Japanese baby names carry centuries of history, myth and music. Below are 42 beautiful Japanese names for girls and boys, each with its meaning. Tap any name to see its full page with origin and numerology. Whether you want something classic or rare, this is a great place to start.
Japanese names are usually written with kanji, and the same sound can carry very different meanings depending on the characters chosen — which is why meaning matters so much. Names often reference nature (light, flowers, seasons, the sea), virtues, or hopes for the child. Many are short, soft and beautifully balanced.
Pick a Japanese name for its delicate sound and layered meaning; check that the reading and feeling match what you want to express.
Akira: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Bright, intelligent».
Aya: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Color, design».
Sakura: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Cherry blossom».
Yuki: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Snow; happiness».
Aiko: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Beloved girl».
Akari: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Light, brightness».
Akio: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Brilliant man».
Ami: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Friend; beauty».
Aoi: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Mauve; blue».
Daichi: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Great land; great wisdom».
Daiki: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Great radiance».
Emi: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Beautiful blessing».
Hana: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Flower».
Haru: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Spring; sun».
Haruki: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Radiance of spring».
Hayato: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Falcon; swift».
Hina: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Sun, light».
Hinata: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Sunny place; sunflower».
Hiro: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Generous, abundant».
Itsuki: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Firm tree».
Kaede: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Maple».
Kaito: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Seafarer».
Kenji: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Healthy and intelligent».
Kenta: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Healthy and robust».
Mei: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Beautiful; bud».
Mizuki: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Beautiful moon».
Riko: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Jasmine girl; truth».
Rin: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Dignified and serene».
Ryo: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Refreshing, clear».
Saki: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Blooming flower; hope».
Sana: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Radiance».
Sora: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Sky».
Takeshi: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Strong warrior».
Takumi: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Skilled craftsman».
Yamato: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Great harmony».
Yua: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Love that unites».
Yui: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Bond, tie».
Yumi: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Bow; beauty».
Yuri: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Lily».
Yuto: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Tender and gentle».
Ren: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Lotus; love».
Riku: a name of Japanese origin meaning «Firm land».
Popular Japanese names include Akira, Aya, Sakura, Yuki, Aiko, Akari.
Yes — the list includes girl, boy and unisex names; each name's page shows the gender.
Japanese names often blend meaning, mythology and a distinctive sound that travels well across languages.