Japanese Names

Koshoo is a rare feminine name with likely multicultural origins. While specific etymology is uncertain, it may have roots in Asian or African naming traditions. The distinctive sound combines the strong 'K' consonant with a flowing ending. Koshoo has remained extremely uncommon in Western countries, maintaining its exotic appeal. Parents might choose this name seeking something truly unique with an international flavor. The name's rarity means it carries few preconceptions, allowing a child to define it through their own personality. The double 'o' ending creates a melodic quality when pronounced, giving it a gentle yet distinctive sound profile.

Koshoo

Traditionally a masculine diminutive of Moses or Morris, Moe has also been used for Moriah, Maureen, Moira, and Maura, ultimately variations of the classic Mary. It could work equally well as a short, sweet, gender-bending nickname for more contemporary choices like – Ramona, Moana, Imogen, or Monroe.
 
Moe is also a Japanese girl name, with the nature related meaning "bud, sprout, flower". In this case it would be pronounced with two syllables.

Notably borne by the 11th century noblewoman, novelist, and poet, Murasaki Shikibu, author of the Japanese classic, The Tales of the Genji, Murasaki is an incredibly rare choice as a given name. Literally, it may be interpreted as meaning "cluster of blooms", though it is used to refer to the purple gromwell flower, and to a purple, violet dye made from the plant.

Murasaki

Not as familiar as some other Asian imports; has a strong unisex feel. 

Orino

Closely tied to the widow of John Lennon. 

Could work for a blended Japanese-Irish family. 

Ohara

In Japan, color names are used to symbolize human qualities, and the green hues of Midori name are said to represent fame. While it is a unisex choice in its native Japan, Midori is predominantly used on girls.
 
Meaning "green" or "beautiful bird" depending on which kanji elements are used, the name has appeared in a number of animes, mangas, and games. Actress Midori Francis, violinist Midori Goto, and figure skater Midori Ito are notable bearers.

Midori

A cute yet plucky choice that refers to the seven colors of the rainbow, Nanako would make a special choice for a rainbow baby. It was one of the most popular names in Japan in during the late 1990s and is notably borne by actress and model Nanako Matsushima and singer Nanako Takushi, along with the character Nanako Dojima, from the video game Persona 4.
 
As with many Japanese names, the meaning of Nanako varies depending on which kanji elements are used, and alternative meanings can include "vegetables, greens + child" or "cherished offspring". Actor Wilmer Valderrama and model Amanda Pacheco named their first daughter Nanako Oceana in 2021, and were inspired by a trip to Japan.

Nanako

A familiar name for boys in Japan, Naoki is also shared by one of most prestigious Japanese literary awards. Named in memory of the author Naoki Sanjugo, the Naoki Prize is awarded to the best work of popular literature but a new, rising, or young author. 
 
Like with most Japanese names, the meaning varies depending on which kanji are used, but possibilities include: "honest tree", "straight tree", "still hope", "further rejoicing", and "direct brilliance". In terms of the literary prize, it uses the "honest, straight + tree" elements. 
 
Notable bearers of the name include manga artist and musician Naoki Urasawa, actor, dancer, and choreographer Naoki Kobayashi, and racing driver Naoki Yamamoto. Eight boys were called Naoki in the US in a recent year, along with five girls.

Naoki

Light, sweet, and multicultural, Nemi is a simple name with a complex etymology. It notably appears as the title character of a 90s comic strip, drawn by Lisa Myhre, who likely took the name from an Italian lake. The lake in question, Lake Nemi, likely takes its name 
from the Latin nemus "holy wood", and was the site of a Roman temple to the goddess Diana.
 
Alternatively, Nemi can be a Japanese name, meaning "sound of the waves" or "sound of the truth", or a variation of the Biblical Naomi, via alternative form, Noemi, meaning "pleasant". Others attribute it to the Nahuatl element, nemi meaning "to live, to dwell", to the Sanskrit nemí meaning "rim of a wheel", or the Latin Nemo meaning "nobody",.

