Japanese culture is one of the world's most beautiful and vivid, so it's no surprise to see many parents around the world look to Japanese boy names.
In fact, given Japanese names are so far removed from Western culture, they certainly fall under the category of unique baby names for parents in countries like the UK and US.
Many Japanese boy names carry powerful meanings or beautiful connections that see them labelled as nature names.
Over the course of this article, we reveal some of the most popular Japanese boy names, traditional Japanese boy names, and some of the most unique Japanese boy names. And, we explain some of the cultures and traditions behind Japanese names.
We're with you every step of the way
Join DaddiLife to get free, monthly updates throughout
pregnancy and the first few years of your child's life.
Subscribe
Table Of Contents
Japanese culture behind baby names
Japanese heritage sees the family name come before the given name. For example, my name would be Davies Jonathan. Before the Meji Restoriation in the mid-late 1800s, it was typical for Japanese commoners to use their birthplace as their surname. And there were times where merchants would use the name of their shops or business. For example, Mark Zuckerberg would've been known as Facebook Mark.
As part of the country's modernisation as the 20th century approached, all Japanese people were ordered to adopt surnames. Some people asked a priest to choose their names for them, some chose historical names, and some just made them up, which is why there is such a huge variety of surnames across Japan.
Japanese names are often written in kanji characters, Chinese characters with Japanese pronunciation. However, hiragana or katakana are also used.
Here's Name Explain with, well, an explainer on how Japanese names
Throughout history, it was common for parents to use numerical Japanese boy names. Because they would often have a lot of children, rather than give them unique names, boys would be numbered with the suffix 'rō', meaning son. Their first son would be called 'Ichirō', the second son called 'Jirō', and so on. Girls were typically given the suffix 'ko', meaning 'child'.
While many of these practices are far less common in Japanese society, they are still used.
Japanese Christians also tend to give their children Christian names in addition to their Japanese names using katakana, a set of Japanese characters used to write words from foreign languages. They usually use the Portuguese or Latin forms of Christian names, rather than English versions. So, Yakobu is used instead of Jacob and Petero is used instead of Peter.
Popular Japanese boy names
These are some of the most common Japanese boy names, both in Japan, but also some that are appearing more and more internationally.
*A quick note, we've decided not to include the kanji characters for the names on this list because many of the names can be written in kanji, hiragana or katakana.
**Another quick note, because many Japanese names are written in kanji, hiragana and katakana, they often carry meany different meanings. So, we're going to present the most common.
1. Aoi
Pronounced 'A-oh-ee', this is a really popular gender-neutral name. Interestingly, they're usually taken with different meanings - the girl's version means 'hollyhock', a tall vibrant flower. And the boy name means 'green/blue'.
2. Aoto
Pronounced 'A-oh-to', and like many Japanese names, this one has several meanings including 'blue-green', 'jade green', 'peace', 'to be present', and 'fly', 'jump' or 'leap'.
However, the most common meaning is 'blue constellation', with the 'to' referring to the word 'constellation' in Chinese.
3. Haruki
Haruki is a Japanese boy name with strong natural connections, the most common interpretations are 'spring', 'tree' or 'clear', taken to mean 'clear skies'.
4. Haruto
Haruto is a cute name that is popular in Japan. 'Haru' typically means 'sun' or 'clear weather', and the 'to' usually refers to 'fly', 'jump' or 'leap, rather than the Chinese constellation, in this instance.
5. Hinata
Hinata is a lovely name with several meanings connecting it to the sun, including 'sunny place', 'sunflower', and 'towards the sun'.
6. Kenzo
Kenzo is the most popular Japanese boy name in the US, particularly among Japanese-American families. The kanji 'Ken' has several meanings, the most common of which are 'strong' and 'healthy'.
Other interpretations include 'wise', 'humble', 'sharp', and 'sturdy'. Meanwhile, 'zo' means 'three', so it often given to a third son in Japan.
7. Kenji
Along with Kenzo, Kenji is the only Japanese name to appear in the top 1,000 names for boys in the US. Of course, is carries similar meanings to Kenzo given the kanji character 'Ken'. However, 'ji' means 'two', so it is commonly given to a second son.
