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

Japanese baby names are gorgeous and meaningful — whether you're honoring your own heritage or just love the culture that gave us sushi and manga. 🍣

A few things to know before you dive in:

• Family name first: In Japan, the family name comes before the given name — the opposite of the Western order. Mixing east and west is totally fine, just know the rules before you bend them.
• Names carry heritage: Takako means "child of Taka." If a name runs in your family, Japanese naming traditions make it easy to pass it down.
• Names can mark birth order: Manzo literally means "third-born son." Your third might not thank you for the reminder, but hey, it's tradition. 😅

Japanese names are built from characters that often carry more than one meaning, so a single name can hold a whole story. And since most of the world reads Latin letters, your baby gets two ways to write their name — basically bilingual before they can talk.

Ready? Here are 701 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:

1. Ai (愛): 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.
2. 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?
3. Chikako (千賀子): 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”.
4. Kikuko (菊子): 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.
5. Yuko (佑子): 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:

1. Haruki (春輝): 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.)
2. Hideo (秀夫): 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".
3. Ichiro (一郎): 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.
4. Kazuhiko (和彦): 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.
5. Tatsuo (竜雄): 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’s 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

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”.

1. Aka (赤): Meaning "red" in Japanese — usually the start of a name.
2. Aneko (姉子): Meaning "older sister," symbolizing familial respect.
3. Anzu (杏): Meaning "apricot," associated with sweetness and simplicity.
4. Arine: Meaning "one who is full of joy".
5. Asaka (朝香): Meaning "bear," symbolizing strength and courage. 🐻
6. Asayo (朝代): Meaning "morning," evoking freshness and beginnings.
7. Asuga: Meaning "tomorrow," suggesting hope for the future.
8. Asuka (明日香): Meaning "fragrance of tomorrow," a poetic and hopeful name.
9. Asuna (明日奈): Meaning "tomorrow" or "apple tree".
10. Ayaka (彩夏): Meaning "color," often representing vibrancy and life.
11. Ayako (綾子): Meaning "writing," associated with creativity.
12. Ayame (菖蒲): Meaning "iris".
13. Ayami (彩美): Meaning "colorful".
14. Ayano (彩乃): Meaning "color".
15. Ayuka: Meaning "walking flower".
16. Bashira: Meaning "joyful".
17. Chiharu (千春): Meaning "a thousand springs," symbolizing renewal and abundance.
18. Chinatsu (千夏): Meaning "thousand summers".
19. Chiye (智恵): Meaning "knowledge" or "blessed," representing wisdom.
20. Chiyeko (千恵子) or Chiyemi (千恵美): Meaning "thousand blessings," symbolizing fortune.
21. Cho or Chou (蝶): One of a few Japanese names meaning "butterfly". 🦋
22. Chouko (蝶子): Possibly one of our favorite Japanese names meaning "butterfly child".
23. Eiko (栄子): Meaning "prosperous".
24. Fumiye (文恵): Meaning "blessed writings".
25. Hana (花) or Hanae (花恵): Meaning "flower". 💮
26. Hanako (花子): Meaning "flower child," a name celebrating youth and nature.
27. Hanaye (花江) or Hanayo (花代): Meaning "flower".
28. Haruka (春香): Meaning "spring fragrance".
29. Haruna (春菜): Meaning "springtime".
30. Hatsu (初) or Hatsumi (初美): Meaning "beginning," symbolizing new opportunities.
31. Hatsuko (初子): Meaning "first-born daughter".
32. Himawari (向日葵): Meaning "sunflower". 🌻
