97 Most Popular Japanese Names You'll Absolutely Adore!

Anusuya Mukherjee
Feb 16, 2024 By Anusuya Mukherjee
Originally Published on Oct 07, 2022
Edited by Vikhaash Sundararaj
Fact-checked by Aditi Gupta
The Japanese flag hoisted on a pole

Out of the several thousand common name options, choosing one name which you love from the heart more than others could be a difficult task.

Over the years, Japan's reputation as a provider of unique names has reached great heights. This is the reason that a great number of Japanese (and other) parents are looking for some interesting name options for their babies whom they love with all their hearts.

The unique names have different beautiful meanings that will suit the personality of a person. The names also have a lot of significance and beliefs behind them.

You will be surprised to learn that some of the popular names that are common across Japan over the years are Ren, Yamato, Rin, Hiroto, Yui, Minato, Himari, Aoi, Yuina, Asahi, and Anzu. The common name meanings in Japan are the moon, morning, great hope, helpful character, and several others.

Read on for some interesting name options for your cute little child.

Most Popular Japanese Last Names

The Japanese last names or family names are wonderful and cool. Japanese surnames have a different vibe and aura in themselves. The bunch of Japanese surnames given below will surely not fail to impress you. Check it out.

Chiba (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘a thousand leaves’, is a cool Japanese surname.

Fujita (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘wisteria rice paddy’, is a wonderful Japanese last name.

Goto (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘later wisteria’, is a unique last name of Japanese families.

Hara (Indian origin), meaning, ‘to seize’, is an adorable Japanese last name for a child.

Ikeda (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘rice paddy near the lake’, is a beautiful family name.

Imai (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘new well, new residence’, is a wonderful Japanese last name.

Isida (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘rocky rice paddy’, is a unique Japanese last name.

Kimura (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘tree village’, is a sweet Japanese surname.

Kudo (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘potter’, is a cute Japanese surname.

Mori (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘forest’, is a unique family name.

Murata (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘village rice paddy’, is a cute Japanese last name.

Ono (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘small field’, is a unique Japanese family name for girls.

Sakai (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘to live in prosperity’, is a special family name.

Sato (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘sugar’, is a sweet Japanese surname that parents really like for their little person.

Shimada (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘island rice paddy’, is a popular last name among Japanese families.

Takahashi (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘high bridge’, is a beautiful Japanese last name.

Tamura (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘rice paddy village’, is a cute family name.

Yamada (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘mountain rice paddy’, is a wonderful Japanese last name.

Yoshida (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘lucky or good rice paddy’, is a popular Japanese surname.

Most Popular Japanese Names for Boys

Japanese names are the cutest with beautiful meanings associated with them. The most commonly used names in Japan are Aki, Akio, Kenji, Shigeru, and many more. If you are trying to find a perfect Japanese name for your little hero, then the list given below will surely help you.

Akihiko (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘bright and intelligent child’, is one of the special baby names for boys.

Akio (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘bright’, is a beautiful name for a boy.

Dai (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘large’, is a cute name for boys.

Fuji (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘beautiful’, is a wonderful masculine name for boys.

Haru (Japanese origin), meaning, a person born in spring, sunlight’, is a beautiful masculine name.

Hinata (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘towards the sun’, is an exceptional name for a baby boy.

Hiroshi (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘generous’, is a popular Japanese male name.

Issey (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘firstborn child’, is a wonderful name for a kind-hearted boy.

Itsuki (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘tree’, is a special name for a little boy.

Jiro (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘second child’, is one of the cute baby names for a male.

Juro (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘long life, best wishes’, is an adorable name for a boy.

Kai (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘food and willow tree’, is a cute name for a little boy.

Kane (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘warrior’, is a mighty baby name for a boy.

Kenji (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘strong and vigorous’, is a cool name for a boy.

Maro (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘me or myself’, is a beautiful masculine name.

Nobu (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘to have faith in something’, is a special name for a helpful boy.

Raidon (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘Japanese God of Thunder’, is a powerful masculine name.

Rio (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘white fragrant flower’, is a popular name for boys.

Takashi (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘noble’, is a cute name for a little boy.

Tora (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘tiger’, is a strong masculine name.

Most Popular Japanese Names for Girls

The names of girls in Japan are strong as well as adorable. The popular Japanese girl names are Akira, Erika, Yua, Amaya, and many more. If you are looking for some popular Japanese girl names for your princess then check the list below.

Akari (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘light, brightness’, is a lovely female name.

Akira (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘clear, bright’, is a sweet name for a little princess.

Amaya (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘mother city, night rain’, is a wonderful name for a cute girl.

Asuga (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘tomorrow’, is a wonderful feminine name.

Ayaka (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘color’, is a colorful name for a baby girl.

Ayaka (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘colorful flowers’, is a beautiful name for a little female child.

Emica (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘beautiful’, is a popular name for a girl.

Emika (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘blessed beautiful child’, is a special name for a little girl.

Erika (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘fragrant pear’, is a cute name for a baby girl.

Hana (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘flower’, is a sweet feminine name.

Hina (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘sun, light, vegetables’, is a popular Japanese girl name.

Kanna (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘summer waves’, is a powerful name for a girl.

Kokoro (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘heart, soul, mind’, is a lovely name for a girl.

