Japanese Names

Chiyo

Japanese

"thousand generations"

The childhood name of the heroine of Memoirs of a Geisha is pretty and accessible. Chiyiko is a pet form.

Umina

Japanese or Quechua

"sea or emerald"

As a Japanese name, Umina derives from umi , meaning "sea", combined with a range of other kanji characters. As a Quechua name, it is properly spelt Umiña, and means "emerald".

Yoko

Japanese

"good girl; ocean child"

There are many in Japan, but for most Americans there's only one Yoko. Yoko Ono writes her name with characters meaning "ocean" and "child".

Azami

Japanese; Persian

"thistle flower; greatest"

Azami has a prickly image and feel — reinforced by the thistle's image in Eastern mythology as one of defiance. A name that spans two widely divergent cultures, Azami might make the perfect…

Ayuka

Japanese

"sweetfish"

Atsuko

Japanese

"warm child; sincere child; honest child"

Asahi

Japanese

"morning sun"

Bright, just like its meaning.

Anzu

Japanese

"apricot"

A representative Japanese name with a meaning symbolizing ripeness.

Xion

Variation of Shion or Zion, Japanese, Hebrew

"tide, aster + remembrance; highest point"

The name Xion has two separate origins, the first being from the Japanese unisex name, Shion. Comprised of elements meaning "tide", "aster", and "I remember", the Xion spelling was used for a female…

Shion

Japanese

"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…

Aneko

Japanese

"older sister"

If you're planning to have a younger one.

Akita

Japanese place name

"field of rice"

Also a dog breed

Yasuko

Japanese

"tranquil, peaceful + child"

Yasuko can be written in many ways in Japanese, but the usual kanji has the sweet, serene meaning of "peaceful child" or "tranquil". It's a well-used name in Japan with various namesakes, the most…

Kurumi

Japanese

"walnut"

Mitsu

Japanese

"light; honey, nectar, sweetness; beautiful haven, beautiful harbor; three"

A bright Japanese name with multiple appealing meanings, Mitsu can be associated with bright lights, a beautiful place, and with sweet honey, depending on which kanji characters are used. Also…

Kyoko

Japanese

"mirror"

One of the most familiar and attractive Japanese names, though rarely heard outside that culture.