33. Hinako (陽菜子): The Japanese name for "sun-child".
34. Hokona: Meaning "harmonious flower".
35. Ikuye: Meaning "flourishing," symbolizing growth and prosperity.
36. Japana: Meaning "muttering prayers," associated with devotion.
37. Kaede (楓): Meaning "maple leaf".
38. Kagami (鏡): Meaning "mirror".
39. Kaiya (海也) or Kaiyo (海世): Meaning "forgiveness".
40. Kameko (亀子): Meaning "tortoise". 🐢
41. Kamiko (神子): Meaning "little goddess".
42. Kasumi (霞): Meaning "mist".
43. Kayo (佳代): Meaning "good".
44. Kazuno (和乃) or Kazuye (和恵): Meaning "harmony".
45. Kiku (菊), Kikuyo (菊代), or Kikuye (菊恵): Meaning "chrysanthemum flower".
46. Kimiye (君恵): Meaning "joy".
47. Kimiyo (君代): Meaning "beginning".
48. Kinu (絹) or Kinuye (絹恵): Meaning "silk".
49. Kita (北): Meaning "north".
50. Kiyo (清), Kiyono (清乃), Kiyoye (清恵), or Kiyomi (清美): Meaning "clear".
51. Kohana (小花): Meaning "little flower".
52. Kokuro: Meaning "heart".
53. Kozakura (小桜): Meaning "little cherry tree".
54. Kura (蔵): Meaning "treasure house".
55. Kuri (栗): Meaning "chestnut".
56. Mai (舞): Meaning "dance". A popular 3-letter Japanese name.
57. Manae (愛苗): Meaning "young plant".
58. Mao (真央): Meaning "true center".
59. Mariko (真理子): Meaning "truth-child".
60. Masako (雅子): Meaning "elegant child".
61. Masaye (正栄): Meaning "prosper".
62. Masayo (正代): Meaning "elegant generation".
63. Mayu: Meaning "evening".
64. Mayumi (真弓): Meaning "reason".
65. Megumi (恵): Meaning "blessing".
66. Miko (巫女): Meaning "shrine maiden".
67. Minami (南): Meaning "south".
68. Mine (峰): Meaning "third daughter".
69. Mineyo (峰代): Meaning "summit".
70. Miran: One of our favorite Japanese names meaning "illusion".
71. Misaye (美紗恵): Meaning "vivid color".
72. Mitsuko (光子): Meaning "shining child".
73. Mitsuye (光江) or Mitsuyo (光代): Meaning "shine".
74. Momoka (桃花): Meaning "a hundred flowers".
75. Momoko (桃子), Momoyo (桃代), or Momoye (桃恵): Meaning "a hundred peaches".
76. Namie (奈美恵): Meaning "blessing".
77. Nanako (七子): Meaning "red apple". 🍎
78. Nanami (七海): Meaning "seven seas".
79. Okemia: Meaning "war horn".
80. Reika (麗香): Meaning "flower petal".
81. Reina (麗奈): Meaning "wise".
82. Rika (里佳): Meaning "village".
83. Riko (莉子) or Rina (莉奈): Meaning "jasmine".
84. Rini: Meaning "little bunny".
85. Ritsuko (律子): Meaning "child".
86. Riyeko: Meaning "truth".
87. Sadako (貞子): Meaning "chaste child".
88. Sakaye (栄): Meaning "prosper".
89. Sanaye: Meaning "quick".
90. Satoyo (里代): Meaning "village".
91. Saya (沙耶): Meaning "sand".
92. Sayaka (彩香): Meaning "brilliant".
93. Shinju (真珠): Meaning "pearl".
94. Shizuka (静香) or Shizuye (静恵): Meaning "calm".
95. Shoko (祥子): Meaning "auspicious child".
96. Sonoko (園子): Meaning "garden-child".
97. Sumiko (純子): Meaning "child of goodness".
98. Suzume (雀): Meaning "sparrow".
99. Taka (高): Meaning "tall".
100. Takako (貴子): Meaning "sweet child".
101. Takane (高嶺): Meaning "mountain peak".
102. Takara (宝): Meaning "treasure".
103. Takiko (滝子): Meaning "waterfall".
104. Tama (珠) or Tamami (珠美): Meaning "jewel".
105. Tomoka (友香): Meaning "great friend".
106. Tora (虎): A Japanese name meaning "tiger". 🐅
107. Tsubaki (椿): Meaning "camellia".
108. Ume (梅): Meaning "plum".
109. Urara (麗): Meaning "serene".
110. Uta (歌): Meaning "song".
111. Wakana (若菜): Meaning "harmony".
112. Youta (陽太): Meaning "sunlight".
113. Yubi: Meaning "graceful".
114. Yuri (百合): Meaning "lily".
115. Yui (結): Meaning "alone".
116. Yuina (結菜): Meaning "tie".
117. Yuka (由香): Meaning "reason".
118. Yukari (由香里): Meaning "save".
119. Yumena: Meaning "famous".
120. Yumiko (弓子): Meaning "bow-child".
121. Yuriko (百合子): Meaning "lily child".
122. Yuriye (百合恵): Meaning "lily-friend".
123. Zakuro (石榴): Meaning "pomegranate".

