Japanese Girl Names: 600+ Names with Meanings

Japanese Girl Names Baby
From anime to Zen, architectural influence to minimalism, many elements of Japanese culture have taken Western sub-cultures by storm!

In Japan, it’s traditional for adults to be referred to by their family name – but in childhood, you’re called upon by your first name.

What a perfect opportunity to showcase the most beautiful Japanese girl names you can find for your little lady, influenced by Japanese culture.

When translating Japanese to English, each sound can have as many as 47 associated words!

Plus, some Japanese words have no literal English equivalent. For example, Hanafubuki describes how the Sakura petals float down en-masse.

English just doesn’t compete with such beautiful sentiments!

 

So, to help you as you take your time with the lists of names, we’ve given only the most appropriate meanings for each baby girl’s name.

Kawaii or Cute Japanese Girl Names

Anime is chock-full of adorable girls with big eyes and cute haircuts, with super-cute names! So it is only natural that cute Japanese girl names are rising in popularity.

We’ve put ourselves to the task of making the best list of cute names, both female and unisex! We’d love to hear what you think in the comments at the end.

Our Favorite

Cute Name Trophy Goes to Sayuri

Sayuri
Meaning ‘little lily,’ Sayuri is the perfect name for a most adorable little girl who will bloom into a graceful woman!

When reading through these names, say them out loud, and for short names like ‘Mika’ you can say the nicknames you might make from it, like ‘Mi-Mi’ or ‘Mika-Mika’ – obviously said in the cutest baby voice you’ve got!

Cute Girl’s Name Meaning
Aika love song
Aimi love beauty
Aiya beautiful silk
Akiko autumn child
Annya peace and sustenance
Aya colorful
Chika near
Emi beautiful smile
Etsu delight
Gina silvery
Hana favorite; flower
Haru springtime
Hatsumomo firstborn peach
Iku nourishing
Junko pure child
Kaori fragrant beautiful girl
Kasumi mist
Katsuki moon
Kimi beautiful story
Kimika noble
Ko baby
Kumiko long-time beauty
Maimi smiling with truth
Mayu genuine
Masami beautiful
Mei sprout
Mika beautiful fragrance
Miku beautiful sky
Mio beautiful cherry blossom
Misa beautiful bud
Miyuki snow
Momoe hundred blessings
Namika flower of the wave
Nanami seven seas
Nori belief
Rei gratitude
Rini little bunny
Rumi beauty of lapus lazuli
Sakiya cherry blossom growing
Sayuri little lily
Seina star
Suki beloved
Suzue branch of little bells
Suzume sparrow
Taki waterfall
Umi beauty
Yoko positive
Yuki happiness
Yumi beauty
Yuri lily
Cute Unisex Name Meaning
Aoki evergreen blue tree
Hiromi generous beauty
Jin bright
Jona dove
Kairi ocean village
Maki (or Maki-Maki) true
Mana one who is full of spirit
Miyoko beautiful child of a beautiful generation
Nana spring greens
Nao love; affection
Sana brilliance
Sora sky
Toyo plentiful
Yuuki gentle hope

Unique Japanese Girl Names

Grumpy Japanese Baby Girl
Japan is well known for its distinct language and fascinating culture. So, along with this distinction comes a host of names that are one-of-a-kind.

Our Favorite

Unique Name Trophy Goes to Eshima

Eshima
Eshima means ‘true intention’ so her name will be a continuous reminder to focus on and achieve her goals.

Inspired by Japan and all things Japanese, we’ve scoured history both old and modern – and found 50 eccentric Japanese names and their meanings, perfect for your unique baby girl!

