In Japanese culture, it is usual to address adults by their family name, but children are referred to differently. This explains why there are so many charming Japanese baby girl names centered on nature, beauty, and general feelings of happiness.
Whether you appreciate Eastern cultures or would like to commemorate your Asian ancestry, you may have considered giving your newborn daughter a Japanese name. The fact that the same-sounding word can be spelled with different kanji characters and have multiple meanings makes Japanese names unique.
Nature, virtue, character depth, hopes, and plans for the future predominate in the qualities embodied by traditional Japanese baby names. Here are a few of our favorites among the abundance of beautiful and meaningful Japanese baby names.
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1. Ai
The Japanese girl’s given name, Ai, can represent various things, including love, devotion, and indigo. When spelled as I, this is a masculine name from Norse mythology that means “great-grandfather” or “ancestor,” according to the dictionary. We believe that Ai is a wonderful choice for a family with a mixture of Japanese and Norse ancestry.
2. An
The preposition “an” alludes to apricot. Coughs are treated with apricots, specifically apricot seeds, in traditional medicine. In addition to providing health benefits, apricots also contain antioxidants. As such, the name “An” might be associated with the concept of assisting others.
In addition, parents favor the name “An” since foreigners can pronounce it easily, and it can also be related to Western names. For instance, “An” may be associated with the English name “Anna.”
3. Aya
Its meaning is “bright,” and it’s a pleasant alternative to other typical female names like Maya, Kaia, and Isla, which are all available.
4. Ayame
Ayame translates to iris. Iris sanguine is a native Japanese iris species. The unbranched stem reaches a maximum height of 90 centimeters and produces one to three blooms. The flowers range in color from uncommon white to purple, purple-red, and violet.
5. Asuka
This name is derived from the Greek words for “to fly” and “bird.” However, it can also signify “tomorrow” and “fragrance,” depending on how the kanji is written.
6. Ami
With roots in the English girl’s name Amy, this Japanese surname means “second” or “Asia” from the word a, and “beautiful” from the word mi. It is a nickname for a Japanese female who looks like Amy. You should consider using this as a name for your lovely second-born daughter.
7. Akari
Aside from its fruit trees, Japan is also well-known for its pear trees, which are no exception. This Japanese girl’s name translates as the red pear tree,’ which is a typical example of nature-inspired naming.
8. Akane
Akari is synonymous with brilliant or vermilion red paired with village or white jasmine. ASTRO-F, also known as Akari, is a multinational spacecraft created by Japan, Europe, and Korea in collaboration. Its purpose is to create near-, mid-, and far-infrared sky maps.
9. Ahma
It’s a super-rare Japanese girl’s given name (there are just 8). Ahma was born in 1980 and died in 2018; her name has a boho-chic meaning: “black rain.”
10. Aoi
“Aoi” is Japanese for hollyhocks. Hollyhocks contain overtones of ambition and dignity in the language of flowers. Hollyhocks were also given to aristocrats as presents in the past. The name “Aoi” is also related to the “Mitsuba Aoi” clan crest of the Tokugawa clan. Due to its historical significance, parents may choose to give their daughter the name “Aoi” in the hopes that she will grow up to be a lady of dignity and integrity.
11. Ayumi
Ayumi is a lovely Japanese girl given a name that translates as “sweet fish.”
12. Atsuko
Atsuko blends childlike qualities with warmth, honesty, and sincerity. Oh, Lucy!, a short film by Japanese-American filmmaker Atsuko Hirayanagi that was included on a list of 20 Up-and-Coming Women Directors You Need to Know, won over 25 international prizes, and Hirayanagi went on to make a feature-length version that also received honors.
13. Azami
One of the most beautiful Japanese girl names is Azami, which translates as “flower of a thistle.” In Eastern mythology, the thistle flower symbolizes rebellion and resistance. The name is ideal for a courageous and lovely young lady.
14. Ayako
Ayako is a lovely Japanese girl’s name that means “writings, child” or “kimono design” and is one of the most popular choices.
