Japanese Baby Names

Japanese names are usually written with kanji, characters borrowed from Chinese, and the meaning of a name depends on which characters are chosen. The same spoken name can be written in many different ways, each with its own meaning. Hana can mean flower, Akira often means bright or clear, and Yuri can mean lily. Aya, Emi and Mika are short names that can carry meanings such as color, smile or beauty, depending on the characters used.

Several names on this list have become familiar in English through popular culture or places. Raiden recalls the thunder god of Japanese folklore, and Ronin refers to a samurai without a master, a figure common in Japanese stories and films. Kenji and Kenzo are traditional boys' names, and Kaya, Miya and Kairi have soft sounds that appeal to many English-speaking parents. Kobe and Nikko are Japanese place names, and Kobe is also familiar through a famous basketball player.

Japanese pronunciation gives each vowel a clear, consistent sound, and syllables tend to be evenly stressed. If you choose a Japanese name, consider learning about the characters behind it, since they carry much of the meaning. Some names on this list are used differently in Japan than in English-speaking countries, so it can be helpful to check how a name is typically used for boys or girls.