Unique Girl’s Name Meaning
Ahmya black rain
Akahana red bright flower
Amaterasu sun goddess
Annaisha helpful guide to others
Aratani precious stone
Arisu noble sort
Botan long life
Chiharu one thousand springs
Chizu one thousand storks
Daitan daring; bold one
Eshima true intention
Fuyuko winter child
Haruna spring
Hibiki echo
Hisako long-lived child
Isamu vigorous
Kagome lost
Kane two right hands
Kiaria great fortune
Kimmi righteous
Koemi smiling
Koge scented flower
Madoka tranquil
Maemi truthful smile
Masae elegant
Mikasa three hats of bamboo
Mikazuki moon of third night
Minoru to bear fruit
Miwa harmony
Mura from the village
Namika flower of the wave
Nisbett trustworthy
Okemia war horn
Rikona intelligence
Ruri emerald
Shion one who remembers
Sueko youngest child
Susumu progressing
Takane mountain peak
Tamane sound of a necklace
Taree bending branch
Tomiju longevity
Tsubame believe
Utano field of songs
Wakumi beautiful spring of water
Yuina vegetables
Yumena famous
Unique Unisex Name Meaning
Danuja knight; a ruler
Fujita field
Japana energetic; drive-oriented; ambitious
Kaede maple
Kazuto peace; harmony; first
Kohaku amber
Michi righteous way
Shiki the four seasons of the year
Tamashini soul; one who is very soulful
Tsubasa wings
Yoshie good; respectful

Common and Popular Japanese Girl Names

Popular Baby
The most common Japanese girls names in 2020 were as follows:

Unique Girl’s Name Meaning
Honoka harmony and flower
Himari hollycock flower; ball of light
Akari brightness
Mei sprout
Hina sun
Yua ties that bind
Ema picture horse
Yui and Yūna gentle
Sakura Cherry blossom
Mio beautiful cherry blossom
Ichika one thousand flowers
Aoi holly flower
Tsumugi pongee (material made of silk)
Riko daughter of Jasmine

Lucky/Fortunate Names for Japanese Girls

Lucky Japanese Girl in Red
We all wish our children well, and do everything we can to give them the best chances in life.

So, why not start their journey with some extra luck? Give your daughter a lucky name!

In Japan, luck and superstition are big things, like keeping snakeskin in your wallet to bring you a big fortune, or cleaning your bathroom so that you will have a beautiful baby!

Red and white are also considered important colors for their inclusion in weddings, birthdays, and other celebratory ceremonies, embodying happiness and joy.

So, it is only fitting to choose a name that comes from the words for luck, fortune, destiny, or the fortuitous colors red and white – to bring good luck to your fortunate one.

Fortunate Girl’s Name Meaning
Akahana bright red flower
Akako red
Akane brilliant red
Akari red plum; red pear tree; light; red dye
Fukuin good news; gospel
Fuyuko Winter child
Keiko lucky child; happy child; adored one
Kiaria fortunate
Kitsune white fox
Konomi small child; beloved; good luck; success
Kori ice
Machiko fortunate child
Megumi blessing
Miyuki beautiful snow
Rina white Jasmine
Sachie from 幸 (sachi): happiness; good luck
Sachiko happy child; lucky child
Unmei destiny
Unsei fortune; luck
Yoshi lucky; righteous
Yuki happiness; luck; snow (which is also white!)
Yukiko snow child

Many More Japanese Girl Names

Japanese Girl Playing With Mother
If you haven’t found the perfect girl’s name, don’t worry!
There are many more thousands of names for Japanese girls. However, instead of throwing them all at you, we’ve selected the best 420 names, to make your job easier.

Good luck, and we hope you find the name that you are looking for!