8. Riku
The most common meaning behind Riku is 'great land'.
9. Sota
The Japanese name Sota comes from 'So', meaning 'sound of the wind', and 'ta' meaning 'big' or 'great'.
10. Yūto
Yuto uses the 'to soar or fly' interpretation of 'to', and combines it with 'yu', which means 'excellence' or 'superiority'. That's a super cool meaning.
11. Shuto
Shuto is a popular choice for a baby boy born in winter. It means both 'holly' and 'winter', creating images of a beautiful, crisp, snow-filled scene.
12. Yuma
Yuma is another favoured choice in Japan. It means 'truthful' and 'honest'.
Traditional Japanese male names
On to some of the more traditional Japanese boy names around. Some of these may seem a little old fashioned, but they've stood the test of time and are still fairly common for Japanese baby boys today.
13. Akihiko
Akihiko is a traditional name for a baby boy meaning 'bright prince'.
14. Akira
Akira is generally thought of as a strong Japanese name that means 'bright' or 'clear'.
15. Arata
Arata has a particularly cute meaning for a new baby boy. It simply means 'fresh' or 'new', which makes it the perfect choice for a new arrival.
16. Genji
Genji means 'heal' or 'peace', making it a lovely name.
17. Hikaru
Hikaru is fairly unisex name meaning 'brightness' or 'light'.
18. Iori
Iori is a fairly unique name that has lost its popularity over the years. Different kanji combinations provide multiple different meanings, but the most common is 'heritage'.
19. Ken
As we already know, Ken usually means 'strong' or 'healthy'. Over time, it has lost much of its popularity as parents prefer longer versions such as Kenzo and Kenji.
20. Makato
Makato is an old Japanese name meaning 'good' or 'sincerity', making it a great choice if you want to inspire your son to be a kind and honest person.
21. Minato
Minato means 'harbour'. It's one of those Japanese boy names that has come in and out of fashion quite regularly throughout history.
22. Ran
A name that also has German origins - meaning 'wolf shield' - it has a more delicate meaning for a baby boy in Japanese...'orchid'.
23. Rei
Rei is a beautiful name for a baby boy or a baby girl. No, literally. It means 'beautiful'.
24. Satoshi
Satoshi is a wonderful Japanese name with connections to 'great wisdom', 'intelligence' and 'knowledge'. It also has connections to 'snake' or 'serpent'. Therefore combining the two, it has been interpreted as 'big snake'.
25. Shin
Shin is a fascinating name for a little boy, it means 'real' or 'genuine', promoting a life of honesty.
26. Takashi
Takashi is a very traditional Japanese name meaning 'prosperous'. It can also mean 'boastful', but that's perhaps a little less attractive in a name.
27. Takeshi
I know what you're thinking. Takeshi's Castle. But it's an apt name for the show - it means 'warrior' or 'military'. So it's certainly a name that will command respect.
28. Wataru
Wataru is among the older names for boys and means 'navigate' or 'to cross over'. This could be a choice for your baby boy if you and your partner love to travel.
29. Yamato
Yamato is one of the ancient Japanese boy names and means 'great harmony'. A perfect name to inspire a life of happiness and peace.
Cute Japanese boy names
There's no other word to describe these Japanese baby names other than 'cute'. It could the meaning behind it that makes it cute, or just how it sounds. Let's dive in!
30. Asahi
This name might be better known for the Japanese beer brand these days, but it's a wonderful name meaning 'sunlight' or 'morning sun'.
31. Akemi
Akemi is a popular gender neutral Japanese baby name. Ake means 'bright', while mi means 'beautiful'. Other interpretations of the name have it as 'natural beauty'.
32. Akio
Like Ake, aki is usually taken to mean 'bright' or 'lumious'. The o on the end could result in it meaning 'man' or 'hero'.
33. Asuka
Asuka is a name associated with the sky. While asu can mean 'fragrance', it also means 'to fly', and with ka meaning 'bird', we're siding with the sky connotations.
34. Atsuki
Atsuki is a name for a baby boy with plenty of meanings. The cutest, however, is one of 'warmth' and 'hope'.
