Japanese Names for You

Aiko is a very common Japanese name with a lovely meaning that is rarely heard outside the Asian community.

Akira is a popular Japanese name for both sexes that's migrated to the West because of its appearance in manga and video games. Akiro is a related name popular for boys.

The Spanish form of Amaya is both a given name and a surname, originating from the Spanish mountain and village of Amaya. In this context it means "mother city" or "the capital." Amaya can also be considered a derivation of Amaia, a Basque name meaning "the end." In Japan, Amaya is a surname.

Aya, barely more than a breath, is an international favorite, with origins in several languages and cultures. Popular throughout Europe, It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2012.

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

Many things to many peoples: a flower name, also spelled Hanae, to the Japanese; a Czech and Polish short form of Johana; and an alternate form of the biblical name Hannah in the US. It also means "craft, work" in Hawaiian and "glow" in Maori.

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

Commonly used Japanese name -- and not only for a second son.

A multicultural name, that's currently on style and fits right in with Kaia, Maya, Raya, and Mia. Currently in the Top 500 in both the UK and The Netherlands, it has several different origins and meanings.

Japanese classic with optimistic meaning.

One of several Japanese names that refer to a child's place in the family birth order. Kenji has attracted notice in the US as the name of The Food Lab chef, James Kenji López-Alt, know simply as Kenji.

Kimiko is a feminine Japanese name composed of elements that can have various meanings depending on the kanji characters used. Common interpretations include 'noble child' (貴美子), 'empress child' (后美子), or combinations using 'ki' (希 - hope, 喜 - joy), 'mi' (美 - beauty, 実 - truth), and 'ko' (子 - child). This traditional name gained some recognition outside Japan through cultural exchange and immigration. Kimiko balances being authentically Japanese while remaining relatively easy for non-Japanese speakers to pronounce. The name carries associations with elegance and cultural heritage. While never among the most common names in Western countries, Kimiko has maintained steady usage, particularly in multicultural communities and among families with Japanese connections.

One of the most familiar and attractive Japanese names, though rarely heard outside that culture.

Maiya is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it relates to 'illusion' or 'magic,' while in Hebrew it can mean 'wished-for child.' It's also found in Japanese culture where it might be connected to the word for 'dance.' The name has gained modest popularity in recent decades as parents seek distinctive yet approachable alternatives to more common names like Maya or Maia. Maiya offers a fresh twist on these similar names while maintaining an easy pronunciation. Its cross-cultural presence gives it versatility and broad appeal. The name has a gentle, flowing quality with its soft consonants and vowel sounds, contributing to its increasingly favorable reception.

Minoru is a masculine Japanese name written with various kanji combinations, most commonly meaning 'truth,' 'reality,' 'fruition,' or 'success.' It can also signify 'harvest' or 'bearing fruit,' symbolizing prosperity and achievement. The name has traditional roots in Japan and gained international recognition through notable individuals including artists, athletes, and scholars. Minoru has historical significance in Japanese-American communities, where it remained popular even during challenging periods of Japanese-American relations. The name balances strength with gentleness through its soft consonants and rhythmic sound. While primarily used in Japan and Japanese diaspora communities, Minoru has gained some recognition globally. Parents might choose it for its authentic Japanese heritage, meaningful connotations of truth and accomplishment, and its accessible pronunciation for non-Japanese speakers.