  • Ai – love
  • Aia – ruler
  • Aiko – beloved one, little love
  • Aina – view
  • Ainu – goddess of fertility
  • Airi – affection; white jasmine
  • Akasuki – bright helper
  • Akina – spring flower
  • Amaya – night rain
  • Ami – friend
  • Amida – name of Buddha
  • Aneko – older sister
  • Anka – color of dawn
  • Anzu – apricot
  • Asa – born in morning
  • Asami – morning beauty
  • Asuga – tomorrow
  • Asuka – tomorrow fragrance
  • Atsuko – kind child
  • Au – meeting
  • Ayaka – color
  • Ayako – scholarly child
  • Ayame – Iris
  • Ayano – colorful woven silk
  • Ayumi – stroll
  • Azami – thistle flower
  • Azumi – safe residence
  • Bashira – joyful
  • Bunko – literary child
  • Chiaki – thousand autumns
  • Chiasa – one thousand mornings
  • Chie/Hekima – wisdom
  • Chieko – thousand blessings child
  • Chihiro – seeker
  • Chikako – child of wisdom
  • Chinami – one thousand waves
  • Chinatsu – thousand summers
  • Chitose – thousand years
  • Chiyo – one thousand generations
  • Chiyoko – thousand generations
  • Chizue – durability
  • Cho – butterfly
  • Chuya – pure like clear water
  • Dai – great
  • Den – bequest from ancestors
  • Eiko – long-lived child
  • Emica – beautiful
  • Emiko – smiling child
  • Emiyo – blessed beautiful generation
  • Ena – gift from God
  • Eri – blessed prize
  • Erity – one who is special
  • Etsudo/Etsuko – joyful child
  • Fuji – prosperous opinion
  • Fumiko – beautiful
  • Gen – spring
  • Gin – silver
  • Haia – nimble
  • Hanae – blossom
  • Hanako/Hanan/Haneen – flower child
  • Hanami – flowery
  • Haruhi – spring day
  • Haruka – far off
  • Haruki – springtime tree
  • Haruko – spring child
  • Harumi – spring beauty
  • Hatsuko – firstborn child
  • Haya – quick, light
  • Hayami – rare and unusual beauty
  • Hide – excellent
  • Hideko – splendid child
  • Hikari – light
  • Hinata – sunny place
  • Hiriko/Hiroshi – generous
  • Hiro – broad; widespread
  • Hiroko – rich child
  • Hisa – long-lasting
  • Hisano – long plain
  • Hitomi – pupil of the eye
  • Homura – fire or flame
  • Hoshiko – star child
  • Hotaru – firefly; lightning bug
  • Humiya – healthy
  • Ima – now
  • Ine – rice
  • Ito – thread
  • Iwa – rock
  • Izanami – female who invites
  • Izumi – spring fountain
  • Kagami/Kioka/Kyoko – mirror
  • Kaida/Kayda – little dragon
  • Kairy – sea
  • Kaiya/Kaiyo – forgiveness
  • Kame – long-lived; tortoise
  • Kameko – tortoise-child; symbol for long-life
  • Kamiko – superior child
  • Kano – skill
  • Kanon – blossom
  • Kata – worthy
  • Katana – sword
  • Katsu/Shynah – victorious
  • Kawa – river
  • Kayo – the beautiful generation
  • Kazane – the sound of the wind
  • Kazashi – hair ornament
  • Kazue – branch
  • Kazuko – harmonious child
  • Keina – prosperity
  • Keomi – pure
  • Kibo/Kiko – hope
  • Kichi – fortunate
  • Kiku/Kikuko – chrysanthemum
  • Kimiko – dear child
  • Kioko – shares happiness
  • Kirika – natural beauty
  • Kishi – happy and long life
  • Kita – north
  • Kitiara – blade from the north
  • Kiwa – born on the borderline
  • Kiyoko – pure child
  • Kiyomi/Misumi – pure beauty
  • Kohana – little flower
  • Kojika – fawn
  • Koko – stork
  • Kokoro – soul
  • Komako – filly; term of endearment
  • Koto – beautiful harp
  • Kotone – harp sound
  • Kozakura – cherry tree
  • Kukiko – snow
  • Kumi – long period of time
  • Kunicountry born
  • Kura – treasure house
  • Kuri – chestnut
  • Kurva – mulberry tree
  • Leiko – arrogant
  • Machi – ten thousand
  • Maeko – child of truth
  • Maho – honest person
  • Mai – dance
  • Maiko – child of Mai
  • Maiya – rice valley
  • Makaira – brings happiness
  • Makiko – child of Maki
  • Mako – truth; grateful
  • Mami/Mao/Mayu – genuine
  • Mamiko – child of Mami
  • Manami – affectionate beauty
  • Mari – rebellion
  • Maria – sea of bitterness
  • Mariko – child of Mari
  • Marri – elegant dance party
  • Maru – round
  • Masako – child of Masa
  • Masuyo – profit
  • Matsuko – pine tree
  • Mayako/Mayoko/Mayuko – child of Maya/Mayo/Mayu
  • Mayumi – true bow (archery)
  • Mi – beauty
  • Michiko – child of Michi
  • Midori – green
  • Mie – three-way division
  • Mieko – beautiful blessing child
  • Miho – truth; beauty
  • Mihoko – child of Mihoko
  • Mikan – tangerine
  • Miki – beautiful tree
  • Mikia/Mikki – flower stem
  • Mikka – three days
  • Minako – child of Mina
  • Minami – one who is from South
  • Minato – harbor
  • Mine – resolute protector
  • Mirai – future
  • Misaki – beauty bloom
  • Misako/Miyako – beautiful child