Nemi

Neyomi debuted in the US stats in 2024, likely inspired by classic Biblical Naomi (meaning "pleasantness") and by the multicultural Neomi (a variation of Naomi or from Japanese, meaning "sound, thread and good results"). The spelling may well have been influenced by Keyomi or Kiyomi. 

Neyomi

Machiko

Remilia is a pop cultural choice, most notably appearing on the character Remilia Scarlet in the video game series, The Touhou Project. In the case of the character, it was invented by the game's creator, likely as a spin on Emilia. 
 
It is possible the name saw earlier use in the game Lunar: The Silver Star, however, the character was named Lemia in the English version. Remilia was also chosen as an in-game name, by professional League of Legends player, Maria Creveling. 
 
Six girls received the name in the US in a recent year, with parents potentially choosing it as a way to get to the now unisex choice, Remi, without using Remington.

Remilia

Renon is one of those rare names that has a completely different origin and meaning in its male and female forms. It's a Japanese girls' flower name and for boys, the Italian name of a city in South Tyrol.

Renon

A short, sparky, and stylish unisex name, Reo has multiple origins.
 
As a Japanese name, it may be considered a variation of Leo ("lion"), or as name in its own right meaning "graceful + cherry blossom",, "graceful + sun", "beautiful + flourishing", and "actor, musician + flourishing", it could also be a spin on Spanish word name, Rio, or a Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese twist on the Greek Rhoeo, both names being associated with rivers and flowing water. 
 
Pronounced REE-o in English, it would be LEH-O in Japan.

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

Kyoko

More commonly used for boys but technically unisex, Riku is a Japanese name with a variety of meanings, depending on what kanji elements mean. For girls, popular options include: "dignified + sky"; "stately black gem"; "long lasting jasmine"; "long-lasting fragrance"; and "land, earth, ground."
 
A notable (female) bearer is Olympic figure skater, Riku Miura.

Riku

Kiaria is pretty but sure to prove confusing given all the more familiar Kiara and Keira variations out there. 

Kiaria

Similarity to the English name Jean could be a plus in a Japanese-American or Chinese-American family. 

A multicultural choice with a range of meanings, this name boomed in the 1940s and 50s thanks to the glamorous singer Risë (pronounced REE-sa) Stevens, who inherited her name from her Norwegian grandmother. In this case, it is a short form of Regitze, ultimately from the Germanic name, Richiza, relating to might and strength.
 
It's rare nowadays, but when used it's more likely to be the uplifting vocabulary word, rhyming with "eyes". As such, it has connotations of "rising up" to a challenge, "rising in rank", or "rising again", giving it an ambitious and spiritual air. This form was chosen by Nick Cannon and Brittany Bell for their son, born in September 2022.
 
Finally, Rise may be a Japanese name, pronounced as REE-SEH. It has a variety of meanings depending on which kanji are used but possibilities include "lapis lazuli, crystal + celestial, stars"; "dignified + generations"; "beautiful + celestial", or "dignified + holy, wise". It is borne by snowboarder Rise Kudo.

Rise

Japanese baby names are rarely used in the English-speaking world, as English names are rarely used in Japan. In other Asian countries, people often take on English names to ease pronunciation and spelling confusion when going to school or working internationally, but Japanese names are spelled and pronounced in a way that translates across tongues. 

Japanese names in the US Top 1000 for girls

 include Amaya, Kairi, Reina, Sara, and Tori. For boys, 

 include Asa, Kane, Kai, Raiden, and Ren. In Japan, popular names include Sakura, Yuna, Haruki, and Riku.



Not many Americans or British are able to speak Japanese, making for less fluid travel of names between cultures. Japanese baby names that work best in the West are those that are familiar via celebrities, pop culture, or similarity to more familiar Western names such as Hana, Kai, or Zen. 

There are many other lovely Japanese names for girls or boys worth browsing here is you’re looking for an unusual international name for your baby son or daughter.



Our full roster of Japanese baby names follows, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.

Japanese Names for baby girls and baby boys, with meanings and popularity, including popular Japanese baby names and rare names with their origin in Japan country and culture. (Page 8)

Japanese Names (with Meanings & Popularity)