for girls in the U.S.

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

Fun Fact: Besides love, Ai can be associated with the kanji for indigo.

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.

Fun Fact: Besides meaning a plant, aoi can also mean a blue color, represented by different symbols.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Fun Fact: In 2018 Mirai Nagasu became the first American figure skater to land a triple axel at the Olympics.

Fun Fact: Sakura Haruno is a fictional character who became the female lead of the “Naruto” manga and anime.

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.

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.

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.

Asahi

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Morning sun, rising sunAlternative Spellings & Variations: 朝陽, アサヒFamous Namesakes: Volleyball player and politician Kentaro AsahiPeak Popularity: Asahi has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Daiki

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Large tree or shining brightlyAlternative Spellings & Variations: 大樹, 大輝Famous Namesakes: Judoka Daiki Kamikawa, fashion designer Daiki SuzukiPeak Popularity: Daiki has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Daiksuke

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Great helpAlternative Spellings & Variations: 大輔Famous Namesakes: Baseball player Daisuke Matsuzaka, Olympic figure skater Daisuke TakahashiPeak Popularity: Daisuke has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Haru

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Light, spring, clear weatherAlternative Spellings & Variations: 陽, 春, 晴, はるPeak Popularity: Haru has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Haruto

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Light, soaringAlternative Spellings & Variations: 陽翔, はるとFamous Namesakes: Manga artist Haruto UmezawaPeak Popularity: Haruto has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Hayato

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Falcon personAlternative Spellings & Variations: 隼人Famous Namesakes: Former Japanese Prime Minister Hayato IkedaPeak Popularity: Hayato has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Hinata

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Toward the sunAlternative Spellings & Variations: 陽向, ヒナタ、ハルタ, HarutaPeak Popularity: Hinata has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Hiroshi

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Generous or prosperousAlternative Spellings & Variations: 寛, 浩, HirosiFamous Namesakes: Astronomer Hiroshi Abe, Nintendo president Hiroshi YamauchiPeak Popularity: Hiroshi has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Hiroto

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Great personAlternative Spellings & Variations: 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)Peak Popularity: Hiroto has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Isamu

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: BraveAlternative Spellings & Variations: 勇Famous Namesakes: Japanese admiral and diplomat Isamu Takeshita, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Isamu Akasaki, artist Isamu NoguchiPeak Popularity: Isamu has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Itsuki

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Spring treesAlternative Spellings & Variations: 樹, いつきPeak Popularity: Itsuki has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Jirou

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Second sonAlternative Spellings & Variations: 二郎, JiroFamous Namesakes: Sushi master Jiro Ono, tennis player Jiro SatoPeak Popularity: Jirou has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Kaito

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Sea and soaring, going through and beyondAlternative Spellings & Variations: 海斗, 海翔, 介渡, かいとFamous Namesakes: Voice actor Kaito IshikawaPeak Popularity: Kaito has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Katsutoshi

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Victory bright,Alternative Spellings & Variations: 勝敏Famous Namesakes: Japanese admiral Katsutoshi KawanoPeak Popularity: Katsutoshi has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Kazuya

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: to be one, to be in harmonyAlternative Spellings & Variations: 一也, 和也Famous Namesakes: Mathematician Kazuya KatoPeak Popularity: Kazuya has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Kenta

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Healthy and strongAlternative Spellings & Variations: 健太Famous Namesakes: Baseball player Kenta MaedaPeak Popularity: Kenta has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Kenzo

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Wise, threeAlternative Spellings & Variations: 賢三Famous Namesakes: Designer Kenzo TakadaPeak Popularity: Kenzo ranked at 544 in the U.S. in 2020.

Kiyoshi

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: PureAlternative Spellings & Variations: 清, 淳, KiyosiFamous Namesakes: Filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa, mathematician Kiyosi ItoPeak Popularity: Kiyoshi has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Makoto

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Sincerity or truthAlternative Spellings & Variations: 誠, 真Famous Namesakes: Obstacle course “ninja” racer Makoto Nagano, animator Makoto ShinkaiPeak Popularity: Makoto has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Manabu

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: LearnAlternative Spellings & Variations: 学Famous Namesakes: Author Manabu MiyazakiPeak Popularity: Manabu has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Masao

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Just manAlternative Spellings & Variations: 正雄Famous Namesakes: Religious studies author Masao Abe, analytical technology developer Masao HoribaPeak Popularity: Masao has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Masaru

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Victory, excellenceAlternative Spellings & Variations: 勝, 優Famous Namesakes: Co-founder of Sony Masaru Ibuka, Governor of the Bank of Japan Masaru HayamiPeak Popularity: Masaru has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Minato

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Unknown meaningAlternative Spellings & Variations: 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: JapaneseMeaning: To bear fruitAlternative Spellings & Variations: 実Famous Namesakes: Architect Minoru YamasakiPeak Popularity: Minoru has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Naoki

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Straight treeAlternative Spellings & Variations: 直樹Famous Namesakes: Manga artist Naoki UrasawaPeak Popularity: Naoki has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Osamu

