old fashioned japanese boy names

Akira is a popular Japanese name for both sexes that's migrated to the West because of its appearance in manga and video games. Akiro is a related name popular for boys.

Strong Japanese name with a hopeful meaning.

A relatively popular Japanese name with cool nickname potential and a vibrant sound.

Upbeat Japanese name. Video game fans may recognize Genji as the name of a character from Overwatch.

This name with a beautiful meaning can be used for girls as well as boys.

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

In many minds this one belongs to Barbie, but with such positive meanings and international connections, can Ken make the transition to usability again?

Unisex Japanese name more often given to boys.

Minoru is a masculine Japanese name written with various kanji combinations, most commonly meaning 'truth,' 'reality,' 'fruition,' or 'success.' It can also signify 'harvest' or 'bearing fruit,' symbolizing prosperity and achievement. The name has traditional roots in Japan and gained international recognition through notable individuals including artists, athletes, and scholars. Minoru has historical significance in Japanese-American communities, where it remained popular even during challenging periods of Japanese-American relations. The name balances strength with gentleness through its soft consonants and rhythmic sound. While primarily used in Japan and Japanese diaspora communities, Minoru has gained some recognition globally. Parents might choose it for its authentic Japanese heritage, meaningful connotations of truth and accomplishment, and its accessible pronunciation for non-Japanese speakers.

Ran is a concise masculine name with multicultural origins. In Japanese, it can mean 'orchid' or 'water lily,' symbolizing elegance and purity. In Hebrew, Ran means 'song' or 'joy,' conveying a sense of happiness and celebration. In Old Norse mythology, Ran was a sea goddess who collected the drowned in her net, giving the name a connection to ancient traditions. In Chinese, depending on the character used, it can mean 'to burn' or 'to kindle.' This short, punchy name has remained relatively uncommon in Western countries but has gained some popularity in Israel and parts of Asia. Its brevity makes it easy to pronounce across languages, adding to its international appeal.

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

Common name among Japanese men that can be written with a variety of kanji, giving it different meanings.

Common Japanese name associated with contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.

A name most common among middle-aged Japanese men.