Japanese Names

Is it pronounced MEE-ah or MY-ah? Only the bearer knows for sure, which is one of the central problems with this hybrid name.

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.

Interesting name with a cool, upbeat sound.

A representative Japanese name with a meaning symbolizing ripeness.

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.

Heard most frequently in 18th century Japan, Hanzo is a rarity in modern culture. Hattori Hanzo was a legendary samurai of the Sengoku Era. A modern day namesake might be Hanzo Shimada, from the video game Overwatch. Hanzo is one of many unique baby names from Asia and from the gaming world.

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.

Older Japanese name given new life in the anime series One Piece.

As well as meaning victory, the name Katsu is strongly associated with heroism and masculinity.

Japanese-born fashion designer Issey Miyake, known for his techno-clothes, could provide baby naming inspiration.

Simple and sweet name for a son that feels on-trend in this era of Kai.

If you're planning to have a younger one.

Short and sweet alternative to Mia, Mila, Maya, et al.

Sweet and springy Japanese name.

A unisex Japanese name, with a variety of meanings depending on which kanji combinations are used. It is often said to mean "aster", giving it a botanical tie, and a link to remembrance based on the symbolism of the aster flower.

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."

Simple, Zen-like name of a mythological forest elf.

A fresh and pretty Japanese name which would be an unusual route to the popular Emmy/Emi nickname. In Japanese, this name can be formed from a variety of different kanji combinations with different meanings, but "laughing child" and "beautiful child" are two appealing possibilities.