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

What’s a good first name for a Japanese boy?

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.

1. Akifumi (明文): Meaning "bright writings".
2. Akihiko (明彦): Meaning "bright boy".
3. Akihito (明仁): Meaning "brilliant".
4. Akimitsu (明光): Meaning "shine".
5. Akinobu (明信) or Akinori (明徳): Meaning "luminous".
6. Akio (明男): Meaning "bright".
7. Akito (明人): Meaning "clever person".
8. Asahi (朝日): Meaning "morning sun".
9. Atsuo (篤男): Meaning "kindness".
10. Atsushi (敦志): Meaning "compassionate warrior".
11. Botan (牡丹): Meaning "peony".
12. Bunta (文太): Meaning "design".
13. Chikao (智雄): Meaning "clever".
14. Daijiro (大二郎): Meaning "second son".
15. Daishiro (大四郎): Meaning "fourth son".
16. Daisuke (大輔): Meaning "big help".
17. Daitaro (大太郎): Meaning "first-born son".
18. Eito (瑛人): Meaning "excellent person".
19. Enzo: Name meaning Japanese for "circle".
20. Etsuo (悦男): Meaning "rejoice".
21. Fumihiko (文彦): Meaning "prince" in Japanese. 👑
22. Fumihiro (文弘): Meaning "history".
23. Fusao (総夫): Meaning "male life".
24. Genji (源氏): Meaning "heal".
25. Genkei (元慶): Meaning "honored".
26. Giichi (義一): Meaning "justice".
27. Ginjiro (銀次郎): A Japanese name meaning "silver that is good".
28. Goro (五郎): Meaning "fifth".
29. Hachiro (八郎): Meaning "eighth son".
30. Hajime (肇): Meaning "beginning".
31. Haru (春) or Haruto (春翔): Meaning "spring".
32. Hayato (隼人): Meaning "fast".
33. Hideharu (秀治): Meaning "excellent healing".
34. Hiraku (開): Meaning "open".
35. Hiro (弘): Meaning "abundance".
36. Hiroaki (弘明): Meaning "bright abundance".
37. Hirokazu (弘和): Meaning "abundant harmony".
38. Hiromitsu (弘光): Meaning "large light".
39. Hironobu (弘信): Meaning "gentle abundance".
40. Hironori (弘則): Meaning "tolerant ruler".
41. Hiroshi (博): Meaning "generous".
42. Hiroyoshi (弘良): Meaning "abundant honor".
43. Hiroyuki (裕幸): Meaning "abundant fortune".
44. Hisashi (久志): Meaning "ambition".
45. Ikuo (郁男): Meaning "conquesting man".
46. Isamu (勇): Meaning "courage".
47. Itsuo (五雄): Meaning "fifth born son".
48. Iwao (巌): Meaning "rock".
49. Jiro (二郎) or Joji (譲二): Meaning "second son".
50. Junichiro (純一郎): Meaning "he who takes".
51. Juro (十郎): Meaning "tenth son".
52. Kaito (海斗): Meaning "sea". 🌊
53. Kanji: Meaning "feeling".
54. Katash: Meaning "firm".
55. Katsunori (勝典): Meaning "smart".
56. Katsuro (勝郎): Meaning "victorious son".
57. Keisuke (啓介): Meaning "save".
58. Keitaro (慶太郎): Meaning "blessed".
59. Keizo (慶三): Meaning "third son" in Japanese.
60. Kenchiro (健一郎): Meaning "good luck".
61. Kenji (賢二): Meaning "clever second son".
62. Kenshin (謙信): Meaning "modest".
63. Kenzo (健三): Meaning Japanese for "healthy and wise".
64. Kiyohiko (清彦): Meaning "clear".
65. Kiyoto (清人): Meaning "noble person".
66. Kohei (航平): Meaning "navigator".
67. Kotaro (光太郎): Meaning "shine".
68. Kouki (光輝): Meaning "light".
69. Kunihiro (国弘): Meaning "abundant".
70. Kuro (九郎): Meaning "ninth son".
71. Kyosuke (恭介): Meaning "respectful".
72. Mako (誠): Meaning "sincerity".
73. Makoto (誠): Meaning "sincerity.
74. Mamoru (守): Meaning "defend".
75. Manabu (学): Meaning "learn".
76. Manzo (万三): Meaning "third son" in Japanese.
77. Masahiro (雅浩): One of a handful of Japanese "ocean" names.
78. Masakatsu (正勝): Meaning "lead winner".
79. Masanobu (正信) or Masayuki (雅之): Meaning "elegant".
80. Masaru (勝): Meaning "commander".
81. Matsu (松): Meaning "pine". 🌲
82. Michio (道夫): Meaning "man with the strength of three thousand".
83. Mikio (幹夫): Meaning "tree trunk".
84. Minoru (実): Meaning "bear fruit".
85. Mitsuhiro (光弘) or Mitsunobu (光信): Meaning "shining light".
86. Mitsuo (光男): Meaning "third".
87. Mizu (水): Meaning "water".
88. Naruto (鳴門): Meaning "nine-tailed mythical fox".
89. Noboru (昇) or Noburu (昇): Meaning "rise".
90. Nobu (伸): Meaning "stretch".
91. Norio (則夫): Meaning "beginning".
92. Osamu (治): Meaning "discipline".
93. Raiden (雷電): Meaning "god of thunder and lightning". 🌩️
94. Riku (陸): Meaning "handsome".
95. Rikuto (陸翔): Meaning "land".
96. Rokuro (六郎): Meaning "sixth son".
97. Ronin (浪人): Meaning "wanderer".
98. Saburo (三郎): Meaning "third son" in Japanese.
99. Samuru: Meaning "his name is God".
100. Satoru (悟): Meaning "understand".
101. Satoshi (智史): Meaning "intelligent history".
102. Shichiro (七郎): Meaning "seventh son".
103. Shigeo (茂夫): Meaning "life".
104. Shigeru (茂) or Shigeto (滋人): Meaning "luxury".
105. Shikamaru (鹿丸): Meaning "deer". 🦌
106. Shinjiro (真次郎): Meaning "true".
107. Shino (篠): Meaning "bamboo".
108. Shinsaku (進作): Meaning "go forward".
109. Shiro (白): The Japanese name for "white". 🤍
110. Shogo (正悟): Meaning "enlightened".
111. Suguru (優): Meaning "excellent".
112. Susumu (進): Meaning "advance".
113. Tadaaki (忠明): Meaning "loyal".
114. Tadahiro (忠弘), Tadashi (忠), or Tadanori (忠則): The Japanese name for "faithful".
115. Taijo: Meaning "large tree".
116. Taiki (大輝): Meaning "radiance".
117. Taiyo (太陽): The Japanese name for "sun". ☀️
118. Takahiro (隆広) or Takayoshi (孝良): Meaning "noble".
119. Takashi (隆): Meaning "gentleman".
120. Takehiko (武彦): Meaning "prince".
121. Takeshi (武): Meaning "warrior".
122. Takumi (匠): Meaning "artisan".
123. Taro (太郎): Meaning "eldest son".
124. Teruyoshi (照良): Meaning "free".
125. Tetsuo (哲男): Meaning "clear philosophy".
126. Tomofumi (智文): Meaning "smart sentence".
127. Tomohiro (友洋): Meaning "wide ocean".
128. Tomoya (友也): A Japanese name meaning "friend of".
129. Toru (徹): Meaning "persistent".
130. Toshihiro (俊弘): Meaning "wise".
131. Toshio (敏夫): Meaning "agile man".
132. Toshiro (俊郎): Meaning "talented".
133. Tsutomu (努): Meaning "endeavor".
134. Yamato (大和): Meaning "great harmony".
135. Yasashiku: Meaning "gentle and polite".
136. Yasuo (康夫): Meaning "protective".
137. Yuzuru (譲): Meaning "modest".
138. Zenjiro (善次郎): Meaning "second-born son".
139. Zenshiro (善四郎): Meaning "fourth-born son".
140. Zentaro (善太郎): Meaning "first-born son".

