69 Mysterious Japanese Girl Names Meaning Dark

Oluniyi Akande
May 13, 2024 By Oluniyi Akande
Originally Published on Apr 21, 2022
Edited by Anusuya Mukherjee
Fact-checked by Joan Agie
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Little girl in glasses with the flag of Japan



Japanese names are filled with beauty, often mirroring the culture and language that is as rich as the country's history. Names are selected for more than just their pleasing sounds; they hold significance and narratives within the complex kanji characters that compose them. Some Japanese girl names have interesting meanings, which can convey depth, mystery, or beauty in sorrow.

These names have a unique charm because they can represent both difficulties and triumphs, showcasing endurance and strength. These names reflect the Japanese cultural value of embracing the temporary nature of life in a way that is both enjoyable and easy to understand.

Check out this collection of enchanting Japanese names that gracefully balance between shadow and light, perfect for your fictional character, artwork, pet, or vehicle. From tales of fallen angels in Japanese mythology to the tranquil concept of eternal sleep, the dark meanings in these names blend with the language's intrinsic poetry.

Popular Japanese Girl Names Meaning Darkness

Japanese names give precedence to a person's family name over their given name.


Discover the beauty of a Japanese name that captures the enchanting nature of the sunset. These trendy girl names are selected for their mysterious meanings, reflecting the charm of darkness. Each word carries subtle meanings derived from the beautiful Japanese language, showcasing the depth of dark-themed names.

1. Ankoku: means 'pitch black'; this name is shared by the character Ankoku from the TV series 'Naruto: Shippuden'.

2. Anri: means 'dark jasmine'. Anri is the name of the captivating Anri Sonohara, a key figure in the light novel and anime franchise 'Durarara!!'.

3. Aoi: meaning 'dark blue/green', is a name that brings to mind the memorable Aoi Asahina from the 'Danganronpa' video game and anime series.

4. Kage: means 'shadow'. Kage is a major character in the 'The Legend Of Kage' video game series.

5. Karei: meaning 'beautiful shadow' is featured as the illustrator in the light novel series 'Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut'.

6. Kurai: meaning 'dark', is inspired by the character Kurai in the manga 'Angel Sanctuary', the 14th and last princess of the Gehennan Royal Family.

7. Kuro: meaning 'black', is the name of the unforgettable character from the anime 'Servamp'.

8. Kurogane: means 'black iron'. Kurogane is famously associated with a central character from the manga and anime 'Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle'.

9. Makkura: means 'total darkness'. Makkura is featured in the manga series 'Cardcaptor Sakura' in the episode titled 'Sakura And The Blacked Out School Arts Festival.

10. Mayonaka: means 'midnight'. Mayonaka Akatsuki is a red-eyed fictional character in the 'Bleach' anime series.

11. Shikkoku: means 'jet black'. Shikkoku is a memorable character in the 'Darker Than Black: Shikkoku No Hana' series.

12. Shinya: means 'late night'. Shinya Kogami is a central figure in the anime 'Psycho-Pass'.

13. Yakō: meaning 'night light', is a fascinating character from the light novel series 'Nura: Rise Of The Yokai Clan'.

14. Yami: means 'darkness'. Yami is iconically associated with Yami Yugi, a central protagonist in the 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' anime series.

15. Yamiyo: meaning 'dark night', is featured in the short story 'Encounters On A Dark Night'.

16. Yogiri: means 'night fog'. Yogiri Takatou is the name of the intriguing character from the light novel and anime series 'Instant Death'.

17. Yoru: meaning 'night', is a fictional character from the manga and anime series 'Chainsaw Man'.

18. Yūyami: means 'evening darkness'.

Cute Japanese Girl Names Meaning Dark

Explore delightful Japanese girl names that have a hidden hint of mystery beneath their sweet surface value. In the fascinating world of the Japanese language, a name can combine charm with a touch of mystery, creating a unique identity that is both adorable and deeply meaningful for your character

19. Kuromu: meaning 'black dream', is the name of a mysterious character in 'Mairimashita! Iruma-kun'.

20. Kuromi: means 'black beauty'. Kuromi is the name of the mischievous yet endearing character from the 'Onegai My Melody' anime series.

21. Kurona: means 'black name'. Kurona is the name of a character in the manga and anime series 'Tokyo Ghoul'.

22. Kuroma: meaning 'black devil', is the name of a mysterious character in 'Seiken Tsukai No Kinju Eishou'.

23. Kuronuma: means 'black swamp'. Sawako Kuronuma is the main protagonist of the anime and manga series 'Kimi Ni Todoke'.

