Japanese Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

An appealing Asian name with a nickname feel.

Lovely Japanese name that would certainly be appreciated in Europe and the U.S. It was rarely used in Japan until the 1990s, and draws its current popularity from the fact that it is deeply connected to Japanese traditional culture without sounding frumpy and old-fashioned.

Attractive, simple Japanese choice that, while not strictly unisex, could work even better for a girl, especially now that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West use it as the nickname for their daughter North. Nori is also the name of an edible seaweed used in wrapping sushi.

A very popular girls' name in Japan with an unfortunate English pronunciation: picture a toddler with a hurt knee saying "owee."

Commonly used Japanese name -- and not only for a second son.

Mio is a lovely Japanese name for girls that has migrated beyond its native country. One Berry reports several young girls named Mio in Australia, and the name has potential in the rest of the English-speaking world for parents who want to move beyond Mia and Maya.

Japanese classic with optimistic meaning.

In the Japanese culture, this name suggests a sense of independence and is one of the popular names for December babies.

A very popular Japanese boys' name whose characters refer to the constellation Ursa Major. Short form Hiro might work better in the West, as may another popular Japanese boys' name, Ren.

Naming babies after precious gems as a protection against evil spirits is an ancient Japanese tradition.

A popular Japanese name used for the young heroine of the animated film, "Spirited Away."

Popular Japanese name exemplified by the distinguished conductor Seiji Ozawa.

Ino was one of the Queens of Thebes who, after her death, became an immortal. Ino raised her nephew, Dionysus (son of Semele and Zeus), provoking the wrath of Hera. In desperation Ino threw herself into the sea and was thereafter venerated as Leucothea (The White Goddess).

Pleasing crossover possibility.

Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, well known in the U. S. , might inspire some namesakes.

Several artistic Hiroshis make this one of the more plausible Japanese imports.

Simple and, yes, elegant -- until you think of the wrestlers.

In Japan, color names symbolize human qualities (in this case, fame); name of gifted violist Midori, but also a Japanese melon liqueur.

An Asian name not widely known in the West.

Well used in Japan, appreciated for its powerful meaning.