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500 Popular Japanese Girl Names With Meanings

Many babies have names from a different culture or language to reflect their heritage. If you are fortunate to have any Japanese heritage then why not embrace it by giving your baby girl a beautiful Japanese name.

Japanese names have some amazing meanings and can often reflect parents’ hopes and dreams for their baby.

For example, if you decide on a name that means sun it can reflect your hopes for a cheerful and spirited child that will light up the world. 

We have put together 500 of our favorite Japanese girl names along with their meanings. These are only a small fraction of the names that are out there so do not despair if you come to the end of our list and have still not found your perfect name.

A

Ahmya – Black rain.

Ai – Love and affection

Aia – Ruler.

Aika – Love song.

Aiko – Love child.

Aimi – Beautiful love

Aina – View

Ainu – Goddess of fertility.

Airi – Love, affection.

Aiya – Beautiful silk.

Akahana – A red bright flower.

Akako – Red.

Young woman in kimono holding katana

Akane – Brilliant red.

Akari – Brightness.

Akemi – Bright and Beautiful.

Aki – Sparkle.

Akiara – Bright Person.

Akiko – Clear and bright.

Akino – Spring flower.

Ajira – Bright and intelligent.

Akito – Bright

Amaterasu – Shining over heaven.

Amaya – Night rain.

Ami – Friend.

Aneko – Older sister.

Anka – Color of dawn.

Anzu – Apricot.

Aoi – Hollyhock.

Aratani – Precious stone.

Arisu – Noble.

Japanese Geisha

Asa – Born in the morning.

Asami – Morning beauty.

Asuga – Swift like a wind.

Asuka – The fragrance of tomorrow.

Atsuko – Kind child.

Au – Meeting.

Aya – Colorful.

Aya – Angel who knows magic.

Ayaka – Colorful flower.

Ayaka – Scented colored flower.

Ayako – Cute baby.

Ayame – Iris flower.

Ayano – My design.

Ayumi – History or peaceful or pleasure.

Azami – Thistle flower.

Azumi – Safe space.

B

Bashira – Joyful.

Boton – Long life.

Bunko – Literary child.

Woman in kimono traditional japanese dress

C

Chiaki – Sparkling light.

Chiasa – One thousand mornings.

Chie – Wisdom.

Chieko – Wise child.

Chiharu – Springs and clear skies.

Chihiro – Seeker.

Chika – Scattered flowers.

Chikako – Child of wisdom.

Chinami – One thousand waves.

Chinatsu – A thousand summers.

Chitose – Thousand years.

Chiyo – A thousand generations.

Chiyoko – A thousand generations.

Chizue – Durability.

Cho – Butterfly.

Chuya – Pure and clear like water.

D

Dai – Great.

Daitan – Daring.

Japanese woman in traditional clothes of Kimono

Danuja – A ruler.

Den – Shelter.

Doi – Mountain or earth.

E

Eiko – Long-lived child.

Emi – Beautiful smile.

Emica – Charming or blessed.

Emiko – Prosperous and beautiful child.

Emiyo – Blessed beautiful generation.

Ena – Gift from God.

Eri – Blessed prize.

Erity – One who’s special.

Eshima – True intention.

Etsu – Delight or rejoice.

Etsudo – Joyful child.

Etsuko – Joyful child.

F

Fuji – Prosperous opinion.

Fujita – Field

Fumiko – Intellectual.

Fuyuko – Winter child.

G

Gen – Spring.

Gin – Silver.

Gina – Silvery.

Asian style female portrait

H

Hachi – Eight.

Haia – Nimble.

Hana – Flower or blossom.

Hanae – Blossom.

Hanako – Blossom.

Hanami – Flowery.

Hanan – Flower child.

Haru – Springtime.

Harue – Sunshine.

Haruhi – Spring day.

Haruka – Far off.

Haruki – Shining brightly.

Haruko – Spring child.

Harumi – Spring beauty.

Haruna – Spring.

Hatsu – Firstborn.

Hatsuko – Firstborn child.

Hatsumomo – Firstborn peach.

Haya – Quick.

Hayami – Rare beauty.

Hekima – Wisdom.

Hibiki – Echo.