24. Kuroyuki: meaning 'black snow', is a significant character in the visual novel 'Hyakka Hyakurou Sengoku Ninpou-chou'.

25. Shione: meaning 'tide sound', is a supporting character in the 'Shinobi No Ittoki' anime series.

26. Shiori: means 'bookmark', symbolizing a dark secret or hidden knowledge. Shiori Misaka is a fictional character in the visual novel 'Kanon'.

27. Shuiro: meaning 'vermilion color', associated with the deep, dark red shade.

28. Yomichi: meaning 'night path', is a character featured in the visual novel 'Yomichi De Osotte Kita Kaii Ga Bakunyuu Dattanode Haramase Niku'.

29. Yoruha: means 'night feather'.

30. Yorumi: means 'night beauty'.

31. Yozora: meaning 'night sky', is a beautiful name that captures the essence of the dark, starry sky. Yozora is a fictional character from the anime 'Boku Wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai'.

Beautiful Japanese Girl Names With Dark Meanings

A beautiful Japanese girl swathed in a lavender-colored Japanese attire, holding up an umbrellaCool Japanese Girl Names


Japanese surnames and given names have an air of mystery and suspense. These beautiful names, despite their dark meaning, are undeniably charming and radiate a sense of mystery that honors the complexity of life and nature.

32. Anshoku: meaning 'dark color', is the name of a character in the manga series 'Slam Dunk'.

33. Kurohime: meaning 'black princess', Kurohime is the name of the protagonist from the manga series of the same name.

34. Kuroki: means 'black tree'.

35. Kuromitsu: means 'black honey'. This sweet yet dark name is the name of a character in 'Kurozuka', a novel that has been adapted into an anime series.

36. Kuroneko: means 'black cat'. Kuroneko is the mysterious and alluring name of a character from the light novel and anime series 'Oreimo'.

37. Mika: means 'new moon'. Mika is a name that symbolizes the dark phase of the lunar cycle and belongs to a character in the anime 'Owari No Seraph'.

38. Mikazuki: means 'crescent moon'. Mikazuki is a name that captures the beauty of the moon's dark shadow and is the name of a character in the mobile game 'Touken Ranbu'.

39. Natsume: means 'jujube fruit'. Natsume is associated with the dark red fruit and is the name of the protagonist of the manga and anime series 'Natsume's Book Of Friends'.

40. Reiketsu: meaning 'cold blood', is the name of a character in the visual novel 'Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu'.

41. Ringo: meaning 'apple', is associated with the dark red fruit of temptation. Ringo Oginome is a character in the anime 'Penguindrum'.

42. Tokoyami: means 'eternal darkness'. Tokoyami is a powerful name that evokes the concept of everlasting darkness and belongs to a character in the manga and anime series 'My Hero Academia'.

43. Touko: meaning 'transparent child', is a name that suggests a dark, ghostly presence and is shared by the character Touko Nanami in the anime 'Bloom Into You'.

44. Tsukihi: means 'moon and sun', is a name that represents the eternal cycle of light and darkness, and is inspired by a character in the light novel and anime series 'Monogatari'.

45. Tsukiko: meaning 'moon child', is a name that displays the mysterious, dark beauty of the moon. Tsukiko Saginomiyais the name of a fictional character in the manga 'Hayate The Combat Butler'.

46. Tsukuyo: means 'moonlit night'. Tsukuyo is a name that captures the haunting beauty of a dark, moonlit sky and is inspired by a character in the manga and anime series 'Gintama'.

Unique Dark Japanese Girl Names 

Step into a world beyond the ordinary and discover some charming Japanese names with unique dark meanings that will ignite your imagination. These unique choices create a captivating atmosphere for a girl's identity, showcasing the lure of the unknown and the elegance found in the Japanese language.

47. Akujo: means 'evil woman'.

48. Ayakashi: means 'spirit haunting the water'.

49. Furutsubaki: meaning 'old camellia', Furutsubaki is a name inspired by the dark, mysterious beauty of the camellia flower in Japanese folklore and literature.

50. Hannya: meaning 'wisdom', is the name of a frightening, jealous female demon consumed by anger and sorrow, transforming into a figure of fear and supernatural malice in the Noh theater.

51. Hone-onna: meaning 'bone woman', is a name inspired by the ghostly figure of a skeletal woman in Japanese urban legends.

52. Ibaraki: means 'thorny tree'. The name is inspired by the oni (demon) Ibaraki from Japanese folklore.

53. Jorogumo: meaning 'prostitute spider', is a name derived from the legendary creature in Japanese folklore that takes the form of a seductive woman.

