Explore popular Japanese first names (given names) with detailed meanings, pronunciations, and cultural significance.
Explore the beauty and meaning behind Japanese given names. Each name carries deep cultural significance, beautiful sounds, and rich history that reflects Japanese values and aesthetics.
さくら
Sakura
Cherry blossom; celebrates the delicate beauty of spring blooms.
桜 (sakura) is Japan's national flower and represents transient beauty celebrated during hanami festivals.
Pronounced 'sah-KOO-rah' with a soft final 'rah'.
ゆい
Yui
To bind together + clothing; a name that suggests harmonious connections.
結 conveys tying bonds and is common in names wishing for strong family ties and friendships.
Pronounced 'YOO-ee' in two quick syllables.
ひな
Hina
Sunshine + greens; a radiant name linked with warmth and growth.
Popular since the 1990s, 陽菜 appears in modern literature and anime, symbolizing cheerful energy.
Pronounced 'HEE-nah' with a crisp 'hee'.
りん
Rin
Cold, dignified, or composed; denotes poised elegance.
凛 captures a modern ideal of refined strength and appears in classical poetry and contemporary culture alike.
Pronounced 'REEN' with a gentle 'n'.
みお
Mio
Beautiful cherry blossom; celebrates feminine charm and spring renewal.
Combines 美 (beauty) with 桜 (cherry blossom), blending elegance with seasonal symbolism cherished in Japan.
Pronounced 'MEE-oh' with a light 'oh'.
あおい
Aoi
Hollyhock; also linked with the color blue-green and imperial festivals.
葵 is tied to the Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto and carries aristocratic associations from the Heian period.
Pronounced 'ah-oh-EE' flowing across three vowels.
さくら
Sakura
To bloom well; emphasizes flourishing beauty and good fortune.
This alternative spelling blends 咲 (to bloom) with 良 (good), often chosen for daughters born in spring.
Pronounced 'sah-KOO-rah', identical to the traditional spelling.
はるか
Haruka
Distant + fragrance; a poetic image of gentle breezes carrying scent.
遥香 evokes travel, nostalgia, and refined femininity in literature and song.
Pronounced 'HAH-roo-kah' with the 'ru' softly tapped.
あやか
Ayaka
Colorful + flower; celebrates artistry and natural beauty.
彩 conveys vivid colors, reflecting Japan's appreciation for seasonal florals in art and kimono design.
Pronounced 'AH-yah-kah' with clear open vowels.
りこ
Riko
Jasmine child; combines fragrant flora with youthful innocence.
莉 is associated with jasmine flowers, cherished for their sweet fragrance and elegance.
Pronounced 'REE-koh' with a gentle final 'koh'.
はな
Hana
Flower; a timeless symbol of natural beauty and joy.
Used for centuries, 花 appears in folklore and modern stories as an emblem of growth and celebration.
Pronounced 'HAH-nah' with equal stress.
めい
Mei
Sprout + garment; suggests fresh beginnings wrapped in tenderness.
芽 evokes new buds, making the name popular for spring births and symbolizing potential.
Pronounced 'MAY' with a steady vowel.
なぎさ
Nagisa
Seashore; evokes tranquil coastal scenery.
渚 appears in poetry describing the meeting of waves and sand, symbolizing gentle resilience.
Pronounced 'NAH-gee-sah' with a soft 'gi'.
ななみ
Nanami
Seven seas; symbolizes vast horizons and adventure.
The number seven holds auspicious meaning in Japan, representing good luck and connection.
Pronounced 'NAH-nah-mee' with even pacing.
えみ
Emi
Blessed beauty; highlights kindness and charm.
Combines 恵 (blessing) and 美 (beauty), a classic pairing in girls' names.
Pronounced 'EH-mee' with a soft 'eh'.
こはる
Koharu
Heart + spring; suggests warmth and gentleness of a mild season.
Koharu traditionally describes a late autumn warm spell nicknamed 'little spring'.
Pronounced 'koh-HAH-roo' with light consonants.
みずき
Mizuki
Auspicious + hope; symbolizes blessed expectations.
瑞希 blends optimism and luck, often chosen for New Year or spring births.
Pronounced 'MEE-zoo-kee' with the 'z' lightly voiced.
みなみ
Minami
Beautiful wave; conjures rhythmic ocean imagery.
Combines beauty with the sea, resonating with Japan's island heritage.
Pronounced 'mee-NAH-mee' with an open 'ah'.
かすみ
Kasumi
Fragrant mist; a poetic image from classical literature.
霞 (mist) is a favored motif in haiku, representing subtlety and beauty.
Pronounced 'kah-SOO-mee' with a soft 'oo'.