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

What’s 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.

1. Akari (朱里): Meaning "red plum".
2. Aki (明): Meaning "crystal clear". One of the more common 3-letter Japanese names.
3. Akiko (明子): Meaning "bright child".
4. Akira (明): Meaning "clarity" and "intelligence".
5. Aoi (碧): Meaning "blueish".
6. Aoki (青木): Meaning "blue tree".
7. Aoko (青子): Meaning "blue child". 💙
8. Asahise: Meaning "happiness".
9. Asako (朝子): Meaning "morning child".
10. Atsuko (篤子): Meaning "emotional child".
11. Ayumi (歩): Meaning "progress".
12. Chikafusa (親房): Meaning "close".
13. Chisato (千里): Meaning "knowledge" or "distance".
14. Dai (大): Meaning "to shine".
15. Daichi (大地): Meaning "first".
16. Daiki (大輝): Meaning "big and shining".
17. Chiyo (千代) or Chiyoko (千代子): Meaning "thousand generations".
18. Daitan (大胆): Meaning "bold one".
19. Eiichi (栄一): Meaning "light one".
20. Eiji (栄治): Meaning "prosperity".
21. Eriko (恵理子): Meaning "blessed child".
22. Etsu (悦): Meaning "rejoice".
23. Etsuko (悦子): Meaning "joyous child".
24. Fukiko (富貴子) or Fukuko (福子): Meaning "noble child".
25. Fuji (藤): Meaning "lives near the river of wisteria". 🏔️
26. Fumitaka (文孝) or Fumito (文人): Meaning "writings".
27. Fuyuko (冬子): Meaning "winter child".
28. Hachi (八): Meaning "eight".
29. Hamako (浜子): Meaning "seaside child".
30. Haranu: Meaning "spring" or "green".
31. Harue (春江): Meaning "springtime bay".
32. Haruhi (春日): Meaning "spring day".
33. Haruko (春子): Meaning "spring child".
34. Hayate (疾風): Meaning "smooth".
35. Hide (秀) or Hideyo (秀代): Meaning "excellent".
36. Hidehisa (秀久): Meaning "precious".
37. Hideki (秀樹), Hideyuki (秀之), or Hidenori (秀則): Meaning "excellence".
38. Hidetaka (秀孝): Meaning "flourish".
39. Hideyoshi (秀吉): Meaning "good luck".
40. Hikari (光): Meaning "light".
41. Hikaru (光): Meaning "shine".
42. Hinata (陽向): Meaning "towards the sun".
43. Hisaye (久江) or Hisayo (久代): Meaning "longevity".
44. Homare (誉): Meaning "honor".
45. Ichigo (苺): Meaning "strawberry". 🍓
46. Ichiko (一子): Meaning "first child".
47. Ikuko (育子): Meaning "birth of a child".
48. Ikuya (育也): Meaning "raise".
49. Inari (稲荷): Meaning "successful one".
50. Isako (砂子): Meaning "sand-child".
51. Isaye: Meaning "help".
52. Ishiko (石子): Meaning "little stone".
53. Isoko (磯子) or Isono (磯乃): Meaning "beach-child".
54. Itsuki (樹): Meaning "tree".
55. Itsuko (五子): Meaning "fifth child".
56. Izumi (泉): Meaning "spring fountain".
57. Jin (仁): Meaning "bright."
58. Jona: Meaning "dove". 🕊️
59. Jun (純): Meaning "talented".
60. Junpei (純平): Meaning "genuine".
61. Kaemon: Meaning "joyful".
62. Kairi (海里): Meaning "ocean village".
63. Kaki (柿): One of our favorite "fire" names in Japanese. 🔥
64. Kana (佳奈): Meaning "powerful".
65. Kanon (花音): Meaning "flower".
66. Kaoru (薫): Meaning "fragrance".
67. Katsu (勝): Meaning "victorious".
68. Katsuko (勝子): Meaning "victorious child".
69. Katsumi (克己): Meaning "overcome".
70. Kayoko (佳代子): Meaning "child of a good generation".
71. Kazane (風音): Meaning "wind that makes a sound".
72. Kazuko (和子): Meaning "one-child".
73. Kazumi (和美) or Kazuto (和人): Meaning "harmony"
74. Kazushige (和重): Meaning "first harmony".
75. Kazutaka (和孝): Meaning "worship".
76. Kazuyuki (和之): Meaning "harmony".
77. Kei (慧): Meaning "intelligent".
78. Keiko (恵子): Meaning "happy child".
