International Baby Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
Japanese
"south"
"fortunate"
Kiaria is pretty but sure to prove confusing given all the more familiar Kiara and Keira variations out there.
"elegance; beautiful night fire"
An attractive Japanese name with appealing meanings.
"beautiful night child"
Most common in Japan in the mid-20th century, but to Western ears it doesn't sound dated.
"peach"
Sweet Japanese choice.
"peach child"
Momoko is a Japanese name meaning "peach child." It's also the name of a character in the popular Sailor Moon manga series.
"straight, direct, honest + tree"
A familiar name for boys in Japan, Naoki is also shared by one of most prestigious Japanese literary awards. Named in memory of the author Naoki Sanjugo, the Naoki Prize is awarded to the best work…
"obedient child"
Naoko is a common Japanese name with an admirable meaning, which, depending on how it's written, can translate to obedient, straight, honest, or green child. Naoko can also be spelled Nahoko.
"prolong; stretch"
"victory"
As well as meaning victory, the name Katsu is strongly associated with heroism and masculinity.
"victorious prince"
A handsome Japanese name with a sharp, bouncy sound. Katsuhiko's meaning will vary based on the kanji used to write it, but the most common spelling consists of the characters for "to win" or "to…
"maiden"
Kanako was most common in Japan during the late '70s and early '80s, but it sounds fresh to American ears.
"pure or obedient child"
Japanese mountaineer Junko Tabei was the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, and the first to reach the summits of the tallest peaks on all seven continents.
"white jasmine or reason, logic"
Riko is a hugely popular name for baby girls in contemporary Japan, and one that easily translates to the West.
"first-born"
Japanese-born fashion designer Issey Miyake, known for his techno-clothes, could provide baby naming inspiration.
"sixth son"
"stone"
Connotes a strong, solid character.
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…
"firstborn son"
Ichiro is a good classic choice for the first boy in a Japanese family.