15. Bashira
One of the most adorable Japanese girl names out there, this one is described as “joyful.” If Bashira’s name is too difficult for a little child to say on her own, she could go by the adorable diminutive Shira.
16. Chizu
Chizu, which translates as “a thousand storks or cranes,” is a rare Japanese given name. Because cranes have a long lifespan, the name is intended to be a gift for long life. Because there are thousands of cranes, this results in a very long lifespan. Chizuka, Chizuko, and Chizumi are the names of the variants.
17. Chihiro
Chihiro is a Japanese word that signifies “thousand,” “search,” and “seek.” The film Spirited Away tells the narrative of Chihiro Ogino. This 10-year-old girl witnesses her family’s unexpected encounter with the supernatural and then sets out on a journey to bring things back to normal. Spirited Away is a beloved novel in our household, thanks to its beautifully recounted plot.
18. Chie
Chi is typically formed by combining Chi, which signifies thousand, with a kanji representing the sound e. Chie is a common name for girls whose parents wish to impart good fortune. Due to the potential kanji pairings meaning a thousand blessings, thousand wealthy, wisdom prosperous, and thousand shine.
19. Chitose
To be named Chitose means “to ascend with the power of thousands,” and it represents the blessings of her parents for her long life and the blessings of her descendants for a line that will go on unbroken for thousands of years. Its popular variant Chiyo is one of the traditional names for girls in Japan, and it translates as “thousand generations” in English.
20. Chiyo
A thousand generations are the meaning of this adorable-sounding Japanese name, a touching tribute to all of the family members who have come before them.
21. Emi
This is the popular Japanese variant of a name identical to the more usual choice among American parents—Emily, Emmie, or Emilyn. It translates as “lovely smile” in Japanese.
22. Ema
Ema is a Greek term that implies benefit, flax, and favor. On ema, which are typically shaped like a horse and used in Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, worshipers can write their prayers. This stems from the now-extinct practice of donating horses to shrines in order to curry favor with the gods and spirits.
23. Fuyu
According to the Japanese language, this name signifies “wind; god’s assistance” or “winter.” Fuyuka, Fuyuki, and Fuyumi are some of the other names for this variant.
24. Fumi
It is a one-of-a-kind Japanese female given name that means “history.” There are various versions of the name, including Fimie, Fumiho, Fumina, and Fumiyo.
25. Fyuko
Fuyuko is a Japanese girl’s name that translates as “winter kid.” Fuyuko is a lovely and unusual name for a girl who was born during the winter season, in our opinion, because of its distinct seasonal connotation.
26. Fumika
‘Fumika’ is a Japanese girl’s name that means “history; record” or “beautiful.”
27. Gen
Spring, source, and origin are all words that mean this in Japanese. This is a short name for a girl.
28. Hayami
This is a Japanese baby name that translates as “rare beauty.” It is an exceptional choice for a child girl. Because her given name is not widely used in Japan or abroad, she is likely to be the only person with it in your town.
29. Himari
Combining the two definitions, the word “Himari” generally refers to hollyhocks that grow beneath the sun, similar to sunflowers. Therefore, parents give their daughters the name “Himari” in the hopes that they will have a prosperous future and remain vivacious.
30. Hibiki
Hibiki is a Japanese word that implies sound or echoes. It is the title character of Hibiki’s Magic, a manga series whose titular character is a wizard’s apprentice. Despite her teacher’s support, Hibiki ends up with an unwelcome professor job at a prominent magic academy despite her general lack of magic skills and abilities.
31. Hatsumi
This lovely Japanese name translates as “beginning of beauty” or “firstborn beauty” in English. Hatsumi is a Japanese term that refers to a lovely girl child who is the firstborn.
32. Hana
Hana may sound similar to Hannah’s well-known, popular, and biblically-based English name, but this Japanese baby name and its spelling have an air of individuality. Hana means “flower,” “bud,” and “bloom” in Japanese. This is a common moniker for the well-known Japanese artist Hana Usui.
33. Hikari
It is a lovely Japanese female named Hikari, which means “light or sunshine.”