Mayu (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘true, gentleness’, is a cute name for a little girl.

Miyu (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘beautiful connection’, is a wonderful Japanese girl name.

Moe (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘feeling of affection’, is an adorable name for a girl.

Niko (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘daylight’, is a bright Japanese girl's name.

Okimi (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘bright sunlight’, is a cute name for a baby girl.

Saika (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘vividness, colorful flowers’, is a beautiful feminine name.

Yua (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘bond, love, affection’, is a special name for a girl child.

Most Popular Japanese Names Starting With H

There is a huge collection of Japanese names for both boys and girls starting with the letter H. Mostly, the names of Japanese boys and girls start with H. Check the list below to find beautiful names starting with H.

Hachi (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘eight’, is a cool gender-neutral name.

Hanae (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘flower, blossom’, is a lovely name for a little girl.

Haranu (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘far-off, vegetables, spring, field, distant’, is a name with multiple meanings for girls.

Haru (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘springtime, sunshine’, is a unique name for both boys and girls.

Harue (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘springtime bay’, is a beautiful feminine name.

Haruh (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘spring day, spring queen’, is a cute name for a little girl.

Haruki (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘clear, spring child, tree’, is a wonderful masculine name.

Haruko (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘child born in springtime’, is a sweet feminine name.

Haruto (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘male, light, sun, distant’, is a popular masculine name.

Hide (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘superior, excellent’, is an adorable name for a little boy.

Hikari (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘light’, is a bright gender-neutral name.

Hiraku (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘expand, pioneer, open’, is a popular masculine name.

Hisano (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘open plain, long plain’, is a wonderful name for girls.

Hokona (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘flower, harmony’, is a beautiful feminine name.

Homare (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘honor, glory’, is a special name for a little boy.

Most Popular Japanese Names for Dogs

Nowadays, parents mostly prefer Japanese names for their little ones. Also, pet owners find the Japanese names cool and cute for their cute little pets.

There is a large number of popular pet names in Japanese such as Ren, Yamato, Rin, Hiroto, Yui, Minato, Himari, Aoi, Haruto, Hinata, and many more. The collection below has some cute popular names for your furry friend.

Adzuki (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘red bean’, is a cute name for a dog.

Akachan (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘baby’, is a cute name for a little dog.

Eiji(Japanese origin), meaning, ‘cheerful’, is the perfect name for a dog.

Fuji (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘unique’, is a popular dog name.

Hoshi (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘star’, is a beautiful name for a cute doggie.

Ikigai (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘reason of being’, is a perfect name for your furry friend.

Jazu (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘jazz music’, is a sweet name for the dog.

Kei (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘style’, is a perfect name for the stylish animal.

Kenzo (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘wise one’, is a cute name for a little dog.

Kiyo (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘pure’, is a blessed name for a dog.

Kumo (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘cloud’, is a beautiful name for a dog.

Makoto (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘true’, is a beautiful name for a dog.

Maru (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘round’, is an adorable name for a dog.

Nami (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘wave’, is a powerful name for the sweetest animal.

Pinku (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘the pink color’, is an adorable name for a dog.

Shuga (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘sugar’, is a wonderful name for a dog.

Sora (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘sky’, is an amazing name for a cute dog.

Tadeo (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘loyal’, is a perfect name for a dog.

Taiyo (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘sun’, is a cute name for a dog.

Taki (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘waterfall’, is a wonderful name for a dog.

Yuki (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘good fortune’, is a special name for a dog.

Yumi (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘beautiful’, is a sweet name for a dog.

Yuri (Japanese origin), meaning, ‘lily’, is a special name for a dog.

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Sources

https://cotoacademy.com/top-10-popular-japanese-names-boys-girls/

https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h00872/amp/

https://www.oyakata.com.pl/en/oyakata-masters-book/japanese-culture/the-most-popular-male-and-female-japanese-names

https://www.domodaruma.com/blog/most-popular-girls-boys-japane

https://voyapon.com/most-popular-first-names-japan/amp/

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Written by Anusuya Mukherjee

Bachelor of Arts and Law specializing in Political Science and Intellectual Property Rights

Anusuya Mukherjee picture

Anusuya MukherjeeBachelor of Arts and Law specializing in Political Science and Intellectual Property Rights

With a wealth of international experience spanning Europe, Africa, North America, and the Middle East, Anusuya brings a unique perspective to her work as a Content Assistant and Content Updating Coordinator. She holds a law degree from India and has practiced law in India and Kuwait. Anusuya is a fan of rap music and enjoys a good cup of coffee in her free time. Currently, she is working on her novel, "Mr. Ivory Merchant".

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Fact-checked by Aditi Gupta

Bachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology and Biotechnology, Bachelor of Education

Aditi Gupta picture

Aditi GuptaBachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology and Biotechnology, Bachelor of Education

Having graduated with a degree in Microbiology and Biotechnology from Mumbai University, Aditi is also an experienced teacher, editor, and content developer. With over a decade of experience in teaching a wide range of subjects to students of different ages, she has a strong passion for education. Aditi is also a proud parent of two teenagers and has produced numerous children’s books and magazines over the past 10 years as an editor and content developer. She is currently writing her own book, showcasing her skills as a writer and creative thinker.

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