Japanese Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

Hanako has a delicate sound and quaint meaning -- but there's a catch. According to widespread urban legend in Japan, Hanako is the name of the ghost of a little girl who haunts school bathrooms, who sometimes answers if you call her name.

Connotes a strong, solid character.

There are many in Japan, but for most Americans there's only one Yoko.

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

Naoko is a common Japanese name with an admirable meaning, which, depending on how it's written, can translate to obedient, straight, honest, or green child. Naoko can also be spelled Nahoko.

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

Similarity to the English name Jean could be a plus in a Japanese-American or Chinese-American family.

Katana is a male name in Old Persian and a well-used word in Japanese, but as a girls' name is these days found more often as Kitana, the name of a princess in the video game Mortal Kombat II.

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.

Kiaria is pretty but sure to prove confusing given all the more familiar Kiara and Keira variations out there.

Unfamiliar Asian choice that can work for a parent in search of something really different.

Short and catchy form of traditional Asian name.

Interesting name with a cool, upbeat sound.

Dainty and doll-like.

Popular Japanese name exemplified by the distinguished conductor Seiji Ozawa.

A simple, importable Japanese name that is used for both males and females and carries a multitude of meanings depending on which character is used to denote it. While most westerners pronounced it rye-oh, its real pronunciation is closer to ree-uh. A similar male name, Ryu, means "dragon."

Sachiko was one of the first Japanese names familiar to Americans when it was used in the 1950s by actress Shirley Maclaine for her daughter, called the adorable short form Sachi. While Sachiko does not rank on the US Social Security baby names list, Sachi was given to 25 girls in the most recent year counted.

One of the most familiar and attractive Japanese names, though rarely heard outside that culture.

Kazuo is a boys' name well-used in Japan though not well-known in the U.S. Kazuo Ishiguro is the author of Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go. The emphasis is on the first syllable.

Kyoto is a Japanese city name not yet on the map for babies, but why not?