54. Kijo: meaning 'demoness', is a name inspired by the fearsome female demons in Japanese mythology.

55. Kitsune: meaning 'fox', is the mysterious and often mischievous nature of the shape-shifting fox spirits in Japanese folklore.

56. Nogitsune: meaning 'wild fox', is derived from the evil fox spirit in Japanese folklore, known for possessing humans and causing chaos.

57. Oni: meaning 'demon', refers to fearsome and often evil creatures in Japanese mythology with one or more horns on their heads.

58. Onryo: meaning 'vengeful spirit', is a type of dark, vengeful ghost in Japanese folklore and horror stories.

59. Teke-teke: is derived from the onomatopoeia for the sound of dragging. Teke-teke is a name inspired by the urban legend of a vengeful ghost girl with no lower body.

60. Yuki-onna: means 'snow woman'. The name is inspired by the ghostly figure of a beautiful woman in white who appears during snowstorms in Japanese folklore.

Japanese Girl Names Meaning Dark Angel

An adorable little Japanese girl with arms outstretched happily in a playful stanceUnique And Rare Japanese Girl Names


These angelic names express a sense of mystical beings who gracefully move between realms of light and darkness. Chosen for their mysterious charm, these words have a negative meaning that contrasts innocence with the depth of a 'dark angel' theme, beautifully portrayed in the intricate characters of the Japanese language.

61. Akuma: meaning 'devil' or 'demon', is a name that evokes the dark, powerful nature of a fallen angel.

62. Datenshi: means 'fallen angel'; directly inspired by the concept of a dark angel in Japanese culture.

63. Gekka: means 'moonlight'.

64. Jigoku: means 'hell', Jigoku is a name that depicts the infernal realm of suffering and punishment.

65. Kurayami: means 'darkness'.

66. Miyako: means 'beautiful night child'.

67. Rei: means 'spirit'.

68. Tamashi: means 'soul'.

69. Yoruko: means 'night child'.

FAQs

How do Japanese people view the concept of darkness in names and culture?

In Japanese culture, darkness is commonly seen as a natural part of life's cycle. It is often regarded in a positive light, representing curiosity, self-reflection, and the vastness of the unfamiliar. People love names with deep and meaningful connotations because they evoke emotions and inspire deep thoughts.

Do Japanese dark names always have negative meanings?

That's not always the case. Japanese dark names may appear negative at first, but when the Japanese words are viewed in cultural and linguistic contexts, they actually convey positive meanings about human nature and the cycle of life.

How can names with dark meanings influence a character's identity?

Although they may touch on darker themes, Japanese names with deeper meanings can inspire a sense of strength, complexity, and an understanding of life's contrasting elements. These names are often selected to capture the spirit of strength and complexity that they symbolize.

What is the cultural significance of choosing dark names in Japanese society?

In Japanese society, naming a character with dark connotations is not necessarily viewed in a negative light. On the other hand, it is usually connected to a love for all aspects of life, including the darker ones, and appreciating their beauty.

Is it common to use Japanese mythology to inspire name choices?

Absolutely. Names derived from Japanese mythology and folktales can be incredibly inspiring. They offer a means of connecting the character to ancestral roots and cultural storytelling that has played a significant role in shaping Japanese identity.

Japanese girl names with interesting meanings showcase a vibrant blend of cultural depth and language beauty. These names are filled with deep meanings and beautiful kanji characters. They tell stories and represent philosophies that go beyond just being names.

They capture the true spirit of life's complexity and the cultural admiration for the mysterious. When you choose a name with dark meanings for your favorite characters, you give them a legacy of depth and an understanding of the complex beauty of existence.

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Written by Oluniyi Akande

Doctorate specializing in Veterinary Medicine

Oluniyi Akande picture

Oluniyi AkandeDoctorate specializing in Veterinary Medicine

With an accomplished background as a Veterinarian, SEO content writer, and public speaker, Oluniyi brings a wealth of skills and experience to his work. Holding a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Ibadan, he provides exceptional consulting services to pet owners, animal farms, and agricultural establishments. Oluniyi's impressive writing career spans over five years, during which he has produced over 5000 high-quality short- and long-form pieces of content. His versatility shines through as he tackles a diverse array of topics, including pets, real estate, sports, games, technology, landscaping, healthcare, cosmetics, personal loans, debt management, construction, and agriculture.

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Fact-checked by Joan Agie

Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

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Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.

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