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top japanese boy names - japan 2020

seaslug
By seaslug
Updated Wed Jul 07 2021
currently popular names in japan, according to tamahiyo. only the readings/romaji versions as japanese text tends to break my lists
  1. Kai

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian, Frisian, Chinese

    • Meaning:

      "sea; warrior; triumph"

    • Description:

      Kai is an internationally flexible name with many possible origins and meanings, growing in popularity in the US and a diverse range of European countries.
  2. Ren

    • Origin:

      Japanese, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "water lily, lotus, romantic love, move forward; reborn"

    • Description:

      A very popular unisex name in Japan, Ren is a concise and versatile choice that could work across multiple languages. A rising star in England and Wales where it ranks in the Top 1000, it is also on the rise in the US where it was give to nearly 90 girls and 200 boys in a recent year.
  3. Rui

    • Origin:

      Portuguese diminutive of Rodrigo

    • Meaning:

      "famous ruler"

    • Description:

      This charming mini name began life as a nickname for Rodrigo but has since taken on a life of its own, ranking as an independent name in Portugal, it’s country of origin. If you’re looking to honor a Rodrigo, Roger, or Roderick in your life, Rui is an appealing international option. Ruy is a spelling variation that is more commonly seen in Spain.
  4. Sora

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "sky"

    • Description:

      A smart and simple unisex Japanese name meaning "sky". It actually has a second nature meaning in Finnish, albeit a slightly less appealing one: "gravel".
  5. Kaito

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "man, person"

    • Description:

      A Japanese name with a great meaning, a cool Kai sound, and lots of potential to become an international export.
  6. Rei

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "my companion"

    • Description:

      A very unusual biblical name, Rei was one of David's most loyal supporters.
  7. Haruki

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "spring child"

    • Description:

      Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, well known in the U. S. , might inspire some namesakes.
  8. Taiga

    • Origin:

      English word name; Japanese

    • Description:

      Taiga has two origins. As a word name derived from Turkic languages via Russian, it refers to the snow forest of the Arctic regions, making it an evocative nature name.

  9. Hiroto

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "great flying"

    • Description:

      A very popular Japanese boys' name whose characters refer to the constellation Ursa Major. Short form Hiro might work better in the West, as may another popular Japanese boys' name, Ren.
  10. Iori

    • Origin:

      Japanese, Welsh

    • Description:

      In Welsh, a diminutive of Iorwerth. As a Japanese name, Iori stands alone.
  11. Reo

    • Description:

      See RIO.
  12. Kouki

    • Origin:

      Variation of Koki, Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "bright light; hopeful fortune"

    • Description:

      Kouki is an uncommon choice in Japan today, but it's been used for several anime characters.
  13. Riku

    • Description:

      Riku is a Japanese masculine name with a rich cultural background. It typically means 'land' or 'shore,' though depending on the kanji characters used, it can have various interpretations such as 'clever' or 'beneficial.' The name is popular in Japan and has gained some international recognition due to its appearance in video games, particularly the Kingdom Hearts series. Riku is appreciated for its simplicity, pleasing sound, and straightforward pronunciation. It has a modern feel while maintaining traditional Japanese roots. While primarily used for boys, Riku occasionally appears as a unisex name in some contexts.

  14. Kairi

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "sea"

    • Description:

      A Japanese name that would work well on a boy or girl — it is reminiscent of popular unisex names Kai or Kyrie. Kairi is the name of the main female character in the popular role-playing video game series, Kingdom Hearts.
  15. Hayato

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "falconer"
  16. Itsuki

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "tree"
  17. Asahi

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "sunlight; morning"

    • Description:

      Commonly associated with the Japanese beverage company Asahi, which produces a beer by the same name.
  18. Kento

    • Description:

      Kento is a Japanese masculine name with several possible meanings depending on the kanji characters used to write it. Common interpretations include 'healthy person,' 'strong man,' or 'wise flight.' The name has gained popularity in Japan in recent decades, representing a modern yet culturally rooted choice for boys. Kento has a crisp, rhythmic sound that travels well across cultures, making it increasingly recognized internationally. In Japan, the name is associated with qualities like strength, intelligence, and determination. While primarily used in Japanese communities, Kento has seen modest global adoption as Japanese culture has become more influential worldwide. The name balances traditional Japanese heritage with contemporary appeal.

  19. Aoi

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "hollyhock; blue"
  20. Haru

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "born in the spring; clear weather"

    • Description:

      A short and straightforward name for a springtime child.