Japanese Word Names (Girls)

No - not a creative spelling of Katy. This name, which can be used for boys or girls, means maple tree. Kaede is unusual in Japan although it has been gaining more popularity after it has been used for several anime and manga characters.

Kaori is a Japanese girls' name once largely unknown but brought into the spotlight by celebrity couple Eniko and Kevin Hart, who gave it to their daughter in 2020. Kaori is easily translated in the Western World; it's got a rhythmic sound and a familiar feel, maybe since it's similar to Maori, the name of the people and language of New Zealand. In English, it's likely said as KOW-ree, though in Japanese it's said more like KA-O-REE, with the first two syllables almost blending together.

Attractive but slight Asian alternative, with a 1970s nickname feel.

Miko is a multicultural feminine name with rich and varied origins. In Japanese, it can mean 'beautiful child' or refer to a shrine maiden or female shaman. In Hungarian, it serves as a diminutive of Miklos (Nicholas). The name also appears in Finnish, Slavic, and Native American cultures with different connotations. With its pleasant, easy-to-pronounce sound and brief two-syllable structure, Miko has universal appeal across language barriers. While never extremely common in Western countries, the name has gained modest recognition through cultural exchange and globalization. Miko appeals to parents seeking a name that is simultaneously simple, distinctive, and rich in cultural significance. Its international nature gives it versatility while maintaining a gentle, feminine quality in many cultural contexts.

Mio is a lovely Japanese name for girls that has migrated beyond its native country. One Berry reports several young girls named Mio in Australia, and the name has potential in the rest of the English-speaking world for parents who want to move beyond Mia and Maya.