Choosing a Japanese name can be an exciting yet challenging process, especially if you want one that captures the beauty, meaning, and cultural depth of the language. Whether you’re naming a character for a story, finding a unique name for a game, or simply exploring Japanese names for fun, our Japanese Name Generator makes the process effortless.
With a blend of traditional and modern influences, this tool offers names that reflect Japan’s rich linguistic heritage. From elegant Sakura-inspired names to strong samurai-era choices, you’ll find a name that resonates with your needs. Ready to discover the perfect Japanese name?
Remember, Japanese names normally start with the family name (surname), followed by the given (first) name.
Unique Japanese First Names
Discover rare and meaningful Japanese names that stand out with their beauty and depth.
List of Japanese Girl Names
Explore elegant and charming Japanese names perfect for girls, each with a rich cultural significance.
Name | Meaning |
Aiko | Beloved child |
Akari | Light, brightness |
Asami | Morning beauty |
Chiharu | Thousand springs |
Emiko | Blessed, beautiful child |
Hana | Flower |
Haruka | Distant, faraway |
Hikari | Radiance, light |
Ichika | One thousand flowers |
Kaede | Maple tree |
Keiko | Blessed child, respectful child |
Kiko | Chronicle child, noble child |
Mai | Dance, brightness |
Miko | Shrine maiden, beautiful child |
Misaki | Beautiful blossom, cape |
Natsumi | Summer Beauty |
Rin | Dignified, cold, severe |
Sakura | Cherry blossom |
Yuki | Happiness, snow |
Yumi | Beauty, reason, bow (as in archery) |
List of Japanese Boy Names
Find strong and timeless Japanese names for boys, inspired by tradition and history.
Name | Meaning |
Akihiro | Bright, great |
Daichi | Great land, wisdom |
Haruto | Sun, flying |
Hayato | Falcon, swift person |
Hiroshi | Generous, prosperous |
Itsuki | Tree, independence |
Jiro | Second son |
Kaito | Ocean, soaring |
Kazuki | Harmonious hope, peace |
Kenji | Strong, intelligent second son |
Makoto | Sincerity, truth |
Masaru | Victory, excellence |
Naoki | Honest tree, straight tree |
Ren | Lotus, love |
Riku | Land, strength |
Ryota | Refreshing, great |
Satoshi | Wise, quick-witted |
Takeru | Warrior, strong man |
Tomoya | Wise, knowledgeable friend |
Yuto | Gentle, abundant person |
List of Japanese Gender-Neutral Names
See this list of versatile Japanese names that work beautifully for any gender.
Name | Meaning |
Akira | Bright, clear |
Asuka | Tomorrow, fragrance |
Chiharu | Thousand springs |
Haru | Spring, sun |
Hikaru | Radiance, light |
Hinata | Sunflower, sunny place |
Kaoru | Fragrance, aroma |
Kazu | Harmony, peace |
Koharu | Small spring, late summer |
Makoto | Sincerity, truth |
Minori | Truth, harvest |
Nao | Honest, straightforward |
Rei | Spirit, gratitude |
Ren | Lotus, love |
Riku | Land, strength |
Rui | Affection, wisdom |
Sora | Sky |
Tsubasa | Wings |
Yuki | Happiness, snow |
Yuu | Gentle, superiority |
You can use our Japanese name generator above for hundreds of more first and last name ideas!
Japanese Family (Surnames) Names
Japanese surnames often have deep meanings rooted in nature, geography, or historical significance. With over 100,000 different family names in Japan, many are derived from kanji characters representing landscapes, elements, or noble lineage.
Here’s a list of some common and unique Japanese surnames along with their meanings:
Surname | Meaning |
Takahashi | Tall bridge |
Yamamoto | Base of the mountain |
Fujimoto | Origin of the wisteria |
Tanaka | Central rice field |
Ishikawa | Stone river |
Nakamura | Central village |
Hoshino | Field of stars |
Sakamoto | Foot of the hill |
Shimizu | Pure water |
Okamoto | Base of the hill |
Kobayashi | Small forest |
Inoue | Above the well |
Matsuda | Field of pines |
Kuroda | Black rice field |
Ueda | Upper rice field |
Moriyama | Forested mountain |
Hasegawa | Long valley river |
Nagasaki | Long cape |
Aoyama | Blue (green) mountain |
Kitagawa | Northern river |
Japanese surnames are written before the given name, following traditional Japanese naming conventions. Many of these names reflect the beauty of nature and historical ties to specific regions of Japan.
For more name ideas, check out our everyday name generator for a range of names from different countries around the world!
Summary
Japanese names carry deep meanings, cultural significance, and beautiful symbolism, whether they are first names or family names. From unique and gender-neutral choices to traditional boy and girl names, each name reflects Japan’s rich linguistic heritage. Family names, often rooted in nature and geography, add another layer of meaning to identity. Whether you’re naming a character, looking for inspiration, or simply exploring Japanese names for fun, there’s a perfect name waiting for you.
Do you have a favourite Japanese name or a name you’d like to learn more about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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