By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 4 pages
of 4
Japanese
"to shine"
Pronunciation would not be obvious to Americans.
"next child"
Distinctive and intriguing relative of Rae.
"elegant, refined"
Simple and, yes, elegant -- until you think of the wrestlers.
"treasure, jewel"
A lovely Japanese alternative to Tamara.
"generation jewel"
Japanese name with a special crossover/creative touch via its association with the colorful paintings of acclaimed Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo.
"mirror"
One of the most familiar and attractive Japanese names, though rarely heard outside that culture.
"rice-field stork"
Tazu has a certain snazzy appeal.
Japanese mythology name
Simple, Zen-like name of a mythological forest elf.
"lapis lazuli"
Naming babies after precious gems as a protection against evil spirits is an ancient Japanese tradition.
"plum-blossom child, patient"
Unfamiliar Asian choice that can work for a parent in search of something really different.
"good girl; ocean child"
There are many in Japan, but for most Americans there's only one Yoko. Yoko Ono writes her name with characters meaning "ocean" and "child".
"pretty child"
Dainty and doll-like.
"good, respectful"
Popular name in Japan, wouldn't work too well outside that culture.
"fortunate"
Kiaria is pretty but sure to prove confusing given all the more familiar Kiara and Keira variations out there.
"obedient child"
Naoko is a common Japanese name with an admirable meaning, which, depending on how it's written, can translate to obedient, straight, honest, or green child. Naoko can also be spelled Nahoko.
"fact, reality, understand; distant; defy"
A simple, importable Japanese name, that carries a multitude of meanings depending on which character is used to denote it. While most westerners pronounced it RY-o or REE-o, its real pronunciation…
Japanese or Chinese
"tenderness, gentleness; gold"
Similarity to the English name Jean could be a plus in a Japanese-American or Chinese-American family.
Place-name
Kyoto is a Japanese city name not yet on the map for babies, but why not?
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…
"land, continent"
The Japanese Rikku is familiar in the west as the name of one of the lead characters of the "Final Fantasy" video game series. Voted "hottest character," the fictional Rikku is a thief with a good…
