Japanese Names that Start With A

A short but strong biblical name with multicultural appeal, Asa is enjoying new visibility thanks to hot young actor Asa Butterfield of Hugo fame.

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.

A popular Japanese name for both sexes that's migrated to the West because of its appearance in manga and video games.

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.

Akiro is well used in Japan, the first name of famed director Kurosawa. Also transliterated as Akirou, it can mean "bright boy" or "man of autumn", depending on which Kanji elements are used.

A male Biblical name meaning healer, Asa is also an international gem. In Japanese, it means "(born in the) morning". And in Scandinavia, where it's generally spelled Åsa or Ása and pronounced O-sa, it's a popular diminutive form of Old Norse names beginning with the element áss "god".

Azami has a prickly image and feel — reinforced by the thistle's image in Eastern mythology as one of defiance. A name that spans two widely divergent cultures, Azami might make the perfect international choice, at once unusual and easy to comprehend.

A name known in several cultures, also through animated book character Tiger Aki. Finnish author Aki Ollikainen is another notable bearer.

A very popular girls' name in Japan with an unfortunate English pronunciation: picture a toddler with a hurt knee saying "owee."

Amé is a delicate feminine name with French origins, featuring an accent that indicates the specific pronunciation (ah-MAY). Without the accent, Ame derives from Latin 'amare' meaning 'to love,' suggesting 'beloved' as its meaning. In Japanese, though spelled differently, 'ame' can mean 'rain,' creating a poetic cross-cultural connection. This short, elegant name remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic appeal. In French usage, it has connections to the term 'âme' meaning 'soul,' adding spiritual depth. Amé's brevity makes it distinctive yet simple, appealing to parents seeking minimalist names with international flair. Its pronunciation may vary slightly based on regional accents, but its musical quality remains consistent.

If you're planning to have a younger one.