Japanese Boy Names

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.

The name of the Japanese god of thunder makes an assertive choice, very much at home in the Western world. Because of the name's similarity to popular baby names Aiden and Jayden, most people will pronounce it RAY-den, but it's more properly RYE-den.

This attractive mini-name combines multiple trends: the R initial, vowel-ending boy names, and a fantastical meaning.

Ichiro is a good classic choice for the first boy in a Japanese family.

Short yet impactful, this Japanese name with has two appealing meanings, depending on which kanji are used. It may be associated with joy, or with a wintery scene.

A international feeling name of Japanese origin that could be used to refer to a child's place in the family, Kenji has attracted notice in the US as the name of The Food Lab chef, James Kenji López-Alt, know simply as Kenji. It appeared in the latter end of the US Top 1000 in 2023.

Also written as Jirō, this is a commonly used Japanese name, sometimes as a standalone and sometimes as a suffix. Often written to mean "second son", other kanji elements may be used to create the meanings "son, reign", "second, melodious", and "next son".

Hiro is an apt name for a hero of the show Heroes -- and for our times. Widely used in Japan, sometimes also for girls. Hiroshi is a long form.

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.

To honor the majestic mountain.

Several artistic Hiroshis make this one of the more plausible Japanese imports.

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

Popular Japanese name exemplified by the distinguished conductor Seiji Ozawa.

A unisex Japanese name with a beautiful and radiant meaning, it is notably borne by chess prodigy Hikaru Nakamura, and is a central character in the manga series The Summer Hikaru Died.

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.

Japanese name common among older generations.

As well as Japanese physicist Hideki Yukawa, two Yankees ballplayers, Hideki Irabu and Hideki Matsui, made this name familiar to Americans.

One Japanese name that feels Western, though not quite American.

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.

Kiyoshi is a Japanese male name meaning 'pure', 'clear', or 'quiet'. It combines the elements 'ki' (pure) and 'yoshi' (good, respectful). The name carries connotations of purity of heart and spirit, as well as a calm and serene demeanor. Kiyoshi has been a traditional name in Japan for centuries, often given to boys with hopes they will grow up to be honorable, pure-hearted individuals. While primarily used in Japan, the name has gained some recognition internationally as Japanese culture has become more globally influential. It remains a popular choice for parents seeking a name with meaningful qualities of tranquility and moral integrity.