Japanese Girl Names by ViVi

Machiko

Japanese

"fortunate child"

What parent wouldn't love this meaning?

Mai

Japanese, French, Welsh, Vietnamese, Navajo

"dance; May; cherry blossom; coyote"

Cross-cultural winner.

Megumi

Japanese

"blessing"

An Asian name not widely known in the West.

Michiko

Japanese

"the righteous way"

One of the most familiar Japanese names thanks to the first commoner to become empress of Japan and to New York Times book empress Michiko Kakutani.

Midori

Japanese

"green; beautiful bird"

In Japan, color names are used to symbolize human qualities, and the green hues of Midori name are said to represent fame. While it is a unisex choice in its native Japan, Midori is predominantly…

Mieko

Japanese

"prosperous"

One of the better-known Japanese names.

Miki

Japanese

"flower stem"

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

Naoko

Japanese

"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.

Ono

Japanese surname

Closely tied to the widow of John Lennon.

Orino

Japanese

"worker's field"

Not as familiar as some other Asian imports; has a strong unisex feel.

Reiko

Japanese

"pretty child"

Dainty and doll-like.

Rikku

Japanese

"land, continent"

The Japanese Rikku is familiar in the west as the name of one of the lead characters of the "Final Fantasy" video game series. Voted "hottest character," the fictional Rikku is a thief with a good…

Rumi

Japanese

"beauty, flow, lapis lazuli"

Rumi is a Japanese girl name, with a sweet yet substantial sound. Reminiscent of other popular choices in the West — think Ruby, Remy, and Romy — it is currently achieving more notice thanks to…

Ruri

Japanese

"lapis lazuli"

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

Ryo

Japanese

"fact, reality, understand; distant; defy"

A simple, importable Japanese name, that carries a multitude of meanings depending on which character is used to denote it. While most westerners pronounced it RY-o or REE-o, its real pronunciation…

Sachiko

Japanese

"child of joy"

Sachiko was one of the first Japanese names familiar to Americans when it was used in the 1950s by actress Shirley Maclaine for her daughter, called the adorable short form Sachi. While Sachiko does…

Sakura

Japanese

"cherry blossom"

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…

Sen

Japanese mythology name

Simple, Zen-like name of a mythological forest elf.

Suki

Japanese or English

"loved one; lily"

As a Japanese name, Suki has the sweet meaning "loved one". It's also an English diminutive of Susanna, making it a creative and modern way to honor a Susan in your life.

Sumi

Japanese

"elegant, refined"

Simple and, yes, elegant -- until you think of the wrestlers.