34. Hiro
The Japanese name Abundant, “abundant” or “magnanimous or generous,” is the ideal choice for a lovely and kind-hearted female. The names Hiroe, Hiroha, Hiromi, and Hirona are some of the various variations of the name.
35. Haruna
If you’ve seen Weathering With You, you should recognize Amano Hina’s name. Our young female protagonist is dubbed “100% Sunshine Girl” because of her enigmatic ability to bring sunny weather.
The name “Haruna” is a well-liked girl’s name. The first character signifies “sunshine,” while the second signifies “greens.” Overall, the name can be understood as referring to someone who is both upbeat and stable.
36. Hoshiko
Regardless of how short or long this name is used, there is little doubt that your daughter will grow up to be the “star” after whom she was called.
37. Honoka
The name “Honoka” has a lovely sound. “Honoka” can signify “blessed with a bountiful crop” and “living a contented and happy life.” In addition, the relationship with grains suggests living a grounded existence. In addition to the exquisite symbolism of the characters, the term “Honoka” is associated with summer since rice plants bloom during this season.
38. Hanae
The words Hana and e are derived from the Hawaiian words for “flower,” “image,” “favor,” and “benefit.”
39. Hitomi
Hitomi can imply both pupils of the eye and lovely history. Hitomi is the guitarist and lyricist John Fahey’s final album. Hitomi, released in 2000, includes the unreleased track Hitomi Sings from the recordings for his album Old Girlfriends and Other Horrible Memories.
40. Hatsuka
Hatsuka is a lovely name typically given to baby girls born on the first day of the month on the first of the month. The name translates as “beginning; summer.”
41. Hina
Even though vegetables aren’t typically associated with lovely Japanese female names, their natural pronunciation is significantly more pleasant! Hina is a Japanese word that translates as “excellent veggies” or “edible greens.” We believe this is an important message to impart to them from the beginning.
42. Izumi
Depending on the kanji characters used, Izumi might mean “fountain,” “spring,” or “serene one.” Princess Izumi, daughter of Emperor Tenji, existed during the Asuki and Nara periods (about 700 A.D.). In the United States, the word Izumi is probably best known as the name of the firm Pearl Izumi, which manufactures cycling apparel and equipment.
43. Ichika
The name “one summer” is a modern Japanese baby girl’s name with anime overtones that means “one summer.”
44. Junko
The name Junko can be rendered as obedience, purity, or simply as the combination of the words kid and child. Depending on where you are, the name Junko is pronounced as Joon-Ko or Joong-Ko. However, if you use this name for a child in an English-speaking country, they will be named Junk-O.
45. Japana
With the meaning “ambitious,” it’s a fresh and imaginative baby girl name.
46. Kaede
This is the case with the name “Kaede,” which is derived from a natural element. “Kaede” denotes maple. In autumn, Japan is adorned with orange-hued maple trees. Therefore the term “Kaede” evokes a peaceful, welcoming, and optimistic impression. The name reflects the change of seasons, from the sweltering summer to the tranquil autumn. Therefore, it also signifies a lovely change.
47. Karen
Although it is quite similar to the English girl’s name, when broken down into the terms ka and ren, this Japanese girl’s name signifies “flower” as well as “lotus” or “water lily.”
48. Kaori
Kaori is a Japanese word that signifies scent, aroma, or, on occasion, perfume. Kaori is also a possible alternative interpretation, in which case it refers to the act of weaving. In addition, the standard character for Kaori, which means fragrance, can be read as Kaoru in both English and Japanese.
49. Konomi
Konomi, which translates as “little child,” also has various meanings such as “beloved,” “good luck,” “prize,” and “success.”
50. Kei
Kei is a Japanese word that can imply “clever,” “gemstone,” “blessing,” or “rapture.” Kei Yasudo is the name of a Japanese singer, famous because this name, which was originally regarded as masculine, has been accepted as a girl’s name by many parents, typically as a nickname for Keiko.
51. Kiyo
Kiyo is a Japanese baby girl’s name that means “purity” or “happy generation” in English. The name connotes a female who lives a pleasant and pure life, free of scandals and embarrassments.