79. Kenta (健太): Meaning "healthy".
80. Kimi (君): Meaning "delight".
81. Kimiko (君子): Meaning "noble child".
82. Kin (金): Meaning "golden".
83. Kioko (喜子): Meaning "child born happy".
84. Kitsune (狐): One of the beautiful Japanese names that mean "fox".
85. Kohaku (琥珀): One of a few Japanese names that mean "music".
86. Koharu (小春): Meaning "heart".
87. Koichi (幸一) or Kota (幸太): Meaning "happiness".
88. Koji (浩二): Meaning "little one" in Japanese.
89. Koko: Meaning "stork".
90. Kosuke (幸輔): Meaning "rising sun".
91. Kozue (梢) or Kozuye (梢恵): Meaning "tree branches".
92. Kuma (熊): Meaning "bear".
93. Kumi (久美): Meaning "long period of time".
94. Kuniko (国子): Meaning "child from the country".
95. Kuniyuki (邦之): Meaning "good fortune".
96. Kyo: Meaning "peach". 🍑
97. Kyou: Meaning "apricot".
98. Machiko (真知子) or Maeko (真恵子): Meaning "truth-child".
99. Maemi: Meaning "smile of truth".
100. Makiko (真紀子) or Maki (真紀): Meaning "truth".
101. Maro (麻呂): Meaning "myself".
102. Masa (正): Meaning "straightforward".
103. Masaaki (正明): Meaning "brilliant light".
104. Masafumi (雅文) or Masahide (雅秀): Meaning "elegant".
105. Masaki (正樹): Meaning "tree". 🌳
106. Masashi (正志): Meaning "ambition".
107. Matsuko (松子) or Matsuyo (松代): Meaning "pine tree-child".
108. Michi (道): Meaning "righteous way".
109. Michiaki (道明): Meaning "path".
110. Michinori (道徳): Meaning "virtue".
111. Michiyo (道代): Meaning "companion".
112. Midori (緑): Meaning "green". 💚
113. Mieko (美恵子): Meaning "prosperous".
114. Minowa: Meaning "ring of kindness".
115. Mirai (未来): Meaning "future".
116. Mitsu (蜜): Meaning "honey".
117. Mitsuru (満): Meaning "satisfy".
118. Mochi (餅): Meaning "rice cake".
119. Momiji (紅葉): Meaning "maple".
120. Momo (百): Meaning "one hundred".
121. Moriko (森子): Meaning "forest".
122. Motoko (素子): Meaning "child".
123. Motoye (基江): Meaning "foundation".
124. Motoyo (基代): Meaning "lifetime".
125. Mutsuko (睦子): Meaning "close".
126. Nagisa (渚): Meaning "beach".
127. Naoki (直樹): Meaning "tree of truth".
128. Naoya (直也): Meaning "improve".
129. Namiko (波子): Meaning "wave".
130. Natsu (夏): Meaning "born in summer".
131. Naoko (直子): Meaning "obedient child".
132. Nara (奈良): Meaning "happy".
133. Nariko (順子): Meaning "gentle child".
134. Natsuki (夏希), Natsuye (夏江), or Natsumi (夏美): Meaning "summer".
135. Natsuko (夏子): Meaning "summer child".
136. Nishi (西): Meaning "west".
137. Nobuko (信子): Name meaning "trust".
138. Nobuhide (信秀): The Japanese name for "faithfulness".
139. Nobuye (信江): The Japanese name for "faith".
140. Nobuyuki (信之): Meaning "truth".
141. Nori (紀): Meaning "belief".
142. Noriaki (紀明): Meaning "bright light".
143. Noriko (則子): Meaning "law" and "order".
144. Noriyuki (則之): Meaning "good fortune".
145. Oda (小田): Meaning "small rice paddy".
146. Ohta (太田): Meaning "eyes of the Almighty God".
147. Oki (沖): Meaning "ocean-centered". One of the more unusual 3-letter Japanese names.
148. Okimi: Meaning "bright shining light".
149. Rei (令): Meaning "law". One of the powerful 3-letter Japanese names.
150. Reiji (礼司): Meaning "salute".
151. Reiki (霊気): Meaning "healing".
152. Reo: Japanese name meaning "wise".
153. Riichi (利一): Meaning "first".
154. Riki (力): Meaning "power".
155. Rin (凛): Meaning "dignified".
156. Ryoichi (良一): Meaning "good".
157. Ryoji (良治): Meaning "heal".
158. Ryoko (良子): Meaning "good child".
159. Ryosuke (涼介) or Ryota (涼太): Meaning "clear".
