Names from the Arts and Pop Culture
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 14 pages
of 14
Japanese
"ninth son; black"
Traditionally given to the ninth-born son, which is a rarity nowadays.
"mirror; fragrant flower"
Kyōka Izumi was a 19th-century surrealist author. He was a man, but a female character in the anime series Bungo Stray Dogs was named after him in full. Kyōka , meaning "wild" or "mad poetry," is a…
Invented name
"incubator"
The name Kyubey was created for the primary villain of the anime series Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica . It was derived from the word "incubator," which relates to the character's lack of a personal soul…
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,…
"balsam plant"
Lusamine was created for a character in Pokemon Sun and Moon . Her name was based on the word balsamine, which refers to the balsam plant.
"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.
"dance child"
Commonly borne by Gen X women in Japan.
"true, reality, hope"
Popular name in Japan in its own right, but also as a nickname for Miyako or Makiko. It appears in the visual novel Danganrompa , borne by the character Maki Harukawa. Succinct and simple, it can…
"sincerity, truth"
Makoto is a unisex name in Japan, although many more men bear the name.
"true beauty"
Common name in Japan, particularly among Gen X and Millennial women. In English, it sounds very close to the word "mommy."
"defend, protect"
Common among adult men in Japan, not so much among babies.
"ocean"
Like many Japanese names, Manami has several possible meanings. This sea-themed one is very appealing.
"governmental; graceful purpose"
Common Japanese male name notably borne by Masashi Kishimoto, the manga artist behind Naruto .
"increase + generation; increase + gift"
Masuyo has always been a rarity in Japan, but it was more common in the 19th century than at any other time.
"genuine excellence; cocoon"
Common Japanese name with a pleasant meaning, no matter how you write it.
Greek
"protect, rule"
In Greek myth, Medusa was one of the three monstrous Gorgons, with live venomous snakes in place of hair and the ability to turn people to stone with just a glance. In later myths, Medusa was…
English word name
"metal"
Gem names are having their moment — metal names could feasibly be next.
Metaria was created for Queen Metaria of the Sailor Moon franchise. Her name is derived from the word "metal" — all Sailor Moon villains have metal or mineral names.
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.