52. Kiko
Kiko is a Japanese girl’s name that has the meaning “hope.” It is a popular choice among parents searching for a simple yet lovely Japanese girl’s name due to its short and endearing nature.
53. Kama
Kama is a Japanese name that translates as “metal pot” or “sickle.” According to Wikipedia, it is an occupational name-giving custom that developed among peasants to suggest the future occupation of their children.
54. Kana
This one is particularly noteworthy because it deviates from the current trend of small, charming Japanese newborn girl names. The word Kana does not connote pictures of hearts and flowers but rather ‘the one who holds power.’ There’s a little CEO standing in front of you!
55. Kairi
The name of the lovely Japanese girls translates as “ocean village.” Change the meaning somewhat by replacing the last I with a “y,” resulting in Kairy—”sea,” which is a contraction of Kairy. Two possibilities for a small girl who wants to be calm and tranquil by the seashore.
56. Kuma
Kuma is a Japanese girl’s name that translates as “bear.” In addition to being a powerful sign of strength, the bear also represents maternal love and dedication to her children.
57. Keiko
For any baby, Keiko is a fun-sounding name with a positive connotation: it translates as “fortunate child,” “happy child,” or “adored one.” The element ko, which means “child,” has become a popular name in Japan. It is also a typical ending for females given names. The 12th emperor of Japan is known by his nickname Keiko, which means “Keiko” with a long, accentuated “o.”
58. Kasumi
Originally, this lovely Japanese girl’s name meant “mist,” but when broken down into the words ka and sumi, it can signify “flower,” “clear,” or “pure,” as well as other things.
59. Kokoa
Kokoa is a common but non-traditional Japanese name for girls. The Japanese word for hot chocolate is kokoa, which sounds similar to the pleasant and charming Western name Coco. It can also signify “heart’s love” when written with common kanji characters. In the manga series Rosario + Vampire, Kokoa Shuzen is a member of the Shuzen vampire family.
60. Mio
Because of its sound, this is a popular girl’s name. The charming-sounding name “Mio” has a crisp pronunciation. In addition to its pleasant pronunciation.
In the dictionary, “Mio” refers to a part of a body of water that has been widened to allow ships and boats to pass. This opens the door to multiple alternative interpretations. As a result of its association with rivers, it conveys a sense of freshness. Moreover, due to the significance of rivers in facilitating access, the word also has the idea of being helpful.
61. Michiko
Michiko is a lovely name that translates as “beautiful; wise child.”
62. Midori
Midori is a Japanese word that means “green.” Midori is a Japanese liqueur that is exceedingly sweet and has 20-21 percent alcohol. Midori is named after the vivid green color of the fruit, which is manufactured from musk melon.
63. Mana
This is a name for girls that means “affection.” Even though it is composed of Japanese consonants, it is one of those names that may have been taken from another language, lending it international appeal. (In Hawaiian, the name Manna means “spirit”; in Italian, Manna means “windfall”).
64. Murasaki
Murasaki signifies a cluster or flower concerning the purple gromwell plant. Murasaki Shikibu, born around 978 A.D., contributed to the development of the Japanese language through her writing, which transformed spoken Japanese into written form. The Tale of Genji, written by Shikibu, is considered classic Japanese literature.
65. Masa
Masa is a charming Japanese name that translates as “ture sand.” Other spellings of the name include Masako and Masayo, among others.
66. Mei
Mei is a popular name for infants. “Mei” means “bud” or “sprout” and is commonly connected with spring, which is a time of growth. Overall, the simple name oozes young vigor, making it a parent favorite. Foreigners will have an easier time pronouncing “Mei” because it is close to the English word “May.”
67. Mari
The words ma and ri are derived from the Latin words for “truth” and “logic,” respectively.
68. Mai
Mai can refer to either a dance or a linen gown. Also known as Mai in Norway and Estonia, it is also a Sino-Vietnamese girls’ name that means plum or apricot. It is also used as an abbreviated form of Maria in Danish, Norwegian, and Estonian.