  • Mitsuko – child of Mitsu
  • Miu – beautiful feather
  • Miya/Miyah – temple
  • Miyu – beautiful truth
  • Mizuki – beautiful moon
  • Moe – budding
  • Momiji – red leaves
  • Momo – hundred
  • Momoka – hundreds of flowers
  • Momoko – child of Momo
  • Mon – gateway
  • Morie – bay or beach
  • Morika – forest fragrance
  • Moriko – forest
  • Morina – forest town
  • Moto – source
  • Muika – six days
  • Mutsuko – child of Mutsu
  • Nagi – calm
  • Nagisa – shore
  • Nahoko – child of Naho
  • Nakano – famed female warrior
  • Nami – wave
  • Namie – blessing
  • Namiko – child of Nami
  • Nanako – child of Nana
  • Nani – beautiful
  • Naoki – honest tree
  • Naoko – child of Nao
  • Nara – flower from heaven
  • Nari/Rai – thunder
  • Nariko – gentle child
  • Natsuki – summer hope
  • Natsuko – child of Natsu
  • Natsumi – summer beauty
  • Nayoko – child of Nayo
  • Ne – sound
  • Nishi – west
  • Nobuko – faithful child
  • Noriko – doctrine child, child of Nori
  • Norita – tradition
  • Nozomi – hope
  • Nyoko – gem; treasure
  • Oki – master
  • Okimi – bright shining light
  • Orino – field
  • Raku – pleasure
  • Ran – water lily
  • Reina – wise
  • Rie – valued blessing
  • Rieko – child of Rie
  • Rika – village
  • Rikako – child of Rika
  • Rinako – child of Rina
  • Rio – cherry blossom
  • Risa – growing flowers at home
  • Risako – child of Risa
  • Ritsuko – child of Ritsu
  • Roku – emolument
  • Rui – affectionate
  • Rumiko – child of Rumi
  • Ruqa – beautiful
  • Ryoko – child of Ryo
  • Ryu – lofty
  • Sachi – blessed
  • Sachio – happy child
  • Sada – pure woman
  • Sadako – pure child
  • Sadashi – ambitious
  • Saeko – child of Sae
  • Saiintelligent
  • Saiua – ripe fruit
  • Sajonara – farewell
  • Sakae/Sakai – prosperous
  • Saki – hope
  • Sakiko – child of Saki
  • Sakuko – child of Saku
  • Sakurako – child of Sakura
  • Sanako – child of Sana
  • Sango – coral
  • Saori – color of sand
  • Saory – nicely woven cloth
  • Satchiko – lucky baby
  • Sato – sugar
  • Satoko – child of Sato
  • Satomi – beautiful
  • Satsuki – fifth month: May
  • Sawako – cute baby
  • Sayaka – clear one
  • Sayoko – child of Sayo
  • Sayua – swift like an arrow
  • Seijun – pure
  • Seika – pure summer
  • Seiren – refined star
  • Seki – wonderful
  • Sen – fairy of wood
  • Setsuko – temperate child
  • Shigeko – luxuriant child
  • Shiho – maintain original intention
  • Shika – deer
  • Shikha – gentle deer
  • Shiko – woman of stone
  • Shina – virtue, good
  • Shiniqua – victorious woman
  • Shinju – pearl
  • Shino – bamboo stalk
  • Shiori – bookmark; guide
  • Shizu – silent
  • Shizuka – quiet
  • Shoko – auspicious child
  • Someina – intelligence
  • Sorano – of the sky
  • Sugi – cedar tree
  • Sumi – clear, refined
  • Sumiko – beautiful child of goodness
  • Sumire – lovely violet
  • Sumiye – bright mind; smart girl
  • Sunako – dark side
  • Sute – forsaken; foundling
  • Suzu – bell
  • Tadako – child of Tada
  • Tadame – seeds of beauty
  • Taka – tall, honorable
  • Takako – child of Taka
  • Takara – treasure, precious object
  • Take – bamboo; symbol of fidelity
  • Tamaki – bracelet
  • Tamako – precious stone
  • Tame – unselfish
  • Tami – people
  • Tamiko – child of Tami
  • Tamura – rice village
  • Tanaka – dweller
  • Taney – valley
  • Tani – stand of glory
  • Tatsu – dragon
  • Tatsuo – female dragon
  • Taura – many lakes
  • Teruko – shining child
  • Toki – opportunity
  • Tokiko – child of Toki
  • Tokiwa – constant
  • Tomiko – child of Tomi
  • Tomo – intelligent
  • Tomoe – lucky friend
  • Tomoko – knowing child
  • Tomomi – good luck
  • Tomoni – unity; togetherness
  • Tonica – for the people
  • Tora – tiger
  • Tori – bird
  • Toru – huge sea
  • Toshi – mirror image
  • Toshiko – alert and valued child
  • Tsubaki – camellia flower
  • Tsukiko – moon child
  • Tsuna – bond
  • Tsunade – young thunder
  • Tsuru – long life
  • Ume – plum blossom
  • Umi/Yumi – beauty
  • Urano – coast
  • Uta – song
  • Wakanasweet music
  • Wattan – homeland
  • Yasuko – peaceful child
  • Yayoi – third month: March
  • Yo/Yoko – positive
  • Yori – reliable
  • Yoru – dark
  • Yoshiko – child of Yoshi
  • Yoshima – lucky
  • Yoshimasa – good luck; correctness
  • Yoshino – fertile field
  • Youko – sunshine
  • Yubi – graceful
  • Yui/Yuna – gentle
  • Yukako – child of Yuka
  • Yuko – helpful child
  • Yumako – child of Yuma
  • Yume – dream
  • Yumiko – child of Yumi
  • Yuriko – child of Yuri
  • Yutsuko – child of Yutso