35. Ayumu
If you want to inspire your baby boy to follow his dreams, Ayumu might be the name for you. It has meanings such as 'dream', 'vision', 'walk' and 'step'.
36. Daigo
Daigo has lovely connotations, including 'big' or 'great', and 'enlightenment'.
37. Isao
The name Isao carries some really incredibly traits that any parent would want their child to have; 'honour', 'merit' and 'virtue'.
38. Itsuki
Itsuki is a lovely natural name meaning 'tree', with understandable links to 'to plant' and 'to stand firmly'.
39. Hiro
Pronounced just like 'hero', it's already a strong-sounding name. In Japanese, Hiro is a name meaning 'generous' and 'prosperity' (and an abundance of it!).
40. Jun
Pronounced 'Joon', the name Jun is known for 'purity' and 'cleanliness'.
41. Kōki
There are plenty of Japanese baby names that have meanings such as 'bright', 'hope', 'light' or 'happiness'. And Koki is one of them.
42. Kyō
Kyō has a brilliantly unique meaning behind... 'unite' or 'cooperate'.
43. Kaoru
Kaoru could be used as a flower name for a boy, given that it means 'fragrant'.
44. Kazuo
If you want you baby boy to lead a peaceful life, call him Kazuo, which takes its meaning from the Japanese girl name Kazu. Kazu means 'harmony' and 'peace'. Add the o on the end and it means 'peaceful man',
45. Michi
Although considered to be gender neutral, Michi is more commonly used for a baby boy. It has quite a unique meaning behind it; 'path'.
So, it's great choice if you're thinking about the paths our lives lead us on.
46. Naō
Pronounded 'Nah-o', Nao is one of those names that perhaps sound cuter than its meaning... 'straight' or 'direct'.
47. Osuke
Osuke has two equally desirable meanings. The most common is 'cherry blossom', but it also means 'to help'.
48. Ren
Ren is a name becoming more and more popular in Western cultures, especially in the US. It means 'lotus' or 'love.
49. Shō
Shō has several different interpretations, but each of them are as lovely as the next. 'Prize', 'reward', 'glide', and 'soar' are among the most common.
50. Sora
Sora simply means 'sky' - ideal if you want your little boy to spread his wings and live a good life.
51. Touma
Touma is a really interesting name. Not only does it sound quite cute, it has connections with words such as 'truth' and 'reality.
52. Toya
Toya is a name that carries both delicate and strong meanings for a baby boy.
The to means 'wisteria', giving obvious floral connections, while the ya means 'arrow' which conjures links with 'warrior'.
53. Yori
Yori is a unique and adorable sounding name that means 'to rely upon', a trait any parent would want for their son.
54. Yoshi
The ship may have sailed for this name. I doubt there's a single person reading this that hasn't already thought of Super Mario's green dinosaur sidekick.
55. Yuki
A name plenty of motorsport fans will recognise, thanks for Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda, Yuki means 'happiness' and 'good fortune'. Yuki is one of the short names that will often be added to the end of another.
56. Yuta
Yuta definitely sounds cuter than it's meaning. It may sound small and sweet, but name means 'superiority' and 'bravery'.
Unique Japanese names for boys
These Japanese boy names might be unique because they're used less frequently, or it might be their meanings that make them unique.
57. Azuma
Azuma comes from the ancient Japanese word for 'east', however, the kanji character can also be translated to 'my wife'.
58. Banri
Banri is a name with a truly unique meaning behind it. It means 'thousands of miles'.
59. Enji
Enji is quite a cute sounding name that is most commonly associated with the edge or border of something, particularly a piece of clothing. Other interpretations include 'bond' or 'connection, as well as 'ambition' and 'aspiration'.
60. f*ckashi
f*ckashi is the for your son if you want him to lead an intellectual life. It means 'deep' or 'profound'.
61. Hanzo
Hanzo means 'to half' and 'to hide'. While unique, it's a famous name thanks to a notorious samurai who lived in the late 1500s. Hattori Hanzō was known as a master swordsman and tactician, and is credited with saving the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who would go on to become the ruler of a united Japan.