69. Mayumi
Mayumi is a sonorous name with the meaning “truth and beauty” – ma means “true” or “authentic,” yu means “reason,” and mi means “beautiful.” Another meaning of this name is “genuine bow” in other kanji versions, which may make it a target for certain baby-name hunters.
70. Mizuki
“Mizuki” is a Japanese word that translates as “lovely moon.” There are numerous interpretations of this celestial image, ranging from wishing for the child to shine brightly like the moon to wish the child to have the elegance of a lovely moon.
71. Niko
Niko is a famous Japanese female given name that translates as ‘two lakes,’ moving away from the floral theme but still retaining a natural feel. Nico, for example, is a popular name in Spain, Greece, and Italy, making it a good option for parents who like to introduce their children to a variety of cultures.
72. Nanami
In Japan, the name “Nanami” is considered a cute one. It evokes the idea of a lovely flowering field of rapeseed flowers, which are springtime flowers when viewed from certain angles. Consequently, it is an ideal option for spring-born infants.
73. Nozomi
Like many other Japanese baby name meanings, this baby name meaning is centered on human characteristics. It is an abbreviation for reliable and trustworthy.’
74. Rin
“Rin” is a cool-sounding name for a girl that is appropriate both symbolically and literally speaking. This is the case since one of the character’s meanings is “very cold.” Although the term “rintoshita” means “respectable,” the word “rin” can also be found in the phrase “rintoshita,” which translates as “respectable.”
75. Ruri
Ruri, translated as “lapis lazuli” or “emerald,” is a Japanese female given name that represents being protected. Ruriko is the name of the variant.
76. Rei
Rei is composed of various kanji pairings that imply “thanks,” “wonderful,” “graceful,” and “beautiful” This short and expressive name has been regarded as gender-neutral for a very long time, as indicated by the equal number of Japanese male and female performers and actresses who have borne it over the years. In the United States, baby-name lists show that this name is equally popular among boys and girls.
77. Riko
“Ri” is a component of the word “mari,” which means “jasmine.” Many parents choose the name “Riko” for their daughters in the hope that they will inherit the characteristics of the elegant blossoms. Meanwhile, the word “Ko” literally translates as “kid.” Incorporating it is frequently used to make names sound more adorable and youthful.
78. Risa
“Growing flowers at home,” as the name of this Japanese newborn girl reveals, is a very particular meaning that manages to seem both contemporary and whimsical at the same time.
79. Rio
The name Rio is formed by combining the kanji for white jasmine or village with the kanji for thread or center. Since the late 1990s, Rio’s name has been increasingly popular among British parents as a boy’s name. In this instance, though, it is a boy’s name derived from Rio Ferdinand’s footballer.
80. Sachie
The Japanese name Sachie implies happiness or good fortune. Sachie, a YouTuber from Canada, is well-known for her YouTube channels, which cover manga reviews, anime commentary, cosplay, and her everyday life.
81. Shinju
Shinju translates to pearl. Shinju is a beautiful name. However, it resembles Shinj. Therefore you may want to avoid it. Shinj refers to double suicide or, more typically in current usage, any suicide involving two or more people united by romantic, social, or familial ties.
82. Shiori
The sound of “Shiori” is identical to the term for “bookmark,” lending it a literary air. “Shio” is the Japanese word for “poetry,” and “Ri” means “to weave.” Combining the two terms, the name conjures visions of poetry creation. If you’re a bibliophile or wish for your daughter to develop a love of books, “Shiori” is an appropriate name.
The name is usually given to reserved, creative, and wise girls.
83. Sara
Sara is one of the lovely Japanese names that begin with the letter s. The meaning of the name is “pleasant; pure; soul.”
84. Sayuri
The name of this Japanese flower translates as “little lily.” It may be a lovely choice for a child girl whose mother’s given name is Lily.
85. Shion
Like so many Japanese names, Shion has various meanings, with “living poetry,” “beautiful star,” and “genuine warmth” being undoubtedly the most entertaining, wonderful, and romantic ones. Simply said, shi means “poetry,” whereas on means “sound.” Shion, a Japanese baby name with a poetic connotation, is a popular choice among those looking for a name for their child.
