Japanese Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

The childhood name of the heroine of Memoirs of a Geisha is pretty and accessible. Chiyiko is a pet form.

Commonly used in Japan, and so much more distinguished than Jen.

What parent wouldn't love this meaning?

Two similarly delicate names, Tamako and Tamaki, can be found in the Japanese community.

Well-used in Japan, this name refers to the suzu, a tiny metal bell often placed in a silk charm bag and attached to a girl's undergarment so that a lovely tinkling sound is heard as she moves, and originally thought to frighten demons.

An appealing, usable Japanese choice, since there are so many familiar ori/ory-ending Western names.

As well as Japanese physicist Hideki Yukawa, two Yankees ballplayers, Hideki Irabu and Hideki Matsui, made this name familiar to Americans.

One of the most familiar Japanese names thanks to the first commoner to become empress of Japan and to New York Times book empress Michiko Kakutani.

The Japanese Rikku is familiar in the west as the name of one of the lead characters of the "Final Fantasy" video game series. Voted "hottest character," the fictional Rikku is a thief with a good sense of humor.

Could work for a blended Japanese-Irish family.

Iku is an easily assimilated Japanese name.

Strong and vital Asian birth order name.

Perfect for a child of Japanese Irish heritage.

Closely tied to the widow of John Lennon.

Not as familiar as some other Asian imports; has a strong unisex feel.