Japanese Boy Names

Raiden

Japanese, English invented name

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…

Kenji

Japanese

"second son; healthy + second; wise + second; modest second"

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…

Ren

Japanese, Latin

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

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…

Ryu

Japanese

"dragon"

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

Akira

Japanese

"bright, intelligent"

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.

Hiro

Japanese

"broad, widespread"

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.

Akio

Japanese

"bright man"

Japanese name common among older generations.

Haruki

Japanese

"spring tree"

Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, well known in the U. S. , might inspire some namesakes. Haruki is a popular Japanese name meaning spring tree or bright tree, a lovely nature meaning combined with…

Yuki

Japanese

"snow; happiness"

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.

Kiyoshi

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,…

Seiji

Japanese

"lawful and just"

Popular Japanese name exemplified by the distinguished conductor Seiji Ozawa.

Hikaru

Japanese

"light or radiance"

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 .

Hiroshi

Japanese

"generous"

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

Jiro

Japanese

"second son"

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…