86. Sakura
When you think about Japan, you can’t help but think of the country’s world-famous cherry blossoms blooming in the springtime. Sakura, which translates to “cherry blossom” in Japanese, is the ideal name for petite women with rosy cheeks.
87. Sachiko
Sachiko is a Japanese word that means “child of bliss” or “child of happiness.” In The Asylum For Wayward Victorian Girls, by Eimile Autumn, Sachiko is the name of one of her characters.
88. Sadako
Sadako is a Japanese name that means true, certain, sure, certain, and child. Human rights advocate and diplomat Sadako Ogata served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 1991 until 2000. Among the various honors she earned in 2005 was the coveted World Citizenship Award with Wangari Maathai and Nelson Mandela.
89. Suzume
Suzume is a Japanese word that signifies sparrow. While we admire this Japanese girl’s name, we are concerned that it will be tarnished if a young child named Suzume is addressed as Susan or Suzie rather than Suzume.
90. Seiko
Your baby will undoubtedly be a “force” to be reckoned with due to the use of this forceful, energizing baby name for boys or girls.
91. Tsumugi
The term “Tsumugi” denotes woven fabric. As a result, the name “Tsumugi” has numerous interpretations. It can refer to a person capable of problem-solving by linking together disparate ideas. Alternately, woven cloth is produced meticulously using traditional textile techniques, and the name also connotes being diligent.
92. Tomoe
Tomoe is generated by combining intelligence, wit, or a buddy with favor or advantage. Tomoe Gozen, a fearsome female warrior, was renowned for her proficiency with both the bow and the sword. Infamous for beheading her enemies, Goen lived to the ripe old age of 91.
93. Ume
Ume, which means “plum” or “plum blossom” in Japanese, is a lovely given name. The name represents the wife’s commitment and dedication to her husband and children. As a metaphor for endurance when confronted with difficulties, the name refers to the plum tree’s blossoming throughout the freezing winter months, which is a representation of tenacity when confronted with difficulties.
94. Yua
Yua is another modest name with profound significance. Given that one of the meanings of yu is “tying” and the meaning of an is “love,” this name is frequently translated as “binding love.” This straightforwardly cool Japanese name ranked second among Japan’s most popular girl’s names in 2018. It would be a beautiful and unique name for a baby girl.
95. Yuko
Yuko can be translated as “helpful child,” “kind child,” and “excellent child.” There are simply too many notable Yukos in Japanese history and popular culture to list them all. Still, Yuko Shimizu is a New York-based, award-winning Japanese-born American illustrator.
96. Yuuna
In addition to being a lovely name to say because of the soft-sounding consonants, “Yuuna” is a name that incorporates two meaningful kanji characters into a single name. “Yuu” is an abbreviation for “link.” Meanwhile, “na” is a general name for “greens,” but it is also widely connected with the image of new shoots of rapeseed plants due to its etymological meaning.
97. Yuzuki
Yuzuki is a combination of the letters for “link” and “moon,” and it is most usually pronounced as “yuzuki.” Because the moon is something that shines amid darkness, the name conveys the idea of reaching out to others to assist them, just like the moon guides those who are lost in the night.
98. Yasu
Yasu is a Japanese name that translates as “calm or smooth.” Yasu is not only a gender-neutral Japanese given name, but it is also a form of Jesus that Arabic-speaking Christians have used for thousands of years.
99. Yui
The name “Yui” is common in anime and video games. This is a common name shared by the much-loved Japanese actress Yui Aragaki, known in China as the “Nation’s Wife.” To comprehend the significance of this short, cute-sounding name, we must examine the individual characters.
“Yu” signifies “connect” in the context of interpersonal interactions. In the meantime, I denote “clothing,” which might indicate providing warmth to others – much like a warm coat does. Since clothing is typically soft, people equate “Yui” with gentleness. Overall, the name signifies human connection via kindness and warmth.
100. Yayoi
Yayoi includes the characters for increase and birth and life and authenticity. Yayoi Kusama is the best-selling female artist in the world. The conceptual artist has spent the previous four decades living and working in a psychiatric facility, which she voluntarily entered.