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Discipline, studyAlternative Spellings & Variations: 修Famous Namesakes: Animator Osamu Tezuka, author Osamu DazaiPeak Popularity: Osamu has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Ren

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: LotusAlternative Spellings & Variations: 蓮, レンFamous Namesakes: Actor Ren OsugiPeak Popularity: Ren has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Reo

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Smart, cleverAlternative Spellings & Variations: 伶, れおPeak Popularity: Reo has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Riku

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: LandAlternative Spellings & Variations: 陸, リクFamous Namesakes: Author Riku Onda, manga writer Riku SanjoPeak Popularity: Riku has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Ryuu

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: DragonAlternative Spellings & Variations:竜, 龍, RyuseiFamous Namesakes: Painter Ryusei KishidaPeak Popularity: Ryuu has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Saburou

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Third sonAlternative Spellings & Variations: 三郎, Saburo, SaburōFamous Namesakes: World War II Japanese naval flying ace Saburō Sakai, diplomat Saburō KurusuPeak Popularity: Saburou has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Shigeru

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Distant, leisurely personAlternative Spellings & Variations: 悠人, ユウト、ハルトFamous Namesakes: Scenario writer Yuto TonokawaPeak Popularity: Shigeru has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Sho

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: SoaringAlternative Spellings & Variations: 翔, ShouFamous Namesakes: Singer and newscaster Sho Sakurai, physician Sho Timothy YanoPeak Popularity: Sho has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Shota

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Soaring stronglyAlternative Spellings & Variations: 翔太, ShoutaFamous Namesakes: Olympic sprinter Shota IizukaPeak Popularity: Shota has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Shun

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: FastAlternative Spellings & Variations: 駿, シュン、ハヤトFamous Namesakes: Actor and voice actor Shun YashiroPeak Popularity: Shun has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Sora

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: SkyAlternative Spellings & Variations: 空, 昊, そらFamous Namesakes: Scenario writer Yuto TonokawaPeak Popularity: Sora has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Sota

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Strong sound of the windAlternative Spellings & Variations: 颯太, SoutaPeak Popularity: Sota has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Susumu

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: AdvanceAlternative Spellings & Variations: 進Famous Namesakes: Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist Susumu Tonegawa, actor Susumu FujitaPeak Popularity: Susumu has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Tadashi

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Just, correct, rightAlternative Spellings & Variations: 正Famous Namesakes: Businessman Tadashi Yanai, fashion designer Tadashi ShojiPeak Popularity: Tadashi has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Takumi

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Artisan, skillful, or support combined with ocean or truthAlternative Spellings & Variations: 匠, 巧, 拓海, 拓実Famous Namesakes: Actor and singer Takumi KitamuraPeak Popularity: Takumi has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Takashi

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Filial piety, noble, prosperous, esteem, honorAlternative Spellings & Variations: 孝, 隆, 崇, 尊Famous Namesakes: Actor Takashi Shimura, artist Takashi MurakamiPeak Popularity: Takashi has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Takuya

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Pioneering landAlternative Spellings & Variations: 拓也Famous Namesakes: Actor and singer Takuya KimuraPeak Popularity: Takuya has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Tetsuya

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: To be a philosopher, to be devoted, to be ironAlternative Spellings & Variations: 哲也, 徹也, 鉄也Famous Namesakes: Print artist Tetsuya Noda, record producer and songwriter Tetsuya KomuroPeak Popularity: Tetsuya has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Tsubasa

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: WingsAlternative Spellings & Variations: 翼Famous Namesakes: Manga artist Tsubasa FukuchiPeak Popularity: Tsubasa has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Youta

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Big manAlternative Spellings & Variations: 陽太, ヒナタ、ヨウタ、ハル タ, YotaFamous Namesakes: Wrestler Yota TsujiPeak Popularity: Youta has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Yuki

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Happiness, snow, create valueAlternative Spellings & Variations: 幸, 雪, 由貴, 由紀Famous Namesakes: Marathon runner Yuki KawauchiPeak Popularity: Yuki has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Yutaka

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Rich, relaxation, fertileAlternative Spellings & Variations: 豊, 寛, 穣Famous Namesakes: Musician Yutaka OzakiPeak Popularity: Yutaka has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Yuuma

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Distant, leisurely and genuineAlternative Spellings & Variations: 悠真, ユウマ、ハルマ, HarumaPeak Popularity: Yuuma has not been in the top 1,000 names for boys in the U.S.

Yuuto

  • Origin: JapaneseMeaning: Distant, leisurely personAlternative Spellings & Variations: 悠人, ユウト、ハルト, YutoFamous Namesakes: Scenario writer Yuto TonokawaPeak Popularity: Yuuto 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.

Fun Fact: Haru is a unisex name in Japan.

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.

Fun Fact: Hinata is also a female name in Japan and is the name of many female characters in manga.

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.

Fun Fact: Isamu Akasaki received the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics for inventing the blue LED, which made possible energy-saving white light sources.

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.

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.

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.

Fun Fact: Riku is also a popular masculine Finnish name, the Finnish form of Richard.

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.

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.

Fun Fact: Sora is a unisex name in Japan.

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.

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.

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.