Many More Unisex Japanese Names

Baby Girl Sleeping

  • Aki – crystal clear
  • Akiara – bright person
  • Akito – bright person; who is like autumn season
  • Danuja – knight; a ruler
  • Doi – mountain; earthen well
  • Fujita – field
  • Hachi – eight; bee; flowerpot
  • Harue – spring bough; sunshine
  • Hikaru – shining brilliance; flashing brilliance
  • Hitomu – wisdom; intellect; beautiful
  • Hoshi – star
  • Ichigo – strawberry
  • Japana – energetic; drive-oriented; ambitious
  • Jun – talented
  • Kaede – maple
  • Kana – powerful
  • Kaoru/Karou – fragant
  • Katsumi – overcome
  • Kazumi – beautiful harmony
  • Kazuto – peace; harmony; first
  • Kei – square jewel; blessing; wise
  • Kin – golden
  • Kohaku – amber
  • Kosuke – rising sun
  • Kozue – tree branches
  • Kuma – bear
  • Kyo/Kyou – peach/apricot
  • Makoto – sincere person
  • Masa – straightforward
  • Masumi/Narumi – beauty
  • Michi – righteous way
  • Minori – beautiful harbor
  • Mitsu – honey
  • Mitsuru – satisfy
  • Miyo – beautiful and charming child
  • Natsu – born in summer
  • Noa – undertaking; indication
  • Ohta – eyes of the Almighty God; one who is free from dirt and impurities
  • Reiki – practice of healing the spirit
  • Reiko – beautiful child
  • Ren – the love of the lotus
  • Rin – cold, severe and dignified person
  • Ryo – defy
  • Saku – remembrance of the divine
  • Sanyu/Shaiwase – happiness
  • Seiko – truth
  • Shiki – the four seasons of the year
  • Shinobu – person that is enduring
  • Shun – fast and talented person
  • Soma – moon
  • Subaru – one who is uniting
  • Suzuki – bell of wood
  • Tamashini – soul; one who is very soulful
  • Taru/Toru – vast and huge sea of water
  • Tokyo – Eastern capital
  • Tomi – rich
  • Usagi – dawn
  • Yasu – calm
  • Yuka – bright star
  • Yuu – tenderness

The Takeaway

We sincerely hope you enjoyed this list of Japanese girl names, and maybe you even learned a little about Japan on the way.

As a country of diverse culture, in which its inhabitants live side-by-side with nature from Macaques to Serows, the Japanese people have our respect.

If you have any insights that you think are worth sharing, or would like to let us know which name you chose, we would be honored to hear from you in the comments below.

David Woods Autho Bio Picture
David is the pet lover behind My Pet's Name. He is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America, holds two degrees and has studied Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare. As well as writing, David has helped over 2 million people choose the best name for their pet.

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