International Baby Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
Japanese
"bright child"
This popular Japanese name has many various meanings (bright, clear, autumn), depending on the combination of kanji used to spell it. The final element is the character ko, meaning "child", which…
"tide; aster + remembrance; poem + sound"
A unisex Japanese name, with a variety of meanings depending on which kanji combinations are used. It is often said to mean "aster", giving it a botanical tie, and a link to remembrance based on the…
"flower child"
Hanako has a delicate sound and quaint meaning -- but there's a catch. According to widespread urban legend in Japan, Hanako is the name of the ghost of a little girl who haunts school bathrooms, who…
"prayer"
A sweet and dainty name with a spiritual meaning, "inori" is the Japanese word for "prayer" and is occasionally used as a female name. It appears in the 2025 anime series Medalist , about a young…
"beautiful jasmine girl"
Streamlined and sleek Japanese name with a sweet, fragrant meaning.
"village; capital city; apricot; unite"
Also written as Kyō, this Japanese name makes a simple, sweet, yet spirited name for a son. Like many Japanese names, the meaning alters depending on which kanji are used, but Kyo can mean "unite,…
"flower stem"
Attractive but slight Asian alternative, with a 1970s nickname feel.
"good, respectful"
A classic Japanese name known to kids around the world as a Nintendo video-game character.
"lead cautiously; good history"
"bright person"
"fire, flame"
A Japanese name with plenty of spark, Kasai is a name that's going places — or rather, it is for boys. One of the fastest rising names of 2025, it was given to more than 400 boys in the US, compared…
"beautfiul evening"
Short and sweet alternative to Mia, Mila, Maya, et al.
"first son; harmonious man"
A familiar choice in Japan, Kazuo is known more globally due to award winning writer, Kazuo Ishiguro, whose works include Never Let Me Go , The Remains of the Day , and Klara and the Sun . He won the…
Japanese, East African
"celebration, open, begin + great, big; worshipper, blessing"
As a Japanese name, Keita could mean "great celebration", "big enlightenment", "great opening" or similar, depending on which kanji combinations are used. As an East African name, it can mean…
"beautiful love"
Despite being etymologically unrelated, Aimi has a similar meaning to the name Amy, "beloved."
"fine weather; harmony"
"little bell"
Well-used in Japan, this name refers to the suzu, a tiny metal bell often placed in a silk charm bag and attached to a girl's undergarment so that a lovely tinkling sound is heard as she moves, and…
"beautiful color"
"beautiful blossom; cape"
"elegant, refined"
Simple and, yes, elegant -- until you think of the wrestlers.
