Japanese baby names check all the boxes: they have a song-like ring to them, they are full of meaning, and they pay tribute to a lovely culture.  

Japanese baby names often have nature-based significance or carry messages tied to family and society. They tend to be closely attached to their actual word meanings, so that in Japan it is easy to understand the meaning of someone’s name, whether you’ve heard it given before or not. Many Japanese baby names also have multiple meanings due to the character structure of the Japanese language...which is part of the fun of imparting a Japanese baby name onto your child!  

If you have Japanese roots or a connection to Japan you would like to honour, consider a baby name from this list of popular, cute, and unique Japanese names for boys and girls.

Japanese Baby Names for Girls

Ahma: It is a super-rare Japanese girl name (only 8 total Ahma’s born 1980-2018) with a boho-chic meaning: 'black rain.'  

Akari: The Japanese name meaning 'lights' or 'brightness' has a splendid feel and flow for Baby Girl. Or you might consider the similar Akira, meaning 'bright and intelligent.'

Aya: It means 'colourful,' and is a fun alternative to more common girl names, like Maya, Kaia, or Isla.  

Bashira: A 'joyful' Japanese girl name that is still very rare, but so sweet. She could go by the super-cute, shortened Shira if the name is too much for a young Bashira to pronounce on her own.  

Chiyo: Such a cute-sounding Japanese name, its meaning is 'a thousand generations,' making it a poignant nod to all the family members who came before. 

Emi: The popular Japanese version of a name that is similar to the more common pick among British parents—Emy, or Emmie. In Japanese it means 'beautiful smile.'

Fumiko: This one means 'intellectual,' and lends itself to a host of cute nicknames including Fumi or Miko. 

Hana: If you like the biblical name Hannah, consider this precious Japanese baby girl name of a similar pronunciation and spelling, which means 'flower, blossom.' 

Hayami: A unique Japanese baby name meaning 'rare beauty,' this is a special choice for a little girl. The name is not popular in Japan or abroad, so she would likely be the only one with it in your town. 

Himari: This cute baby name is rising in popularity in Japan, and in addition to its melodic sound, it has lovely meanings. Depending upon interpretation, Himari stands for the hollyhock flower, jasmine, or sunflower; it also can mean 'ball of light' or 'home of light and love.'

Hoshi/Hoshiko: Whether you choose the short or long version of this name, your daughter will certainly grow into the 'star' she was named after. 

Ichika: The modern Japanese baby girls’ name has anime connotations, and means 'one summer.'

Japana: It is a new and creative baby girl name with the meaning 'ambitious.'

Kairi: The beautiful Japanese girls’ name means 'ocean village;' change the meaning slightly by replacing the final 'i' with a 'y' to make it Kairy—'sea.' Two serene oceanic options for a little girl.

Kiko: Kiko means 'hope,' and its short-and-sweet nature makes it a winner for parents seeking a simple yet pretty Japanese girl name. 

Kimi: Not dissimilar to Kimmy, a nickname for Kimberly, this popular Japanese baby girl name means 'honourable.' 

Koko: It sounds like fashion-conscious 'Coco' from the French, but this super-cute Japanese name for girls actually means 'stork.'

Mana: This little girls’ name means 'affection.' And though it is arranged of typical Japanese sounds, it is one of those names that could easily have been plucked from another language, giving it international appeal. (In Hawaiian, the name of the same spelling means 'spirit;' in Italian, Manna is 'windfall'). 

Miki: A cute nature name meaning 'flower stem,' this is a precious pick if you have a Michelle or Michael to name your baby girl after. 

Nara: Nara is a 'flower from heaven,' giving a profound quality to this floral baby name for girls.  

Niko: There are feminine and masculine interpretations to this pretty Japanese name; most often it is used for girls with the meaning 'benevolence' or a gem-like quality from the amber stone. 

Risa: This Japanese baby name for girls has a very specific meaning—'growing flowers at home'—and manages to sound contemporary and whimsical at once.  

Sakura: A popular Japanese baby name for girls; the sakura is the cherry blossom, making this happy, pink floral name especially apt for a little one born in spring. 

Sara: Spelled like the English version, but pronounced sah-rah; the widely interpreted meaning is 'happiness' and 'music;' or 'purity, soul.' 

Takara: A Japanese word name translating to 'treasure;' this unique Japanese baby name is rising in popularity with young parents. 

Japanese Baby Names for Boys

Akio: It is a bold Japanese name for boys meaning 'bright man,' 'bold,' or 'hero;' a gorgeous pick for a new baby son.