62. Haru
Haru is often used in combination with other kanji - Haruki, Haruto, and Yoshiharu all feature on this list. It's most frequent interpretations include 'light sun', 'spring' and 'clear weather'.
63. Hayate
Hayate has a couple of similar meanings, including the 'sudden sound of wind' and 'hurricane'. It's also the name of a Japanese train operator, so it is translated to 'train' in some parts.
64. Isamu
Staking a claim for a place on our list of heroic baby names, Isamu simply means 'brave'.
65. Jun'ichi
It's the addition of ichi that makes this name unique. It means 'one', and any name ending 'ichi translates to '[meaning]-one'. As we saw earlier, Jun is associated with purity. So, Jun'ichi means 'pure one'.
66. Kaito
Kaito could be labelled an ocean name or a sky name. The more literal interpretation is 'sea' or 'ocean', but it also has strong connections with the terms 'soar' and 'to fly'.
67. Ken'ichi
As we've already learned, Ken typically means 'strong' or 'healthy'. Ken'ichi, therefore, means 'strong one' or 'healthy one'.
68. Katashi
Katashi is a strong-sounding and strong-meaning name, translating to 'hard' or 'firm'.
69. Kazuki
Commonly associated with 'brightness' and 'peace', many believe Kazuki to mean 'hope of peace'.
70. Kei
Pronounced 'Kay', this name is unique because it has so many varying meanings. It's has been interpreted as 'intelligent', 'to congratulate', 'respect', 'joyous', 'blessed', and 'gemstone'.
71. Kentaro
As we know, Ken means 'strong', 'sharp' or 'healthy', while the aro leads many to translate Kentaro to 'big boy'.
72. Kōji
Ko often means 'prosperous' and 'luck', while ji can mean 'boss'.
73. Kōsuke
It may be better known as a girl name, Kōsuke is becoming increasingly popular among boys. And with a meaning like 'The Rising Sun', who can blame the parents!?
74. Masao
Among other interpretations of the name Masao, 'proper hero' is by far our favourite. Not just any old hero. A proper hero.
75. Minoru
Minoru has a few different meanings, but they're broadly similar - 'rich', 'bountiful', 'to bear fruit'. So you can expect your son to have a wealthy life.
76. Naomi
Probably the best known name on this list, Naomi is, of course, a very well known girls name in the Western world. However, it's fairly well-used as a boys name in Japan. Nao means 'straight' or 'direct', while mi means 'self' when used for boys.
77. Naoki
Following on from Naomi is Naoki, which means 'straight' or 'direct', and 'tree'.
78. Nobu
Probably better know for the restaurant chain famed for its special menus and unique dining experience, Nobu is a lovely name meaning 'trust'.
79. Nori
If you haven't already got children, you won't have immediately pictured Nori from Hey Duggee! (don't worry, your time will come). Nori can mean 'seaweed', 'law' or 'rule.
80. Osamu
Osamu is usually taken to mean either 'discipline' or 'study'.
81. Ryū
I bet you were wondering when this was going to come up...! Ryū is, of course, arguably the most famous Street Fighter characters - it's most common translation is 'dragon', but it's also associated with nobility and prosperity.
82. Ryūji
Unsurprisingly, Ryūji has a very similar meaning to Ryū. But there is a distinction in that it can mean 'double dragon'. Why call your son dragon, when you could call him double dragon?!
83. Ryō
Ryō is a really cool name. No, really. It means 'cool' or 'refreshing'.
84. Ryōsuke
Ryōsuke is one of the more unusual names on this list, because it can be pronounced in two different names. It can be 'ryo-soo-keh' or 'ryo-skeh'. It means 'clear', 'help' or 'assist'.
85. Taiki
Taiki is a lovely name associated with 'radiance' and large size - combined it can mean 'great radiance'.
86. Taro
Some might say there is no better name for a son. It means 'great son'.
87. Yasu
Yasu is arguably the definitive name inspiring 'calm' and 'peace'. Like Yuki, it's a name often added to the end of others.
88. Zenji
Any Japanese name containing 'zen' will always carry connotations of 'goodness' and 'tranquility'.
