Japanese Word Names (Girls)

Many things to many peoples: a flower name, also spelled Hanae, to the Japanese; a Czech and Polish short form of Johana; and an alternate form of the biblical name Hannah in the US. It also means "craft, work" in Hawaiian and "glow" in Maori.

Kaori is a Japanese girls' name once largely unknown but brought into the spotlight by celebrity couple Eniko and Kevin Hart, who gave it to their daughter in 2020. Kaori is easily translated in the Western World; it's got a rhythmic sound and a familiar feel, maybe since it's similar to Maori, the name of the people and language of New Zealand. In English, it's likely said as KOW-ree, though in Japanese it's said more like KA-O-REE, with the first two syllables almost blending together.

A simple and pretty multicultural name: as a Japanese name, it's unisex and means "sky"; as a Korean name, it's feminine and means "conch shell".

Lovely Japanese name that would certainly be appreciated in Europe and the U.S. It was rarely used in Japan until the 1990s, and draws its current popularity from the fact that it is deeply connected to Japanese traditional culture without sounding frumpy and old-fashioned.

No - not a creative spelling of Katy. This name, which can be used for boys or girls, means maple tree. Kaede is unusual in Japan although it has been gaining more popularity after it has been used for several anime and manga characters.

Mio is a lovely Japanese name for girls that has migrated beyond its native country. One Berry reports several young girls named Mio in Australia, and the name has potential in the rest of the English-speaking world for parents who want to move beyond Mia and Maya.

An appealing Asian name with a nickname feel.

Attractive but slight Asian alternative, with a 1970s nickname feel.

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 symbolism of the aster flower.

A very popular girls' name in Japan with an unfortunate English pronunciation: picture a toddler with a hurt knee saying "owee."

Naming babies after precious gems as a protection against evil spirits is an ancient Japanese tradition.

Medieval name that still hasn't crossed the ocean, known here primarily via actress/teacher Uta Hagen.

Miko is a multicultural feminine name with rich and varied origins. In Japanese, it can mean 'beautiful child' or refer to a shrine maiden or female shaman. In Hungarian, it serves as a diminutive of Miklos (Nicholas). The name also appears in Finnish, Slavic, and Native American cultures with different connotations. With its pleasant, easy-to-pronounce sound and brief two-syllable structure, Miko has universal appeal across language barriers. While never extremely common in Western countries, the name has gained modest recognition through cultural exchange and globalization. Miko appeals to parents seeking a name that is simultaneously simple, distinctive, and rich in cultural significance. Its international nature gives it versatility while maintaining a gentle, feminine quality in many cultural contexts.

To most English speakers, Nana is the dog in Peter Pan, the daughter played by Emma Stone in Crazy Stupid Love, and another name for Grandma.

Tamaki is a feminine Japanese name with rich cultural significance. In Japanese, it's typically written with characters that can represent various meanings including 'jewel' or 'precious stone' (玉), combined with 'tree' (木) or 'brightness' (輝), though other character combinations are possible. The name carries connotations of beauty, value, and radiance in Japanese culture. Tamaki is also a place name in New Zealand with Māori origins, though the Japanese usage is more common for personal names. While relatively uncommon outside Japan, Tamaki has gained some international recognition through Japanese cultural exports like anime and manga. The name has a melodic flow with its balanced syllables and clear vowel sounds, appealing to parents drawn to Japanese culture or seeking names with meaningful Asian origins.