160. Sachi (幸): Meaning "miracle" in Japanese.
161. Sachiko (幸子): Meaning "child of bliss".
162. Sachio (幸夫): Meaning "fortunate-born".
163. Sachiye (幸恵) or Sachiyo (幸代): Meaning "happiness".
164. Sadayo (定代): Meaning "decide".
165. Saku: Meaning "remembrance of the Lord".
166. Sasuke (佐助): Meaning "help".
167. Sato: Meaning "sugar".
168. Satoko (聡子): Meaning "wise child".
169. Sayeko: Meaning "bough-child".
170. Seiichi (誠一): Meaning "first".
171. Seiji (誠治): Meaning "lawful".
172. Seiko (誠子): Meaning "truth".
173. Setsuko (雪子): Meaning "snow-child". ❄️
174. Shigeko (茂子): Meaning "luxury child".
175. Shin (真): Meaning "true".
176. Shinichi (真一): Meaning "first".
177. Shinobu (忍): Meaning "endure".
178. Shinta (進太): Meaning "develop".
179. Shiori (栞): Meaning "bookmark".
180. Shizu: Meaning "ancestor".
181. Shohei (翔平): Meaning "respect".
182. Shota (翔太): Meaning "commander".
183. Shouta (翔太): Meaning "soaring".
184. Shoya (翔也): Meaning "fly high".
185. Shun (駿): Meaning "speed".
186. Shunpei (俊平): Meaning "smooth".
187. Shusuke: Meaning "meditation".
188. Shuya (修也): Meaning "congratulations".
189. Soji (宗司): Meaning "worship".
190. Soma (颯真): Meaning "smoothly".
191. Sora (空): A beautiful Japanese name meaning "sky".
192. Sota (颯太), Souta (颯太), or Souma (颯真): Meaning "smoothly".
193. Suzuki (鈴木): Meaning "the ears of rice piled up".
194. Taichi (太一): Meaning "big".
195. Takato (孝人) or Takuma (拓真): Meaning "exalted".
196. Takuya (拓也): Meaning "cultivate".
197. Tamaki (珠樹): Meaning "jewel tree".
198. Tamiko (民子): Meaning "child of the people".
199. Taru: Meaning "small plant".
200. Teruko (照子): Meaning "shine".
201. Tetsu (鉄): Meaning "iron".
202. Tetsuya (哲也): Meaning "philosophy".
203. Toki (時): Meaning "time of opportunity".
204. Tokyo (東京): The capital city of Japan.
205. Tomi (富): Meaning Japanese for "rich".
206. Tomiko (富子): Meaning "happy child".
207. Tomo (友): Easily one of our favorite Japanese "twin" names.
208. Tomoe (巴): Meaning "blessing-friend".
209. Tomoko (友子): A Japanese name meaning "friendly child".
210. Tomoyo (知世): Meaning "wise world".
211. Tori (鳥): One of our favorite Japanese names meaning "bird".
212. Toshi (俊): Meaning "bright".
213. Toshiko (敏子): Meaning "clever child".
214. Toshiyuki (敏之): Meaning "agility".
215. Tsubasa (翼): Meaning "wings".
216. Tsuneko (常子): Meaning "always my child".
217. Tsuyoshi (剛): Meaning "sturdy".
218. Utako (歌子): Meaning "song-child".
219. Utano (歌乃): Meaning "field of songs".
220. Washi (鷲): Meaning "eagle". 🦅
221. Wenhui: Meaning "bright writing".
222. Yachi (八千): Meaning "eight thousand".
223. Yasu (安): Name meaning "calm".
224. Yasuko (安子): Meaning "tranquility".
225. Yayoi (弥生): Meaning "new life".
226. Yoko (陽子): Meaning "child".
227. Yori (頼): Meaning "reliable".
228. Yoshimasa: Meaning "ecstacy leader".
229. Yoshino (吉野): The Japanese name for "lucky field".
230. Yosuke (陽介): Meaning "meditation".
231. Youko (陽子): The Japanese name for "sunshine".
232. Yuichi (裕一): Meaning "kind one".
233. Yuji (雄二): Meaning "second".
234. Yuki (幸): Meaning "happiness".
235. Yukia: Meaning "gentle tree".
236. Yukiko (雪子): Meaning "happy snow-child".
237. Yukino (雪乃): Meaning "like snow".
238. Yusei (佑星): Meaning "help".
239. Yuta (裕太): Meaning "one with many friends".
240. Yuya (悠也): Meaning "carefree".
241. Zen (禅): Meaning "calm meditation".