あすか
Asuka
Tomorrow + fragrance; looks toward a bright future with gentle charm.
Shares kanji with the historic Asuka period, evoking cultural heritage and artistic refinement.
Pronounced 'AH-soo-kah' with a short 'soo'.
あかり
Akari
Light + village; symbolizes a guiding light in the community.
灯 refers to lantern light, resonating with festivals and warm gatherings.
Pronounced 'ah-KAH-ree' with rolling 'r'.
ちよ
Chiyo
Thousand generations; a wish for enduring fortune and lineage.
Historic name associated with geisha culture and classical poetry.
Pronounced 'CHEE-yoh' with a soft 'yoh'.
あいこ
Aiko
Child of love; expresses cherished affection.
Famous through Princess Aiko of Japan, reinforcing its noble and loving connotations.
Pronounced 'EYE-koh' with a bright 'eye'.
ゆうな
Yuna
Gentleness + harmony; emphasizes kind and balanced character.
優奈 is embraced for its calm sound and refined nuances; seen in modern dramas and music.
Pronounced 'YOO-nah' with a long 'yoo'.
かのん
Kanon
Flower sound; suggests music inspired by blooms.
A modern name influenced by the musical term 'canon' and nature's melodies.
Pronounced 'KAH-nohn' with a nasal 'n'.
みう
Miu
Beautiful feather; combines elegance with lightness.
美羽 is modern and airy, evoking imagery of cranes and traditional dance.
Pronounced 'MEE-oo' with a subtle glide.
すず
Suzu
Bell; symbolizes clear, cheerful tones.
Small bells are used at shrines and festivals to attract good spirits.
Pronounced 'SOO-zoo' with repeating syllables.
あやの
Ayano
Colorful lineage; hints at vibrant heritage.
乃 softens names and adds a gentle, classical flow valued in feminine names.
Pronounced 'AH-yah-noh' evenly.
ことね
Kotone
Koto harp sound; celebrates musical elegance.
琴 is associated with classical Japanese music and refined court culture.
Pronounced 'KOH-toh-neh' with clear syllables.
りお
Rio
Jasmine + center; indicates fragrant grace at the heart of family.
A modern feminine name sharing sounds with the Portuguese capital, giving it global flair.
Pronounced 'REE-oh' with a quick 'oh'.
はると
Haruto
Sunlight + Big Dipper; symbolizes radiant leadership guided by the stars.
Haruto has topped Japanese boys' name rankings in the 2010s, reflecting parents' love of bright kanji.
Pronounced 'HAH-roo-toh' with a lightly tapped 'r'.
ゆうと
Yuto
Leisurely calm + person; points to a composed and thoughtful nature.
悠 conveys longevity and serenity, prized qualities in contemporary Japanese naming.
Pronounced 'YOO-toh' with an extended first vowel.
れん
Ren
Lotus blossom; signifies purity rising above adversity.
蓮 is revered in Buddhism for symbolizing spiritual awakening and resilience.
Pronounced 'REN' with a gentle nasal 'n'.
みなと
Minato
Harbor; evokes safe passage and bustling trade.
港 towns historically thrived as cultural crossroads, symbolizing openness to the world.
Pronounced 'mee-NAH-toh' with balanced syllables.
ひろと
Hiroto
Great flight; represents soaring ambition and courage.
翔 (soar) gained popularity in the 1990s for its dynamic, aspirational feel.
Pronounced 'HEE-roh-toh' with a soft 'roh'.
そうた
Sota
Deep blue + great; evokes vast skies and steadfast character.
蒼 captures the dignified color of the sky and sea, valued in Zen aesthetics.
Pronounced 'SOH-tah' with an elongated 'soh'.
そうま
Soma
Sudden wind + true; suggests a spirited, genuine force of nature.
颯 evokes gusts of wind, symbolizing agility and refreshing change.
Pronounced 'SOH-mah' with a steady 'mah'.
ゆうま
Yuma
Tranquil + reality; conveys calm strength grounded in truth.
Combines kanji popular with modern parents seeking gentle yet masculine names.
Pronounced 'YOO-mah' with even pacing.
かいと
Kaito
Sea + Big Dipper; combines ocean adventure with constellation guidance.
A quintessential modern name, beloved for maritime imagery and the heroic kanji 斗.
Pronounced 'KAI-toh' with a bright 'kai'.
はやと
Hayato
Peregrine falcon + person; symbolizes speed and precision.
隼 references falconry, admired among samurai for skill and focus.
Pronounced 'HAH-yah-toh' with a quick 'yah'.
たくみ
Takumi
Cultivate + sea; suggests opening new horizons with craftsmanship.
