Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Akira
GirlJapanese· “bright, clear”
- Meaning
- bright, clear
- Origin
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- ah-KEE-rah
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #983
- US babies 2025
- 257
- Best rank
- #707 (2008)
- Peak year
- 2008
Meaning and origin of Akira
Akira is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “bright, clear”.
Akira is a Japanese name most often written with characters meaning bright, clear or intelligent, although its exact meaning depends on the kanji chosen. In Japan it is used mainly for boys, and less commonly for girls. Film director Akira Kurosawa, whose work includes Seven Samurai and Rashomon, made it known worldwide, and the landmark animated film Akira brought it to a new generation. In the United States Akira is used for both boys and girls. The name is crisp and melodic, easy to pronounce in English, and its bright meaning makes it appealing.
Popularity over time
Akira first appears in US Social Security records in 1973. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 10 different years, starting in 2002. Its best national rank was #707 in 2008, the same year it reached its highest count of 424 babies. In 2025, 257 babies were named Akira, and it ranked #983 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #9,117 in 1980, #1,203 in 2000, #835 in 2010, and #983 in 2025. Of the 7,817 US girls named Akira since records began, 34% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 2,521 babies. Since 2010, 3,899 more have been named Akira.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kaylen, Mariyah, Mareli, Paloma, and Milagros.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Akira ranked highest in Oklahoma, Arizona, and Missouri.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | #548 | 7 |
| Arizona | #579 | 11 |
| Missouri | #592 | 9 |
| Louisiana | #599 | 7 |
| California | #732 | 42 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 88% of US babies named Akira over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Akira is usually pronounced ah-KEE-rah, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Akira
A few middle names that flow with Akira: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Akira
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Lists that include Akira
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Akira mean?
Akira is a Japanese name that is usually said to mean “bright, clear”.
What is the origin of the name Akira?
Akira has Japanese roots. Akira is a Japanese name most often written with characters meaning bright, clear or intelligent, although its exact meaning depends on the kanji chosen.
Is Akira a popular name?
Yes. Akira ranked #983 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Akira a boy or girl name?
Akira is mainly a girl's name. About 88% of US babies named Akira over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Akira?
Akira is usually pronounced ah-KEE-rah. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings