Female Japanese Names
- Ruriko
Description:
Ruriko is a feminine Japanese name with rich cultural significance. Typically written in kanji characters, its meaning can vary depending on the specific characters used, but common interpretations include 'village child' (瑠璃子) or combinations that reference gems like lapis lazuli with other positive traits. The name carries a traditional Japanese aesthetic while being relatively accessible to non-Japanese speakers. In Japan, Ruriko gained popularity during the mid-20th century and has connections to several notable cultural figures, including actresses and literary characters. Outside Japan, the name remains uncommon but has gained some recognition through Japanese cultural exports like anime and literature. Ruriko offers parents seeking a name with Japanese heritage a melodious option with authentic cultural roots.
- Nagisa
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"beach; shore"
- Himawari
Origin:
Japanese word nameMeaning:
"sunflower"Description:
Himawari is the Japanese word for sunflower and modern word name. The most famous bearer is Himawari Akaho, a silver-medal-winning basketball player from Japan. Himawari is more frequently used as a character name, as in Himawari Uzumaki from Naruto and the anime series Himawari!
- Riana
Origin:
Contemporary American variation of RhiannonDescription:
The original Rhiannon has more appeal.
- Haruhi
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"spring day; spring queen"Description:
Perfect for a springtime daughter.
- Momoko
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"peach child"Description:
Momoko is a Japanese name meaning "peach child." It's also the name of a character in the popular Sailor Moon manga series.
- Ayame
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"iris"Description:
Sweet and gentle botanical choice.
- Mirena
Description:
Mirena is a feminine name with Slavic origins, particularly prominent in Bulgarian, Croatian, and other Eastern European cultures. It likely derives from the Slavic element 'mir' meaning 'peace' or 'world,' creating a name that essentially conveys 'peaceful' or 'of the world.' The name has a melodious quality with its flowing three-syllable structure. While well-established in Eastern Europe, Mirena remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality while still being accessible in pronunciation. Some may associate the name with the intrauterine device brand, though this is a modern and incidental connection. The name carries a gentle elegance and cross-cultural adaptability that appeals to parents seeking names with international flavor yet straightforward pronunciation.
- Makiko
Origin:
JapaneseDescription:
For those who like names with lots of nickname possibilities, Makiko offers three sweet ones: Maki, Kiko, and Kiki.
- Yukie
Description:
Yukie is a feminine Japanese name with several possible meanings depending on the kanji characters used to write it. Common interpretations include 'snow blessing,' 'happy snow,' or 'gentle snow,' with elements 'yuki' (snow) and 'e' (blessing). The name evokes images of delicate snowfall and winter beauty. In Japanese culture, snow symbolizes purity and tranquility. While traditional in Japan, Yukie remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, though it has gained some international recognition through Japanese cultural exports. The name has a gentle, melodic quality that transcends language barriers. For non-Japanese families, it offers an accessible entry point into Japanese naming traditions while maintaining its authentic cultural roots.
- Sadako
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"Child of integrity"Description:
Best known to the West through the story of Sadako and the thousand paper cranes, which tells the story of Sadako Sasaki, this name has become synonymous with peace.
- Hiroko
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"generous, fair"Description:
Commonly used in Japanese families.
- Shizuku
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"waterdrop"
- Kanako
Origin:
JapaneseDescription:
Kanako was most common in Japan during the late '70s and early '80s, but it sounds fresh to American ears.
- Hina
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"chick"
- Aki
Origin:
Japanese; FinnishMeaning:
"born in the autumn; ancestor"Description:
Aki is a simple international name from two wildly divergent cultures.
- Mayu
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"genuine excellence; cocoon"Description:
Common Japanese name with a pleasant meaning, no matter how you write it.
- Akane
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"deep red"Description:
A popular choice right now in Japan, where it recently ranked in the Top 10.
- Atsuko
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"warm child; sincere child; honest child"
- Yukiko
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"snow child"Description:
Perfect choice for a child born on a snowy day.