top japanese boy names - japan 2020

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:

      "sea, ocean + to fly, soar"
    • Description:

      A popular Japanese name with an uplifting meaning, Kaito is connected to the air and the sea. Said with three syllables and not the two English speakers may expect, it has been borne by a number of Japanese footballers, along with several popular fictional characters, including Kaito Momota of Danganrompa, and the Vocaloid Kaito.
  6. Rei
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "my companion"
    • Description:

      A very unusual biblical name, Rei was one of David's most loyal supporters.
  7. Iori
    • Origin:

      Japanese, Welsh
    • Description:

      In Welsh, a diminutive of Iorwerth. As a Japanese name, Iori stands alone.
  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. Reo
    • Description:

      See RIO.
  10. 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.
  11. Aoi
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "hollyhock; blue"
  12. Haruki
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "spring child"
    • Description:

      Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, well known in the U. S. , might inspire some namesakes.
  13. Itsuki
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "tree"
  14. 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.
  15. Akito
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "bright person"
  16. Haru
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "born in the spring; clear weather"
    • Description:

      A short and straightforward name for a springtime child.
  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. 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.
  19. Minato
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "harbor"
    • Description:

      A spirited Japanese name with a strong but cosy feeling meaning, Minato is popular in its native Japan.
  20. Hayato
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "falconer"