Long Japanese names for a baby boy
Japanese names are usually either very short (a single kanji character) or quite long (combining different kanji characters).
Here, we've picked out some of our favourite long Japanese boy names.
89. Hideyoshi
Hideyoshi combines two names together - Hide, meaning 'excellent' or 'outstanding', and Yoshi, meaning 'virtuous' or 'luck'.
90. Hirohito
The combination of the names Hiro and Hito, this name means 'abundant' and 'compassionate'.
91. Kazayuki
Kazayuki combines the names Kaza, meaning 'harmony' or 'peace', with Yuki, which means 'happiness' and 'luck.
Many parents believe names with meaning like this will bring their child good fortune.
92. Nobotushi
Nobotushi is made up of the names Nobo and Tushi. Nobo means 'trust', while Tushi has connections to sharpness and intelligence.
93. Shinsuke
Shinsuke means 'to help' or 'assist'.
Our audience in the US might think of the professional wrestler Shinsuke Nakamura, who joined the WWE in 2016.
Football fans, particularly British football fans, may well think of a different Shinsuke Nakamura - the midfielder who played for Celtic between 2005 and 2009. Ironically, he was known as both a free-kick and assist specialist.
94. Takahiro
Takahiro is a wonderful choice if you want to highlight what a great gift you baby boy is. It is thought to mean 'valuable', 'great' or 'prosperous'.
95. Fuyatake
Fuyutake is a great name for boys born in winter, because it Fuyu means (you guessed it) 'winter'. Take means 'bamboo', making it a similarly good choice as a nature-inspired name!
96. Yoshiharu
If Fuyutake is good for a baby boy born in winter, Yoshiharu is perfect for a baby boy born in spring. It's associated with 'spring' and 'goodness'.
97. Yukinari
Another great choice for boys born in winter, Yukinari means either 'snow' or 'become'.
Numerical Japanese boy names
As we explained earlier, throughout history it was much more common for Japanese families to be very large. As a result, children were given numerical names. Boys were named [number]rō meaning 'son'.
These names are still used for a baby boy today for the same reason, however, over time some have accumulated their own meanings.
98. Ichiro
Ichiro was the name given to the first son. Being the eldest, Ichiro represents 'responsibility' and 'honour'.
99. Jiro
Jiro is one of the more popular numerical names still used today. As you've probably guessed, it means 'second son'.
100. Saburo
Saburo is the name of the third son, and has connections to 'bright'.
101. Shiro
Shiro means 'fourth son'.
102. Goro
If you had a fifth baby boy, you would call him Goro, of course meaning 'fifth son'. However, Goro also has an association with 'determination' and 'resilience'.
103. Rokuro
“Sixth Son.” Represents the sixth son in a family, carrying a sense of individuality and distinction within the family.
104. Shichiro
Seven is a very important number in Japanese and Buddhist culture. So a seventh son is thought to be very special, indeed.
105. Hachiro
Hachiro means 'eighth son'.
106. Kuro
Kuro is the name given to the ninth son, which has common associations with 'individuality'.
107. Juro
If you happen to have 10 boys, you would give the tenth son the name Juro. Unsurprisingly, Juro is also linked to 'longevity'
FAQs
Why is the number seven important in Japan?
The Japanese people consider the number seven to be lucky because of its important in Japanese and Buddhist cultures. Japanese Buddhists celebrate the birth of a child on its seventh day, and mourn the seventh day after a person passes away.
According to Japanese folklore, there are Seven Gods of Luck. And a summertime festival, called Tanabata, takes place each year on 7th July.
Now you know why there are 107 names on this list!
What is the most popular Japanese boy name?
It depends how you look at the question. According to official figures from 2022, the most popular baby boy names were 蒼 (Aoi, Sō, or Ao) and 凪 (Nagi or Nagisa).
If you're looking at names that are popular outside of Japan, Ren is rapidly becoming a popular choice across much of Europe and the US. Meanwhile, both Kenzo and Kenji feature inside top 1,000 US baby names for boys.
Which Japanese boy name means happiness?
There are actually several Japanese boy names that mean happiness. Yamato, Koki, feature on this list, but perhaps the most famous is Yuki.
