Japanese baby names with meanings
Japanese names are delicate and meaningful, often built from kanji characters tied to nature and virtue — names like Haru, Aiko, Ren and Yuki. This page collects 65 Japanese names — 36 for boys, 29 for girls and 0 for unisex — with every meaning and gender shown at a glance, so you can shortlist the ones that speak to you.
Among the most popular Japanese boy names are Akira, Daichi, Haru, Haruto, while top girl picks include Aiko, Akari, Hana, Hinata. Names are ordered by popularity rank, with classics and rising favourites mixed together.
Not sure where to start? Say each candidate out loud with your surname, then use the free baby names generator to filter Japanese names further by starting letter, rashi or a meaning you love. Save your favourites to the shortlist and use the compatibility checker to see how your top picks sound together.
Popular Japanese names
The most popular Japanese names first, with meaning, origin and gender for easy comparison.
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akira | Bright, clear | Japanese | boy |
| Daichi | Great wisdom, great land | Japanese | boy |
| Haru | Spring, sunshine | Japanese | boy |
| Haruto | Sun flying | Japanese | boy |
| Hiroshi | Generous, prosperous | Japanese | boy |
| Kaito | Sea, sky, ocean flying | Japanese | boy |
| Kenji | Healthy, strong | Japanese | boy |
| Kenta | Healthy, strong | Japanese | boy |
| Ren | Lotus, love | Japanese | boy |
| Ryo | Refreshing, excellent | Japanese | boy |
| Satoshi | Wise, quick | Japanese | boy |
| Yuto | Gentle, superior | Japanese | boy |
| Aiko | Beloved child | Japanese | girl |
| Akari | Light, bright | Japanese | girl |
| Hana | Flower, blossom | Japanese | girl |
| Hinata | Sunny place, sunflower | Japanese | girl |
| Mei | Bright, beautiful | Japanese | girl |
| Miyuki | Beautiful blessing | Japanese | girl |
| Sakura | Cherry blossom | Japanese | girl |
| Yui | Gentle, superior | Japanese | girl |
| Yuna | Gentle, superior, kind | Japanese | girl |
| Aoi | Hollyhock, blue | Japanese | boy |
| Arata | New, fresh | Japanese | boy |
| Daisuke | Great help | Japanese | boy |
| Hayato | Falcon person | Japanese | boy |
| Hikaru | Radiant light | Japanese | boy |
| Hiro | Generous, abundant | Japanese | boy |
| Isamu | Courage, valour | Japanese | boy |
| Kazuki | Harmony, hope | Japanese | boy |
| Ken | Healthy, strong | Japanese | boy |
| Kota | Happiness, blessing | Japanese | boy |
| Makoto | Sincerity, truth | Japanese | boy |
| Minato | Harbour | Japanese | boy |
| Naoki | Honest tree | Japanese | boy |
| Riku | Land, earth | Japanese | boy |
| Ryota | Refreshing, clear | Japanese | boy |
| Sho | Soar, fly | Japanese | boy |
| Sora | Sky | Japanese | boy |
| Takashi | Noble, prosperous | Japanese | boy |
| Takeru | Brave warrior | Japanese | boy |
| Takumi | Artisan, skilled | Japanese | boy |
| Taro | Great son | Japanese | boy |
| Taiga | Big river | Japanese | boy |
| Yuki | Snow, happiness | Japanese | boy |
| Yusuke | Brave help | Japanese | boy |
| Aimi | Love, beauty | Japanese | girl |
| Ayame | Iris flower | Japanese | girl |
| Chiyo | Thousand generations | Japanese | girl |
| Emi | Blessed beauty | Japanese | girl |
| Haruka | Distant, spring flower | Japanese | girl |
| Hina | Sunlight, light | Japanese | girl |
| Hoshi | Star | Japanese | girl |
| Kiko | Hope, child | Japanese | girl |
| Kohana | Small flower | Japanese | girl |
| Mariko | Truth, child | Japanese | girl |
| Mayumi | True beauty | Japanese | girl |
| Michi | Path, wisdom | Japanese | girl |
| Mizuki | Beautiful moon | Japanese | girl |
| Naomi | Straight, beautiful | Japanese | girl |
| Natsuki | Summer hope | Japanese | girl |
Showing 60 of 65 Japanese names. Open the generator and choose the Japanese origin filter to browse the complete list.
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Japanese baby names FAQ
What are popular Japanese baby boy names?
Popular Japanese boy names include Akira, Daichi, Haru, Haruto. There are 36 Japanese boy names in our collection, each with its meaning and origin shown in the table below.
What are popular Japanese baby girl names?
Popular Japanese girl names include Aiko, Akari, Hana, Hinata. You will find 29 Japanese girl names in the list below, sorted by popularity with meanings included.
What does Japanese origin mean in baby names?
Japanese names are delicate and meaningful, often built from kanji characters tied to nature and virtue — names like Haru, Aiko, Ren and Yuki.