Anime Boy Names
- Eren
Origin:
TurkishMeaning:
"saint, holy person"Description:
Eren ranks among the Top 50 boys' names in Turkey, among the Top 1000 in England and Wales, and is virtually unknown in the US. With a sound that's similar to Aaron or Erin, it may be mistaken for one of those more familiar choices but does make an easily-translated and attractive name. Eren entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022, with parents potential inspired by the character Eren Yeager in the popular Japanese manga series Attack on Titan.
- Brendan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"prince"Description:
According to Irish legend, Saint Brendan the Voyager was the first European to touch American soil, and his name has been established here for decades, peaking in the late 1990s.
- Madara
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"impure"Description:
As a masculine name, Madara has roots in Japanese. It's not used as a given name, rather it was chosen for the character Madara Uchiha in the Naruto series.
- Titan
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"defender"Description:
This name comes from Greek mythology, where the Titans were a band of immortal, powerful giants.
- Jiraiya
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"young thunder"Description:
The name Jiraiya was created in 1806 for yomi-hon — a type of book from the Edo Period — called Jiraiya Monogatari. The character was revived later in the century for a folk tale series Jiraiya Gōketsu Monogatari, in which Jiraiya, a ninja, shapeshifts into a giant toad.
- Erwin
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"respected friend"Description:
One of the many names with a strong "er" sound, like Bertram and Ernest, that was huge in the 1920s and is languishing in style limbo now. One famous bearer is the physicist Erwin Schrödinger, as in Schrödinger's cat.
- Darien
Origin:
Spelling variation of DarianMeaning:
"rich, kingly"Description:
The Darien spelling, which relates to the posh Connecticut town, peaked at Number 393 in 1994 but more recently has been just hanging on at the bottom of the Top 1000. Still, a name with an appealing sound and feel that may ascend again.
- Kaisen
Origin:
Variation of KaisonDescription:
Kai is the it syllable of the moment, spawning this Kai - Jason hybrid. Kaisen made the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022, along with similar name Kaizen.
- Shoto
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"burn and freeze"Description:
If you encounter this name in the real world, it may be written using kanji that mean "bright person," "happy person," "blessed person," or other related meanings. However, in the anime series My Hero Academia, character Shoto Todoroki's name is written in kanji that mean "burn" and "freeze," referencing his powers.
- Brook
Origin:
English nature nameMeaning:
"small stream"Description:
Now that the popularity of Brooke is waning, and surname style variant Brooks is on the rise, Brook seems live a newly fresh nature-inspired option.
- Daisuke
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"great help"Description:
A relatively popular Japanese name with cool nickname potential and a vibrant sound.
- Yuji
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"relaxed and caring"Description:
Yuji is among the most common male names in Japan, in part due to its positive meaning. Americans may recognize it from the anime series Jujustu Kaisen as the name of the humanistic and compassionate protagonist.
- Gaara
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"demigod who I love; demigod who loves himself"Description:
Gaara is a character in the Naruto universe given a one-of-a-kind name. The first two elements in his name mean "I love," while the final kanji is related to the Buddhist asuras, or demigods. The meaning of Gaara can be read as "demigod who loves himself" and "demigod who I [Gaara's mother] love." Both interpretations align with the character.
- Makoto
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"sincerity, truth"Description:
Unisex Japanese name more often given to boys.
- Eijiro
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"reflective second son"Description:
Also written as Eijirō or Eijirou, this name was traditionally borne by second-born sons.
- Mitsuki
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"full moon; beautiful moon; moonlight; snake vessel"Description:
Traditionally, this name is written with kanji that give it lovely meanings of "full moon," "moonlight," or similar. The character Mitsuki in Naruto uses kanji that denote the meaning "snake vessel," appropriate given he can summon magical snakes.
- Naruto
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"maelstrom; roaring gate"Description:
Best known as the name of Naruto Uzumaki, the main character in the Naruto anime series. It's also a common place name in Japan—the Naruto whirlpools are said to have inspired the name of the manga character.
- Sai
Origin:
Hindi or JapaneseMeaning:
"holy or difference"Description:
Sai is a name used in India to honor Shirdi Sai Baba, a spiritual master revered by both Hindus and Muslims.
- Takashi
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"noble; prosperous; venerable"Description:
Common Japanese name associated with contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.
- Kuro
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"ninth son; black"Description:
Traditionally given to the ninth-born son, which is a rarity nowadays.