Hide –Excellent.

girl in a kimono

Hideko – Splendid child.

Hideyo – Superior generations. 

Hikari – Light.

Hikaru – Light shining.

Himari – Long jasmine, or benevolent sunflower, home of light and love.

Hina – Sun.

Hinata – Sunny place.

Hiriko – Generous.

Hiro – Abundant.

Hiroko – Rich child.

Hiromi – Abundant beauty.

Hisa – Everlasting.

Hisako – Long-lived child.

Hisano – Long plain.

Hitomi – Pupil of the eye.

Homura – Fire or flame.

Honoka – Harmony and flower.

Hoshi – Star.

Hoshiko – Star.

Hotaru – Blossom.

Humiya – Healthy.

Japanese girl wearing a kimono

I

Ichika – Best, excellent.

Iku – Nourishing.

Ima – Now.

Ine – Rice.

Isamu – Vigorous.

Ito – Thread.

Iwa – Rock.

Izanami – Female who invites.

Izumi – Fountain or spring.

J

Japana – Ambitious.

Jin – Tender.

Jona – God is gracious.

Jun – Pure and clean.

Junko – Obedient child.

K

Kaede – Maple leaf.

Kagami – Mirror.

Kagome – Lost.

Kaida – Little dragon.

Kairi – Ocean village.

Kairy – Sea.

Kaiya – Forgiveness.

girl woman in a kimono

Kaiyo – Forgiveness.

Kame – Long-lived or tortoise.

Kameko – Symbol for long life.

Kamiko – Superior child.

Kana – Powerful one.

Kanna – Guidance or pear.

Kano – Skill.

Kanon – Blossom.

Kaori – Fragrance.

Kasumi – Mist.

Kata – Worthy.

Katana – Honorable.

Katsu – Victorious.

Katsuki – Moon.

Katsumi – To overcome.

Kayda – Little dragon.

Kayo – The beautiful generation.

Kawa – River.

Kazane – The sound of the wind.

Kazashi – Hair ornament.

Kazue – Branch.

Kazuko – Harmonious or peaceful child.

Kazumi – Harmonious beauty.

Kei – Blessing.

girl woman in a kimono

Keiko – Respected child.

Keina – Prosperity.

Keomi – Pure.

Kiaria – Great fortune.

Kibo – Hope.

Kichi – Lucky or fortunate.

Kiko – Hope.

Kiku – Chrysanthemum.

Kimi – Beautiful story.

Kimi – Honourable.

Kimika – Noble.

Kimiko – Valuable child.

Kimmi – Righteous.

Kin – Golden.

Kioka – Mirror.

Kioko – Shares happiness.

Kirika – Natural beauty.

Kishi – Happy and long life.

Kita – North.

Kitiara – Blade from the north.

Kiwa – Born on the borderline.

Kiyo – Pure or holy.

Kiyoko – Pure child.

Kiyomi – Pure beauty.

girl woman in a kimono

Ko – Baby.

Koemi – Smiling.

Koge – Scented flower.

Kohaku – Amber.

Kohana – Little flower.

Kojika – Fawn.

Koko – Stork.

Kokoro – Soul.

Komako – Term of endearment.

Kosuke – Rising sun.

Koto – Beautiful harp.

Kotone – Harp sound.

Kozakura – Cherry tree.

Kozue – Tree.

Kukiko – Snow.

Kuma – Bear.

Kumi – Forever beautiful.

Kumiko – Companion child.

Kuni – Counrty born.

Kura – Treasure house.

Kuri – Chestnut.

Kurva – Mulberry tree.

Kyo – Unite.

Kyoko – Mirror.

L

girl woman in a kimono4

Leiko – Arrogant. 

Lekki – Graceful.

M

Machiko – Fortunate child.

Madoka – Tranquil.

Maeko – Child of trust.

Maemi – Truthful Smile.

Maho – Honest person.

Mai – Person who dances with great grace.

Maiko – Dancing child.

Maimi – Smiling with truth.

Maiya – Rice valley.

Makaira – One who brings happiness.

Maki – True.

Makiko – A sincere person.

Mako – Grateful.

Makoto – Sincerity.

Mami – Genuine.

Mamiko – Daughter of the sea.

Mana – Affection.