## What’s 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”.

1. Aiko (愛子): Meaning "little loved one".
2. Aimi (愛美): Meaning "beautiful love".
3. Aina (愛菜): Meaning "love".
4. Airi (愛莉): Meaning "love" and "jasmine".
5. Akemi (明美): Meaning "bright beauty".
6. Asami (麻美): Meaning "beauty".
7. Ayume: Meaning "color of love".
8. Chinami (千奈美): Meaning "beautiful".
9. Ema (笑麻): Built around the kanji for "smile." 😊
10. Emica: Meaning "beautiful".
11. Fumi (芙美): Meaning "beautiful lotus".
12. Fumiko (芙美子): Meaning "beautiful".
13. Harumi (晴美): A Japanese name for "sunny beauty".
14. Hayami: Meaning "rare and unusual beauty".
15. Himari (陽葵): Meaning "sun and sunflower" combined — basically sunshine, twice. 🌻
16. Himeko (姫子): Meaning "princess child".
17. Hina (陽菜): Meaning "sun and greens," a name that's all warmth. ☀️
18. Hiromi (弘美): Meaning "generous beauty".
19. Hitomi (瞳): Meaning "beautiful wisdom".
20. Hoshiko (星子): Meaning "star-child".
21. Iori (伊織): Meaning "to weave," for someone who brings people together.
22. Kokoro (心): Meaning "heart," plain and simple. 💛
23. Kiyoko (清子): Meaning "pure child".
24. Kumiko (久美子): Meaning "long-time beauty".
25. Junko (純子): Meaning "pure child".
26. Makimi: Meaning "genuine beauty".
27. Mami (真美): Meaning "beautiful truth".
28. Manami (愛美): Meaning "love".
29. Masami (雅美) or Masumi (真澄): Meaning "beautiful".
30. Mei (芽依): Meaning "sprout," for your newest little bud. 🌱
31. Michiko (美智子): Meaning "child of beautiful wisdom".
32. Michiye (美智恵): Meaning "beautiful knowledge".
33. Mihoko (美穂子), Mikiko (美紀子), Mikayo (美佳代), or Mikako (美佳子): Meaning "beautiful child".
34. Mika (美香): Meaning "beautiful fragrance".
35. Miki (美樹) or Mikino (美樹乃): Meaning "beautiful tree".
36. Miku (美空): Meaning "beautiful sky".
37. Minako (美奈子): Meaning "beautiful child".
38. Minori (実里): Meaning "beautiful harbor".
39. Misa (美咲) or Misaki (美咲): Meaning "beautiful bloom".
40. Misako (美佐子): Meaning "beautiful child".
41. Misayo (美佐代): Meaning "beautiful help".
42. Miu (美羽): Meaning "beautiful feather".
43. Miya: Meaning "beautiful relaxing".
44. Miyo (美代), Miyoko (美代子), Miyako (美弥子), or Miyeko (美恵子): Meaning "beautiful child".
45. Miyuki (美幸): Meaning "beautiful happiness".
46. Mizuki (美月): Meaning "beautiful moon".
47. Nao (直): Meaning "love" or "affection".
48. Nozomi (望): Meaning "hope" in Japanese.
49. Reiko (麗子): Meaning "beautiful child".
50. Rumi (瑠美): Meaning "flowing beauty".
51. Ruqa: Meaning "beautiful".
52. Sada (貞): Meaning "pure one".
53. Saki (咲) or Sakiko (咲子): Meaning "blossom".
54. Sakura (桜) or Sakurako (桜子): Meaning "cherry blossom". 🌸
55. Satomi (聡美): Meaning "wise beauty".
56. Satsuki (皐月): Meaning "early moon".
57. Seina: One of our favorite Japanese names that mean "star". ⭐
58. Shigemi (茂美): Meaning "beautiful luxury".
59. Sonomi: Meaning "garden of hope" in Japanese.
60. Sugako: Meaning "beautiful".
61. Sumiye (純恵): Meaning "pure".
62. Tadame: Meaning "seeds of beauty".
63. Tomomi (友美): Meaning "beautiful friend".
64. Tsukiko (月子): Meaning "moon".
65. Umi: Meaning "beauty".
66. Wakumi: Meaning "beautiful spring of water".
67. Yoshe: Meaning "beauty".
68. Yoshiko (良子): Meaning "good beauty".
69. Yoshimi (佳美): Meaning "beautiful".
70. Yua (結愛): Meaning "tied love".
71. Yuuki (優希): Meaning "gentle hope" in Japanese.
72. Yumi (由美) or Yumie (由美恵): Meaning "abundant in beauty".
73. Yuna (優奈) or Yuuna (優奈): Meaning "kindness".

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:

1. Akihito (明仁): Meaning "brilliant".
2. Akio (明男): Meaning "bright".
3. Akito (明人): Meaning "clever person".
4. Akiyoshi (明良): Meaning "brave and blessed".
5. Amane (天音): Meaning "heavenly sound," for a baby with main character energy. 🎶
6. Aneko (姉子): Meaning "older sister".
7. Ao (碧): Deep blue, like the sky on a good day. ☁️
8. Ayaki: Meaning "unique".
9. Ayumu (歩夢): A Japanese name meaning "dream".
10. Chiasa (千朝): Meaning "one thousand mornings".
11. Chiye (智恵): Meaning "knowledge" or "blessed".
12. Eiko (栄子): Meaning "prosperous".
13. Eito (瑛人): Meaning "excellent person".
14. Hatsuko (初子): Meaning "first-born daughter".
15. Hidekazu (秀和): Meaning "peace".
16. Hiroaki (弘明): Meaning "bright abundance".
17. Hiroto (大翔): Meaning "soar". So your baby boy can reach unimaginable heights!
18. Hiroyuki (裕幸): Meaning "abundant fortune".
19. Hisashi (久志): Meaning "ambition".
20. Hoshi (星): One of the more popular Japanese names that mean "star".
21. Ikuye: Meaning "flourishing".
22. Kaito (海斗): Meaning "sea". 🌊
23. Kamiko (神子): Meaning "little goddess".
24. Katsuki (勝希): Meaning "moon". 🌙
25. Kazuaki (和明), Kazuma (和真), Kazuki (和樹), or Kazuhito (和仁): Meaning "peace".
26. Kenchiro (健一郎): Meaning "good luck".
27. Kenji (賢二): Meaning "clever second son".
28. Kento (健人): Meaning "healthy person," simple and solid.
29. Kita (北): Meaning "north".
30. Kiyoshi (清): Meaning "pure".
31. Kouta (幸太): Meaning "peace".
32. Kyoko (清子): Meaning "pure".
33. Mai (舞): Meaning "dance". A popular 3-letter Japanese name.
34. Manae (愛苗): Meaning "young plant".
35. Masakatsu (正勝): Meaning "lead winner".
36. Masakazu (正和): Meaning "peace".
37. Masako (雅子): Meaning "elegant child".
38. Masaye (正栄): Meaning "prosper".
39. Masuyo (益世): Meaning "world" — since your baby girl is your world!
40. Michio (道夫): Meaning "man with the strength of three thousand".
41. Miran: One of our favorite Japanese names meaning "illusion".
42. Mitsuko (光子): Meaning "shining child".
43. Mitsuye (光江) or Mitsuyo (光代): Meaning "shine".
44. Miyu (美夢): Meaning "beautiful dream".
45. Mizu (水): Meaning "water".
46. Nagi (凪): Meaning "the calm after a storm."
47. Nagomi (和): Meaning "harmony and peace," no notes.
48. Naruto (鳴門): Meaning "nine-tailed mythical fox".
49. Raiden (雷電): Meaning "god of thunder and lightning". 🌩️
50. Ren (蓮): Meaning "love lotus".
51. Riko (莉子) or Rina (莉奈): Meaning "jasmine".
52. Riku (陸): Meaning "handsome".
53. Ritsu (律): Meaning "rhythm and order."
54. Ryohei (良平): Meaning "peaceful".
55. Ronin (浪人): Meaning "wanderer".
56. Ruri (瑠璃): Meaning "lapis lazuli", a bright blue crystal.
57. Seijun (清純): Meaning "pure".
58. Suguru (優): Meaning "excellent".
59. Suki: Meaning "loved one".
60. Taiyo (太陽): The Japanese name for "sun". ☀️
61. Takehiko (武彦): Meaning "prince".
62. Takeshi (武): Meaning "warrior".
63. Tenshi (天使): The Japanese name that means "angel".
64. Tomoka (友香): Meaning "great friend".
65. Tora (虎): A Japanese name meaning "tiger". 🐅
66. Toshiro (俊郎): Meaning "talented".
67. Tsukasa (司): Meaning "one who leads."
68. Wakako (和子): Meaning "peaceful child".
69. Wataru (渡): Meaning "to cross over."
70. Yoshiteru (善輝): Meaning "rich and abundant crystals".
71. Yudai (雄大): Meaning "brave".
72. Yume (夢): Meaning "dream".
73. Yumeji (夢路): Meaning "road to a dream".
74. Yumena: Meaning "famous".
75. Yuzuki (柚月): Meaning "citron and moon."

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?

1. Ahmya: Meaning "black rain".
2. Akane (茜): Meaning "deep red".
3. Akihiro (秋弘): Meaning "bright fall".
4. Akiye (秋江): Meaning "fall". 🍂
5. Ankoku (暗黒): Meaning "dark and gloomy," about as on-the-nose as Japanese names get.
6. Chiaki (千秋): Meaning "a thousand falls".
7. Chisuke: Meaning "blood".
8. Habiki: Meaning "echo".
9. Hideaki (秀秋): Meaning "excellent fall".
10. Kage (影): Meaning "shadow," short, sharp, and a little bit mysterious.
11. Kaida: Meaning "little dragon".
12. Katana (刀): Meaning "sword".
13. Kazuya (和也): One of the beautiful "fire" names in Japanese.
14. Kugari: A Japanese name meaning "darkness".
15. Kurayami (暗闇): Meaning "total darkness," not subtle in the slightest.
16. Kurohane (黒羽): Meaning "black feather," moody in the best way.
17. Kurotaka (黒鷹): Meaning "black hawk," fierce from day one.
18. Kuroyuki (黒雪): Meaning "black snow," a contradiction that somehow works.
19. Mahō (魔法): One of a few Japanese names meaning "magic".
20. Mayu: Meaning "evening".
21. Meian (明暗): Meaning "light and shadow," for a baby who contains multitudes.
22. Moto (元): Meaning "spirit".
23. Muga (無我): Meaning "nothing".
24. Rai (雷): Meaning "thunder".
25. Rasetsu (羅刹): Meaning "demon" or "evil spirit," straight out of Japanese folklore.
26. Reiken (霊剣): Meaning "ghostly power," equal parts eerie and elegant.
27. Ryo (涼): Meaning "defy".
28. Ryoto (涼翔) or Ryuhei (竜平): Meaning "dragon".
29. Ryu (竜): Meaning "dragon".
30. Ryuunosuke (竜之介): Meaning "dragon shell".
31. Sayoko (小夜子): A Japanese name meaning "night-child".
32. Tamashini: Meaning "soul".
33. Tatsuhiro (竜広) or Tatsuya (竜也): Meaning "dragon".
34. Tsukikage (月影): Meaning "moon shadow," dark and dreamy at once. 🌙
35. Uki: Meaning "space" or "air". One of the space-related 3-letter Japanese names.
36. Yami (闇): Meaning "darkness," blunt and unforgettable.
37. Yeuri: Meaning "ghost".
38. Yoru (夜): Meaning "night," short, simple, and a little bit spooky.
39. Yozora (夜空): Meaning "night sky," dark with a hint of stars. ✨

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!