Names from the Arts and Pop Culture
Anime Names
Across 14 pages
of 14
Momoe
Japanese
"one hundred blessings"
Upbeat name with an auspicious meaning.
Motoki
Japanese
"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…
Nagato
Japanese
"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.
Nami
Japanese
"ocean wave"
An aquatic Japanese choice that would work well cross-culturally. American parents are starting to pick up on this short and sweet international choice, with over 100 baby girls in the US receiving…
Namida
Japanese
"tear"
Notably used on the character Namida Suzumeno in the Naruto universe. True to her name's meaning, Namida's special power involves crying.
Nanako
Japanese
"rainbow"
A cute yet plucky choice that refers to the seven colors of the rainbow, Nanako would make a special choice for a rainbow baby. It was one of the most popular names in Japan in during the late 1990s…
Naru
Japanese
"to become"
Featured in several anime series.
Naruto
Japanese
"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…
Natsu
Japanese
"born in the summer"
Used for summer-born babies in Japan.
Nehelenia
Invented name, Celtic
"she who is near the sea"
Queen Nehelenia is a villain in the Sailor Moon anime franchise. Her name is likely a reference to both the mineral nepheline — as many Sailor Moon characters are named after minerals — and…
Neji
Japanese
"screw"
Accessible and attractive name from the Naruto series. The meaning "screw" refers to a metal screw.
Nico
Italian, diminutive of Nicola
"people of victory"
A much more dynamic nickname than Nicky for any of the Nic-names. Part of a growing trend of boyish nicknames for girls - alongside Stevie and Lou - Nico has cheerful, snappy sounds, and a fresh,…
Nikushimi
Japanese
"hate"
Naruto villain with a name to match. Not suitable for babies.
Noburu
Japanese
"extend, expand"
Rare Japanese name featured in several anime series.
Noland
Irish or French surname
"champion; not land"
Noland exists as a surname among the Irish and the French. In Ireland, it's a variation of the much more common Nolan. As a French surname, Noland is derived from Germanic components not , "need" and…
Noriko
Japanese
"rule child; benevolent child"
Noriko is most common among Gen X Japanese women, making it a dated choice in Japan.
Oak
English tree name
"tree from the genus Quercus"
Oak, a symbol of solidity, strength, and longevity, is joining Cedar and Pine as a viable name, one that would work especially well in the middle. If you'd prefer to take the longer route to the…
Ochako
Japanese
"tea child"
Ochako Uraraka — also written as Ochaco — is a character in the anime series My Hero Academia .
Okasaki
Japanese surname
"hill cape"
Northeastern Japanese surname, also spelled Okazaki.
Osamu
Japanese
"discipline; logic; reign"
Historically common Japanese name associated with animator Osamu Tezuka, considered "The Godfather of Manga."