Japanese Names
- Kiaria
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"fortunate"Description:
Kiaria is pretty but sure to prove confusing given all the more familiar Kiara and Keira variations out there.
- Umeko
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"plum-blossom child, patient"Description:
Unfamiliar Asian choice that can work for a parent in search of something really different.
- Miya
Origin:
Variation of Mia or Maya; JapaneseMeaning:
"palace, shrine, temple"Description:
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.
- Sanjiro
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"admired, praised"Description:
Interesting name with a cool, upbeat sound.
- Hanzo
Origin:
JapaneseDescription:
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.
- Anzu
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"apricot"Description:
A representative Japanese name with a meaning symbolizing ripeness.
- Sachiko
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"child of joy"Description:
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.
- Kyoko
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"mirror"Description:
One of the most familiar and attractive Japanese names, though rarely heard outside that culture.
- Kazuo
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"first son or harmonious man"Description:
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.
- Katsu
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"victory"Description:
As well as meaning victory, the name Katsu is strongly associated with heroism and masculinity.
- Sanji
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"praise"Description:
Older Japanese name given new life in the anime series One Piece.
- Kyo
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"village; capital city; apricot; unite"Description:
Simple and sweet name for a son that feels on-trend in this era of Kai.
- Issey
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"first-born"Description:
Japanese-born fashion designer Issey Miyake, known for his techno-clothes, could provide baby naming inspiration.
- Harumi
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"beautiful spring; clear weather"Description:
Sweet and springy Japanese name.
- Aneko
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"older sister"Description:
If you're planning to have a younger one.
- Miyu
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"beautfiul evening"Description:
Short and sweet alternative to Mia, Mila, Maya, et al.
- Shion
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"tide, aster, remembrance; poem + sound"Description:
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.
- Renji
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"second love"Description:
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."
- Emiko
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"smiling child; beautiful child"Description:
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.
- Sen
Origin:
Japanese mythology nameDescription:
Simple, Zen-like name of a mythological forest elf.