Boy Names Lists · Names from the Arts and Pop Culture
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 7 pages
of 7
Japanese
"demon shark"
Naruto character named for his shark-like appearance and powers. Probably a better name for your pet fish than baby.
Variation of Koki, Japanese
"bright light; hopeful fortune"
Kouki is an uncommon choice in Japan today, but it's been used for several anime characters.
"ninth son; black"
Traditionally given to the ninth-born son, which is a rarity nowadays.
Variation of Lellouche, Tamazight, African surname
"lamb"
Lelouch is primarily seen as a surname, except in the case of Lelouch Lamperouge, the fictional protagonist of the anime series Code Geass . The surname, which exists in variations such as Lellouche,…
"impure"
As a masculine name, Madara has roots in Japanese. It's not used as a given name, rather it was chosen for the character Madara Uchiha in the Naruto series.
"defend, protect"
Common among adult men in Japan, not so much among babies.
"governmental; graceful purpose"
Common Japanese male name notably borne by Masashi Kishimoto, the manga artist behind Naruto .
English word name
"metal"
Gem names are having their moment — metal names could feasibly be next.
Japanese, German
"path, road; who is like God?"
Michi can be a playful yet charming Japanese name or a friendly German diminutive of Michael (or Michaela), pronounced similarly to Mickey. Either way, it is a unisex option with broad appeal.
"bright path, autumn path"
Featured as a character name in several anime series.
"full moon; beautiful moon; moonlight; snake vessel"
Traditionally, this name is written with kanji that give it lovely meanings of "full moon," "moonlight," or similar. The character Mitsuki in Naruto uses kanji that denote the meaning "snake vessel,"…
"submerged rock"
Japanese surname and given name, with multiple meanings dependent on kanji used. The Sailor Moon anime series features a character named Motoki Furuhata. Famous real-life bearers include actor Motoki…
"long-lasting gate"
Although he goes by the alias Pain in Naruto , Nagato's name actually means "long-lasting gate." It is speculated that his name comes from famed 16th-century ninja Fujibayashi Nagato.
"maelstrom; roaring gate"
Best known as the name of Naruto Uzumaki, the main character in the Naruto anime series. It's also a common place name in Japan—the Naruto whirlpools are said to have inspired the name of the manga…
"hate"
Naruto villain with a name to match. Not suitable for babies.
"extend, expand"
Rare Japanese name featured in several anime series.
Japanese surname
"hill cape"
Northeastern Japanese surname, also spelled Okazaki.
"discipline; logic; reign"
Historically common Japanese name associated with animator Osamu Tezuka, considered "The Godfather of Manga."
Animal name
"bamboo eater"
With Bear and Fox becoming hot baby names, why not Panda? Why not indeed. Both the name and its animal namesake are adorable. And Pan is a nickname right in line with the mythological name trend. The…
Japanese, meaning unknown
Common Japanese male name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
