The appetite in the West for all things Japanese has exploded in recent years, bringing with it increased exposure for unique and beautiful Japanese baby girl names.
 
In Japan, like America, names can have multiple spellings. The same name written in different kanji characters can have a completely different meaning. For example, the Japanese name Kaori can mean "fragrance" or "weaving" depending on the kanji used. The <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/179/Japanese-Names">Japanese names</a> that chart in the US tend to be those with cultural crossover, like Amaya and Sara.
 
Along with Amaya and Sara, other Japanese girls’ names in the US Top 1000 include Hana, Kai, Kairi, Noa, Reina, and Tori. Baby girl names popular in Japan include Sakura — Japanese for cherry blossom — Riko, Aoi, and Yuna.
 
Japanese names for girls are bright, sweet and lively, often boasting beautiful meanings drawn from nature or spirituality. Pop culture has introduced us to Akira, Kairi and Sakura, and high-profile celebrity daughters now answer to Nori and Rumi.
 
Browse our full list below for more gorgeous girl baby names from Japan. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.

Japanese Names for Girls

Machiko

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

Miki

One of the most familiar Japanese names thanks to the first commoner to become empress of Japan and to New York Times book empress Michiko Kakutani. 

Michiko

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

Mieko

This adorable cross cultural name updates Naomi and offers an accessible Japanese option. The Scandis were the first to contract Naomi to Nomi, once again being ahead of the trend. Nomi strikes the right balance by being distinctive without seeming strange. 
 
From its Japanese roots, it can mean "alone, merely", "straight, directly + beautiful", or "this ocean", depending on the Kanji elements used. Other translations are possible too.
 
Nearly 60 girls were called Nomi in the US in a recent yea.r

Nomi

Soft, simple, and far more unusual than Tara or Farrah.  As a Japanese place name, it's been used occasionally as a surname and is beginning to be used as a first.  Nara is also the name of a Hindu (male) God and the name means "man" in Hindi.

Nara

Nori is one of those names with several origins that would have no trouble assimilating into a variety of cultures. It might also be associated with the dried seaweed used to wrap sushi or with the nickname Kim Kardashian and Kanye West use for their daughter North.
 
As a Japanese name, it means "ceremonial rites", "doctrine", or "seaweed". depending on which kanji elements are used. As a name of Arabic origin, it could be a variation or nickname of Nor, Noor, or Nuri, meaning "light". As an English name, it likely emerged as a nickname, from Eleanor, Honora, or similar. 
 
Nori entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022, following the trend of "traveling lite" names, or simple, 2-syllable names ending in i such as Zuri, Ezri, and Leni that are quickly gaining popularity.

Nori

Could work for a blended Japanese-Irish family. 

Ohara

Closely tied to the widow of John Lennon. 

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

Orino

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

Distinctive and intriguing relative of Rae. 

Reiko

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.

In Japan the lotus is the Buddhist symbol of purity and perfection. In the US, Ren can also be short for Lauren or Renee, but it could be misspelt as the more popular Wren.

Rio is one of Japan's most popular girls' names, constantly sitting in that country's Top 10. Of course, Rio may also stem from the Portuguese and Spanish word for river, and the Brazilian city Rio de Janeiro. A truly international name for a cosmopolitan baby!

In the US, Rio is gender neutral but tips decidedly toward the male side, with about 500 baby boys named Rio last year versus 100 baby girls.

Naming babies after precious gems as a protection against evil spirits is an ancient Japanese tradition. 

Ruri

Simple, Zen-like name of a mythological forest elf. 

The appetite in the West for all things Japanese has exploded in recent years, bringing with it increased exposure for unique and beautiful Japanese baby girl names.



In Japan, like America, names can have multiple spellings. The same name written in different kanji characters can have a completely different meaning. For example, the Japanese name Kaori can mean "fragrance" or "weaving" depending on the kanji used. The 

 that chart in the US tend to be those with cultural crossover, like Amaya and Sara.


Japanese girls’ names popular internationally

 include Hana, Kai, Kairi, Noa, Reina, and Tori. Baby girl names popular in Japan include Sakura — Japanese for cherry blossom — Riko, Aoi, and Yuna.



Japanese names for girls are bright, sweet and lively, often boasting 

drawn from nature or spirituality. Pop culture has introduced us to Akira, Kairi and Sakura, and high-profile celebrity daughters now answer to Nori and Rumi.



Browse our full list below for more gorgeous girl baby names from Japan, ordered according to their current popularity on Nameberry.

Japanese Girl Names - names for girls with Japanese origins (Page 2)

Japanese Girl Names