Daiki: This cool Japanese baby name means 'big' and 'shining,' making it a bold choice for your little boy.

Haruki: The Japanese boys’ name means 'shining brightly' or 'spring child,' and lends easily to Haru or Ruki as nicknames.  

Hiro: Thanks to its striking resemblance to the English word 'hero,' this Japanese boy name scores extra cool points. In Japanese it means 'broad' or 'widespread.'

Hisashi: A storied name for baby boys, with a meaning built by its two parts; hisa is a long life and shi is a chronicle or history; together it creates the unified meaning 'consistency.'

Ichiro: If he’s the 'first born child,' as the meaning of the name implies, this popular Japanese baby name is the perfect pick for your bouncing boy.

Izumi: Like a lot of the best Japanese baby names, this one’s meaning stems from nature. Izumi means 'spring' and represents lightness and renewal for a son born at any time of year.  

Katsumi: The poetic-sounding baby boy name translates to 'win over the sea.' 

Kazue: It means 'single blessing,' and is a darling choice for the biggest blessing in your life.  

Kiyoshi: Evocative of peace, Kiyoshi is a Japanese baby boy name with many meanings including 'bright,' 'pure,' and 'soundless.'

Koji: It means 'little one,' making it a super-cute choice for a baby brother.

Kosuke: A gorgeous and hopeful baby boy name meaning 'rising sun.'

Naoki: This strong Japanese baby nature name for boys means 'tree of truth.'

Natsuo: A very cool name for a little boy who can easily be nicknamed 'Nate,' this bright and unique Japanese baby name means 'birth of summer.'

Seiichi: Such a sweet message to impart on a little boy, Seiichi means 'one who is sincere.'

Sora: This Japanese nature name meaning 'sky' is technically unisex but more frequently given to boys.  

Tadashi: A cool-sounding Japanese boys’ name with ancient roots; Tadashi has multiple meanings including 'loyal, faithful' and 'correct, accurate.' Sounds like a boy with this name will grow up to be a great guy! 

Tatsuo: Meaning, 'masculine dragon,' it is a powerful Japanese boys’ name that he will love growing into. 

Tetsu: Like a lot of Japanese baby boy names, this one is loaded with strength. Its meanings include 'philosophy,' 'iron,' and 'thoroughness.' Plus, it has a cute sound to it and easily transitions into 'Tet' for a one-of-a-kind nickname.  

Tomo: With a name so innately studious—Tomo means 'intelligent, wisdom, knowledge'—how could your little one not grow into a smart young man? For a fun bonus this Japanese baby name also translates to 'twin,' which makes it a spot-on choice for the boy in a set of boy-girl twins.  

Toshiro: This Japanese baby boy name means talented or intelligent, and has gained popularity in recent years thanks to a beloved anime character Toshiro Hitsugaya.  

Yamato: A meaningful name for a young boy whose parents are paying tribute to Japanese roots, Yamato means 'Old Japan.'

Yoshi: May you have many peaceful nights at home with a new baby boy who honours his adorable name’s meaning...'silent or quiet.'

Yukio: A delightful-sounding Japanese name for boys with a meaning that is equally blissful: Yukio means 'happy or fortunate boy.'

Gender-Neutral Japanese Baby Names

There is some crossover in recent decades with traditionally masculine Japanese baby names being considered for little girls. However, here are some unilaterally gender-neutral options to consider for your Japanese-named baby. 

Aki: It is a short, pretty Japanese name for boys or girls meaning 'bright, autumn.'

Kin: A one-syllable cool-kid Japanese name that means 'gold.' Kin works seamlessly as a middle name, too.

Masa: This unisex Japanese baby name means 'just, true,' giving it a sentiment as lovely as its sound.

Ren: With a sound like the girls’ name Wren (a name that is been picking up steam), the Japanese version is unisex and means 'lotus, love.'

Seiko: There is no doubt your baby will be a 'force' to be reckoned with thanks to this powerful, energetic baby name for boys or girls. 

Final Thoughts on Japanese Baby Names

Clearly, there is no shortage of lovely-sounding, deeply meaningful Japanese baby names. However, Japan is not your only source of inspiration...for more great baby name options, take a look at some of our other faves:

Picking the perfect baby name is one of the most crucial items on your pre-baby to-do list...but so is picking out the perfect baby bed. Find out what makes SNOO Smart Sleeper the safest, smartest baby cot...and learn more about how SNOO aids sleep for babies—and their tired parents—every night!

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