Anime Names

A multicultural unisex choice that peaked for girls at the same time as Amy. Ami is also the French word for "friend."

Rock definitely has a macho image, if a somewhat caricatured one, ala The Rock. But with the rise of word names and also of tough guy names, Rock feels more plausible than it did a generation ago.

Ichigo is a unisex — but primarily male — Japanese name. As a male name, it is typically written in kanji giving it the meaning "one guardian" (which can be interpreted to mean "best guardian"). As a female name, it references strawberries.

Despite being etymologically unrelated, Aimi has a similar meaning to the name Amy, "beloved."

Famously the name of Izuku Midoriya, the protagonist of the popular anime series My Hero Academia. It is not a common name among Japanese boys.

Popular name in Japan in its own right, but also as a nickname for Miyako or Makiko.

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.

A variation of Lileas and Lilian.

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

The Japanese equivalent of Violet, common among Millennial and Gen Z Japanese women.

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

A Leave It to Beaver/old comic-strip name, vacationing for years with the Griswolds in WallyWorld, but now back as WALL-E?

This name can have many different meanings depending the kanji used to write it. The Naruto character Asuma Sarutobi writes his name with kanji meaning "tomorrow truth."

Protagonist of the manga and anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. The kanji used to spell his name give it the meaning of "coal + calm son," which describe his former profession as a coal worker.

Dainty and doll-like.

A popular choice right now in Japan, where it recently ranked in the Top 10.

A shimmering day name, with a bit of hippie residue.

Popular Japanese name exemplified by the distinguished conductor Seiji Ozawa.

Unisex Japanese name used more often for girls these days. Potential successor to Kai.

Koji, also written as Kōji, is a common name among men in Japan. It is also featured as a character name in many anime series.