Anime Names

Masculine Japanese name and surname. The anime series My Hero Academia features a character named Katsuki Bakugo, whose given name is written in kanji that mean "to win" and "self."

Tobi is typically used as an alternate spelling of Toby, a common nickname for Tobias. In the anime series Naruto, the name Tobi is written in kanji giving it the meaning "ten tails."

A highly unusual Dora name that may be a spin on the Japanese name Midori, meaning "green," or a combination of Mia "my" plus Dora "gift."

The Epic of Gilgamesh is an Akkadian poem from Mesopotamia and one of the oldest works of literature that survives today. It follows the story of Gilgamesh, a Sumerian king who journeys to find the secret to immortality. Gilgamesh's name is so strongly tied to the epic, that it would be difficult to wear by anyone else.

This practically unique variation of Clement has appeared on the charts four times: 1917, 1918, 1920, and 1971. Each year, it was only given to five baby boys.

Anabel is the sleekest version of this lovely name with so many variations, all of them correct. But Anabel and all her sisters -- Annabel, Annabelle, Anabella etc. -- took a downward turn after the 2014 horror film Annabelle.

Sarada is the Japanese word for "salad," and thus, is not a given name in Japan. It was used for the Naruto character Sarada Uchiha. According to Tumblr user @ruineko, "When you say her full name, you get something that sounds like sarada-yu. Sarada-yu means cooking oil, oil is used to light a flame...she is the oil that will start the flame of the Uchiha."

Ochako Uraraka — also written as Ochaco — is a character in the anime series My Hero Academia.

Used for summer-born babies in Japan.

An auspicious choice connected to dragons. English speakers will have difficulty pronouncing this name in Japanese — it's all one syllable, with barely any emphasis on the R sound.

Noland exists as a surname among the Irish and the French. In Ireland, it's a variation of the much more common Nolan. As a French surname, Noland is derived from Germanic components not, "need" and land.

Now that Kenji is rising up the ranks, it's only a matter of time before parents discover Renji. Renji Abarai is a character in the anime series Bleach, in which the kanji used for his name mean "second love" or "second romance."

Zetsu is a monstrous character name from the Naruto anime and manga series. It's not used as a baby name in Japan, where it literally means "tongue." We like its zippy sound but admit that you're unlikely to find many baby Zetsus in the US either.

Commonly associated with the Japanese beverage company Asahi, which produces a beer by the same name.

Pronunciation would not be obvious to Americans.

As a feminine name, Konan has Japanese origins. It is the name of a villainous character in the Naruto franchise.

Typically seen as a Japanese surname, but used for a female antagonist in the anime series My Hero Academia.

Boruto is not a given name in Japan, but it was used for Naruto's son in the Naruto franchise. The name is based off of the Japanese pronunciation of the English word "bolt."

Common Japanese name most notably connected to Shigeo Shingō, Japanese industrial engineer and expert on the Toyota Production System.

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