Japanese First Names and Meanings

​During the feudal society times in Japan, given names represented a person's social status. Therefore, Japanese names were fluid and often changed with a person's status and affiliations during these times. In Japan, status, birth order, personality or physical traits, warrior status are some of the inspirations behind baby names.

In the 1870s, with the creation of the family registration system and a formalized naming system, the Japanese naming tradition we know today, consisting of a surname and given name, came into fruition. Traditionally, In Japan, the surname comes before the given name, and people were often referred to by their surname rather than their given name. In Western cultures, the given name is what we think of as their first name. Given names are typically written in Chinese characters called kanji, which can drastically change the meaning and pronunciation of the name. 

As someone who had the privilege of living in Japan for a year in the early 2000s, I can tell you it is quite common, especially among post-WWII generations, to use the common first name, last name styling.

Japanese Birth Order Names

Traditional Japanese boy names were often styled on birth order. For example, Ichiro means “first son,” while Jiro means “second son,” and Saburo means “third son.” This theme is widely expanded on for baby boy names, and there any many different names and meanings for sons based on birth order.

1. Daichi - First son.  
2. Goro - Fifth son.  
3. Hachiro - Eighth son.  
4. Seiji - Pure, second son.  
5. Shinji - True, second son.  
6. Shiro - Fourth son.  
7. Shuji - Disciplined, second son.  
8. Taichi - Large, first son.  
9. Yoichi - Positive, first son.  
10. Yuichi - Heroic, first son.

Popular Japanese Girl Names

Japanese girl names have become widely known amongst English speakers because of anime and manga, two well-loved art forms that originated in Japan. Many of the names used in these popular art forms are also well-loved Japanese baby names. Here are some of the most popular names for girls in Japan.

1. Akari - Red plum  
2. Akiko - Bright child, glistening  
3. Akiyama - Autumn mountain  
4. Asahi - Morning sun  
5. Chiyo - Thousand generations  
6. Fumiko - Beautiful child  
7. Hana - Flower  
8. Izumi - Fountain, spring  
9. Rin - Extreme cold  
10. Seki - Barrier, fort  
11. Yua - Love, affection  
12. Yumi - Beautiful

Popular Japanese Boy Names

Many popular boy’s names in Japan are well known because of actors, baseball players, and musicians from Japan. Here are some of the most popular and well-known Japanese boy names.

1. Akira - Bright, clear  
2. Fujita - Wisteria field  
3. Haruki - Spring, clear  
4. Hinata - Sunlight, warmth  
5. Hiroto - Big flight  
6. Ichiro - Firstborn  
7. Kaito - Supportive  
8. Kenji - Wise, healthy, or child  
9. Kenta - Large, strong  
10. Noboru - Expand  
11. Riku - Wise sky  
12. Yamamoto - Mountain’s foot

Japanese Names Inspired by Nature

Nature has inspired both boy and girl names in Japan. In a country whose length is comparable to the Eastern coast of North America, Japan is a place of vast and contrasting climates and wildlife. 

1. An - Apricot  
2. Aoi - Hollyhock flower  
3. Ayaka - Colorful or fragrant flower  
4. Fuji - Wisteria; also a mountain  
5. Haru - Born in spring; Haruto means sunlight  
6. Itsuki - Tree  
7. Ren - Lotus  
8. Sakura - Cherry blossom  
9. Sora - Sky  
10. Suzuki - Bell tree; also spelled Susuki

Japanese Names Inspired by Physical or Personality Traits

Many names in Japanese have a meaning stemming from physical attributes or a person’s personality. Parents may choose these names hoping to impart some of the name’s meaning onto their new baby. 

1. Akio - Bright man  
2. Daiki - Big and shining  
3. Daisuke - Great helper  
4. Hitomi - Wisdom, intellect, beautiful  
5. Hiroshi - Generous  
6. Kei - Intelligent  
7. Kiyoshi - Quiet  
8. Shin - Real, genuine  
9. Yamato - Harmony, peace  
10. Yuki - Happiness

Occupational Japanese Names and Meanings 

Japanese names have been inspired by a person’s job, like many other cultures. Many names are also the result of the samurai warrior class in Japan, which existed from the 12th century until the late 19th century. As a result, occupational names tend to be primarily male names.

1. Hideo - Excellent husband  
2. Hiro - Wealth, prosperity  
3. Fumio - Scholarly hero  
4. Isamu - Bravery, courage  
5. Mamoru - Protector, guardian  
6. Takeo - Warrior, hero  
7. Takeshi - Fierce warrior  
8. Takumi - Skilled artisan  
9. Tatsuya - Imperial, noble  
10. Rikuto - Land person

Unique Japanese First Names

For those seeking something special, these rare and creative Japanese names stand out with their poetic beauty and unusual meanings.

1. Aoi - Hollyhock, blue  
2. Chitose - Thousands of years  
3. Eiko - Prosperity, glory  
4. Etsuko - Joyous child  
5. Hokuto - Big dipper, north star  
6. Itsuki - Tree  
7. Junko - Obedient, genuine  
8. Keiko - Blessed, respectful child  
9. Masaki - Great tree, splendid  
10. Natsumi - Summer beauty  
11. Ryuto - Dragon person  
12. Tomoe - Wisdom, friend  
13. Tsubaki - Camellia flower  
14. Yuzuki - Gentle moon  

Famous Japanese First Names (With English Translations)  

Some names gain fame through iconic individuals in history, entertainment, or anime. These names carry additional layers of meaning and recognition.  

1. Hideo - Excellence (Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Solid creator)  
2. Ichiro - Firstborn (Ichiro Suzuki, baseball legend)  
3. Nobuo - Faithful man (Nobuo Uematsu, composer for Final Fantasy)  
4. Takeshi - Fierce, warrior (Takeshi Kitano, director and comedian)  
5. Aiko - Beloved (Princess Aiko of Japan)  
6. Keiko - Blessed (the whale from Free Willy, Finding Keiko documentary fame)  
7. Mariko - True village (Mariko Tamaki, acclaimed writer)  
8. Miyuki - Beautiful happiness (seen in The Irregular at Magic High School)  
9. Rei - Bell, spirit (Rei Ayanami from Neon Genesis Evangelion)  
10. Yoko - Sun-child (Yoko Ono, artist and activist)

​What Makes Japanese First Names Special?  

Japanese first names are deeply meaningful, which is, in part, due to the way these names are created. The meaning of a Japanese name often comes from the kanji or characters used. These characters can represent nature, like trees, rivers, or seasons. Additionally, virtues (like love or courage) or even philosophical concepts can help influence the meaning behind Japanese characters. 

And since kanji can have multiple interpretations, the same name can hold various meanings depending on the characters chosen. These are just some of the interesting aspects of Japanese names, and why people all over the world choose them for their little ones!

For more information check out these popular topics:

• 500+ Japanese Last Names and Meanings
• 102 Kawaii and Cute Anime Girl Names (With Meanings)
• 102 Anime Boy Names (with Meanings)

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