Takumi is synonymous with master artisanship in Japanese culture.
Pronounced 'TAH-koo-mee' with a gentle 'koo'.
りく
Riku
Land; represents stability and a grounded nature.
陸 has been popular since the 1990s for its clean kanji and strong imagery.
Pronounced 'REE-koo' with a short 'koo'.
しょうた
Shota
Soar + thick; implies expansive ambition.
A staple since the 1980s, blending modern kanji with classic suffix 太 (big).
Pronounced 'SHOH-tah' with a long 'oh'.
りゅうせい
Ryusei
Meteor; captures spectacle and fleeting brilliance.
流星 viewing is tied to making wishes, reflecting hope and aspiration.
Pronounced 'RYOO-say' with a palatalized 'ryu'.
いつき
Itsuki
One tree; symbolizes steadfast growth and individuality.
樹 is a popular kanji for modern boys, reflecting environmental awareness and endurance.
Pronounced 'EET-soo-kee' with a soft 'tsu'.
なおき
Naoki
Honest + tree; represents integrity and steady growth.
A classic name that rose in the 1970s and retains a trustworthy aura.
Pronounced 'NAH-oh-kee' with both vowels sounded.
だいき
Daiki
Great radiance; indicates shining success and presence.
輝 (radiance) is a favored kanji expressing brilliance and joy.
Pronounced 'DAI-kee' with an open 'dai'.
けんた
Kenta
Healthy + big; symbolizes robust vitality.
健太 peaked in the 1980s and continues to represent athletic strength.
Pronounced 'KEN-tah' with a sharp 'ken'.
けい
Kei
Wisdom; denotes sharp insight and intelligence.
慧 appears in Buddhist contexts describing enlightened awareness.
Pronounced 'KAY' with a long vowel.
まこと
Makoto
Sincerity; emphasizes truthfulness and honor.
A samurai virtue, 誠 reflects the code of bushido and trustworthy conduct.
Pronounced 'mah-KOH-toh' with balanced syllables.
あらた
Arata
New; represents innovation and fresh beginnings.
新 evokes renewal, making it popular for boys born in new eras.
Pronounced 'AH-rah-tah' with open vowels.
けいと
Keito
Wisdom + Big Dipper; fuses intellect with guidance imagery.
A modern compound appealing to parents who want both smart and adventurous connotations.
Pronounced 'KAY-toh' with a long first vowel.
れい
Rei
Clever, wise; conveys cool composure.
怜 is compact yet refined, often chosen for its elegant brush strokes.
Pronounced 'RAY' with a soft 'r'.
ゆうと
Yuto
Leisurely calm + Big Dipper; implies steady guidance.
A popular alternative spelling to 悠人, chosen for its celestial nuance.
Pronounced 'YOO-toh'; identical to other Yuto spellings.
すばる
Subaru
Pleiades star cluster; symbolizes unity and brilliance.
昴 appears in classical literature and is a beloved astronomical reference.
Pronounced 'SOO-bah-roo' with equal syllables.
たくま
Takuma
Open up + true; indicates forging paths with authenticity.
A modern staple with connotations of innovation and reliability.
Pronounced 'TAH-koo-mah' smoothly.
ゆうま
Yuma
Courage + truth; focuses on bravery anchored in honesty.
勇 is a classic kanji for valor used in samurai contexts.
Pronounced 'YOO-mah'; same as other Yuma spellings.
ゆうと
Yuto
Gentle excellence + Big Dipper; embodies kind leadership.
Another favored Yuto spelling emphasizing 優 (kindness).
Pronounced 'YOO-toh'; identical in sound to other variants.
やまと
Yamato
Great harmony; references ancient Japan and national unity.
Yamato was the name of the earliest Japanese state and symbolizes cultural heritage.
Pronounced 'YAH-mah-toh' evenly.
けいすけ
Keisuke
Wisdom + help; denotes an insightful helper.
Keisuke became popular post-war, associated with educated professionals and athletes.
Pronounced 'KAY-skay' with a brief middle consonant.
Japanese parents carefully select kanji characters for their children's names based on meaning, sound, stroke count, and sometimes numerological significance. Each character carries deep meaning and cultural weight.
Many Japanese names reflect the beauty of seasons - spring cherry blossoms (sakura), summer greenery, autumn leaves, and winter's pristine beauty. This connection to nature is fundamental to Japanese aesthetics.
Contemporary Japanese naming often combines traditional meanings with modern sounds. Parents balance honoring cultural heritage while giving their children names that work in an increasingly globalized world.
The same kanji can often be read multiple ways. This flexibility allows parents to choose pronunciations that sound beautiful while maintaining meaningful written characters, creating unique combinations.