By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 4 pages
of 4
Japanese
"stone"
Connotes a strong, solid character.
"worker's field"
Not as familiar as some other Asian imports; has a strong unisex feel.
"thousand generations"
The childhood name of the heroine of Memoirs of a Geisha is pretty and accessible. Chiyiko is a pet form.
"thousand questions"
A popular Japanese name used for the young heroine of the animated film, "Spirited Away."
"star"
Short and catchy form of traditional Asian name.
Japanese surname
Closely tied to the widow of John Lennon.
"generous, fair"
Commonly used in Japanese families.
"born in spring"
A traditional possibility for a Japanese or Japanese-American child born in April or May.
"spring"
Commonly used in Japan, and so much more distinguished than Jen.
"small field"
Could work for a blended Japanese-Irish family.
"child of joy"
Sachiko was one of the first Japanese names familiar to Americans when it was used in the 1950s by actress Shirley Maclaine for her daughter, called the adorable short form Sachi. While Sachiko does…
Japanese; Persian
"thistle flower; greatest"
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…
"older sister"
If you're planning to have a younger one.
Greek; Japanese
"mythological name; wild boar"
Ino was one of the Queens of Thebes who, after her death, became an immortal. Ino raised her nephew, Dionysus (son of Semele and Zeus), provoking the wrath of Hera. In desperation Ino threw herself…
"strong as iron"
Tetsu is a female name with an unusually strong and powerful meaning. It sounds spunky and cute too.
"fortunate child"
What parent wouldn't love this meaning?
"green; beautiful bird"
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…
"jewel child"
Two similarly delicate names, Tamako and Tamaki, can be found in the Japanese community.