Manami – Affectionate beauty.

Mao – Genuine.

Mari – Rebellion.

Masae – Elegant.

girl woman in a kimono5

Masako – Honest child.

Masami – Elegant beauty.

Masumi – Increasing beauty.

Masuyo – Profit.

Matsuko – Pine tree.

Mayu – Genuine. 

Myuko – A child of Mayu.

Mayumi – True beauty. 

Megumi – Blessing.

Mei – Sprout.

Mi – Beauty.

Michi – The upright path.

Michiko – Beautiful wise child.

Midori – Green. 

Mie – Three way division.

Mieko – Brightness of the light.

Miho – Truth, beauty. 

Mihoko – Child of shielded loveliness.

Mika – Beautiful fragrance.

Mikan – Tangerine.

Mikasa – Three hats of bamboo.

Miki – Flower stem.

girl woman in a kimono6

Mikka – Three days.

Miku – A beautiful sky.

Minako – Apple tree.

Minami – One who is from south.

Minato – Harbour.

Mine – Peak.

Minoru – To bear fruit.

Mio – Beautiful cherry blossom.

Mirai – Future.

Misa – A beautiful bud.

Misaki – Beautiful newly grown flower.

Misako – Fascinating child.

Mitsu – Light.

Mitsuko – Shining child.

Miu – Beautiful feather.

Miwa – Harmony.

Miya – Sacred house.

Miyah – Temple.

Miyako – Beautiful child.

Miyo – Charming child.

girl woman in a kimono7

Miyoko – Beautiful child of a beautiful generation.

Miyu – Beautiful truth.

Miyuki – Snow.

Mizuki – Beautiful moon. 

Moe – Peach. 

Momoe – Hundred blessings.

Momoka – Hundreds of flowers.

Momoko – Numerous children.

Mon – Gateway.

Morie – Bay or beach.

Morkia – Fragrance of the forest.

Morkio – Forest child.

Morina – Forest town.

Moto – Source.

Muika – Six days.

Mura – From the village. 

N

Nagi – Calm.

Nakano – Famous female warrior.

Namie – Blessings.

Namika – Flower of the wave.

Nana – Seven.

Nanako – Child of the greens.

Nanami – Seven seas.

girl woman in a kimono8

Nao – Honest.

Naoko – Docile child.

Nara – Flower from heaven.

Nariko – Gentle child.

Narumi – Beauty.

Natsuki – Summer hope.

Natsuko – Summer child. 

Natsumi – Summer beauty.

Ne – Sound. 

Nisbett – Trustworthy.

Nishi – West. 

Noa – Love and affection.

Nobuko – Faithful child.

Nori – Tradition.

Norkio – Rule of law.

Norita – Tradition. 

Nozomi – Dependable.

Nyoko – Treasure.

O

Ohta – Pure.

Okemia – Mercy or pity.

Oki – A master.

Okimi – The bright shining light. 

Orino – Field.

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R

Rai – Trust.

Raku – Pleasure. 

Ran – Water lilly.

Ran – Orchid.

Rei – Lovely bell.

Reiki – Healing the spirit.

Reiko – Thankful child. 

Reina – Wise.

Ren – Love of the lotus.

Rie – Valued blessing.

Rieko – Baby of Rie.

Rika – Fragrance.

Riko – Daughter of the Jasmine.

Rikona – Intelligence.

Rin – Cold, severe, and dignified person.

Rini – One who is like a little sweet bunny.

Rio – Cherry blossom.

Risa – Growing flowers at home.

Rui – Affectionate.

Rumi – A beauty of the lapus lazuli.

Ruqa – One who is a bright blue flower.

Ruri – Emerald. 

Ryoko – Bright child.

S

girl woman in a kimono11

Sachi – Blessed. 

Sachiko – Child of good luck.

Sada – Pure woman.

Saduko – Pure child.

Sadashi – Ambitious. 

Saeko – Serene child.

Sai – Intelligent.

Saiua – Ripe fruit.

Sajonara – Farewell.

Sakae – Prosperous.

Sakai – Prosperous.

Saki – Hope. 

Sakiko – Blossoming child.

Saku – Remembrance of the divine.

Sakura – Cherry blossom.

Sakurako – Child of the cherry blossom.

Sango – Coral.

Sanyu – Happiness.

Saori – Color of  sand. 

Saory – Nicely woven cloth.

Satchiko – Lucky baby.

Satoko – Wise baby.

girl woman in a kimono12

Satomi – Beautiful.

Satsuki – Fifth money, May.

Sawako – Cute baby.

Sayaka – Clear one. 

Sayua – Swift and fast like an arrow.

Sayuri – Lily.

Seijun – Pure.

Seika – Pure summer.

Seiko – Sincere child.

Seina – Noble baby. 

Seiren – Refined star.

Sen – Fairy of wood.

Setsuko – Temperate.

Shaiwase – Happiness.

Shigeko – Luxuriant.

Shika – Deer.

Shiki – The four seasons.

Shiko – Woman made of stone. 

Shiniqua – Victorious woman.

Shinju – Pearl.

Shino – Like a bamboo stem.

Shinobu – Enduring.

girl woman in a kimono13

Shion – One who does not forget.

Shiori – Guide. 

Shizu – Clear.

Shizuka – Quiet.

Shoko – A little child with great hopes.

Shun – Talented person.

Shun – Talented.

Shynah – Victorious. 

Someina – Intelligence.

Sora – Sky.

Sorano – Of the sky. 

Subaru – One who unites.

Sueko – Yougest child in the family.

Sugi – Ceder tree.

Suki – Beloved one.

Sumiko – Beautiful child of goodness.

Sumire – Lovely violet.

Sumiye – Smart girl.

Sunako – Dark side.

Susumu – Progressing.

Suzu – Bell.

Suzue – Branch of little bells. 

Susuki – Bell tree.

Suzume – Sparrow.

girl woman in a kimono14

T

Tadako – Child of tada.

Tadame – Seeds of beauty.

Taka – Honourable peregrine.

Takako – Aristocrat. 

Takara – Jewel.

Take – Bamboo. 

Taki – Waterfall.

Tamaki – Bracelet.

Tamami – Jewel.

Tamane – Sound of a necklace.

Tamashini – Soulful. 

Tami – People.

Tamiko – Great beauty.

Tamura – Rice village. 

Taney – Valley.

Tani – Stand of glory. 

Taree – Bending branch. 

Taru – Huge sea.

Tatsu – Dragon. 

Tatsuo – Female dragon.

Taura – Many lakes.

Teruko – Shining child.

Toki – Opportunity.

Tokiwa – Constant.

Tomiju – Longevity.

Tomiko – Rich child.

girl woman in a kimono15

Tomo – Knowledge.

Tomoe – Lucky friend.

Tomoko – Knowing child.

Tomomi – Good luck.

Tonica – For the people.

Tora – Tigress.

Toru – Huge sea.

Toshi – Mirror image. 

Toshiko – Ancient child.

Tsubaki – Camellia flower.

Tsubame – Believe.

Tsubasa – Wing.

Tsukiko – Moon child.

Tsunade – Young thunder.

Tsuru – Long life.

U

Ume – Plum blossom.

Umi – Ocean.

Urano – Coast.

Usagi – Rabbit.

Uta – Song.

Utano – Field of songs.

girl woman in a kimono16

W

Wakana – Sweet music. 

Wakumi – Spring of water.

Wattan – Homeland.

Y

Yasu – Assertive.

Yasuko – Peaceful child.

Yo – Positive.

Yoko – Sunny child.

Yori – Reliable.

Yoru – Dark.

Yoshi – Good luck.

Yoshiko – Favorite child.

Yoshima – Lucky.

Yoshino – Fertile field.

Youko – Sunshine.

Yua – Ties that bind.

Yui – Gentle. 

Yuina – Vegetables.

Yuka – Good cause.

Yuki – Happiness.

Yukiko – Rare child.

Yuko – Excellence.

Yume – Dream.

Yumi – Beauty.

Yuri – Lily.

Yuriko – Perfect.

The Final Thought

That is the end of our extensive list but do not worry if you have come to the end and still have not found your perfect name.

Our list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Japanese girl names. So if we have inspired you to go down the Japanese baby name route then just keep looking and you are sure to find the perfect one for you.