Japanese Boy Names and Their Meanings

Choosing a name for your baby is an exciting task, especially when it comes to Japanese boy names. Japan has a rich culture and history, and its names reflect that diversity. From traditional to modern, there are endless options to choose from. So, whether you're expecting or just love exploring different cultures, you might consider a popular, unique or cute Japanese name or one with an attractive meaning for your baby boy. And as an added bonus, we’ve created a guideline on the Japanese naming traditions, the characters and pronunciations.

Traditions Behind Japanese Boy Names

Understanding the traditions behind Japanese baby naming can aid in choosing a name for your baby boy. Maybe you’re already familiar with these cultural norms, but if not, the following might help you choose the right name and understand the meanings behind Japanese boy names.

Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana

Kanji, a set of characters with Chinese origins and Japanese pronunciation, are frequently used in Japanese names. Parents can also use hiragana and katakana, which are less complicated forms of writing kanji, in place of these somewhat difficult symbols. Either way, they serve the same purpose of giving the name a visual representation.

For example, the Japanese boys’ name Haruto looks like this when written with kanji: 晴斗. However, you could write it more simply with hiragana, which looks like this: はると. And in katakana, it’s even more simplified: ハルト.

Characters, Meaning and Pronunciation

A parent will select the characters, meaning and pronunciation after deciding whether to use kanji, simplified hiragana or katakana. More than 3,000 kanji characters are used to form the names and meanings of Japanese boy and girl names. You have a ton of possibilities because there are so many names!

Characters

Though parents can just use one character in their child’s name, many opt for two or three kanji to make the name more personal. Four-character names are typically reserved for the eldest son in the family, so your firstborn may need a long Japanese boys’ name!

Meaning

Japanese parents can combine kanji to create the meaning of their child’s name. Kanji can have multiple meanings, which can change based on how they’re combined. Take the name Daiki for example:

• The Japanese character dai can mean ‘big’ or ‘great’.

• And when combined, the character ki can mean ‘brightness’, ‘tree’ and ‘valuable’, among other interpretations.

That means the name Daiki can mean ‘big brightness’, ‘great brightness’, ‘great value’ and so on. Pronunciation

Japanese boy's names can have a variety of meanings, and the same is true of their pronunciation. Many parents discuss the spelling and pronunciation of their child's name because uncommon kanji pairings might result in unexpected sounds, unlike common and traditional names which have well-known pronunciations.

Take the kanji 大翔, for example:

• It has a traditional pronunciation of KHEE-RO-TOH, which many parents still use.

• But it also has other sounds, including HA-ROO-TOH like the name Haruto and MAH-SAH-TOH for the name Masato.

Throughout our list of Japanese names for boys, we included the most common pronunciation, but keep in mind that you can choose others – just remember to give people both the spelling and sound if you choose a more unfamiliar pronunciation.

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Popular Japanese Boy Names

If you want a trendy Japanese name, we’ve provided the top 10 list of boy names in Japan from 2022. These names haven’t yet entered the top 100 boy names list in the United Kingdom, but there’s still time – and these cool names are definitely worthy of becoming popular all around the world.

1. Aoi. This Japanese boys’ name is pronounced with three syllables (A-O-EE), and the most popular meaning is ‘hollyhock’ or ‘althea’. However, ao can also mean ‘green’ or ‘blue’, so there are other possible interpretations.

2. Nagi. From the Japanese word meaning ‘calm’, why not bestow your little boy with this peaceful and popular name? It’s pronounced NA-GEE. 3. Ren. This sweet old-fashioned boy name is making a comeback and is certainly a cute Japanese boys’ name that wouldn’t seem out of place in a list of trendy names. It means ‘lotus’ or ‘love’.

4. Haruto. Popular, common and cute, the Japanese boys’ name Haruto offers quite an adorable meaning. Pronounced HA-ROO-TO, the name combines haru, which can mean ‘light, sun’ or ‘clear weather’, and to, which can mean ‘fly, soar’ or refer to a Chinese constellation. 5. Minato. Though rarer than other popular Japanese boy names on this list, Minato (pronounced MEE-NA-TO) has been used for decades, resurfacing from time to time. It means ‘harbour’.

6. Sōma. Traditionally spelt Sōma and pronounced SO-MA, this name combines so and ma to create the pretty meaning of ‘sound of the wind’ and ‘genuine, real’.

7. Itsuki. Pronounced EE-TSOO-KyEE, this sweet and popular Japanese boys’ name means ‘tree’, making it perfect for nature lovers.

8. Tatsuki. In some cultures, trees signify wisdom and strength, so consider the Japanese boys’ name Tatsuki if you want to channel that for your son! Pronounced TAT-SOO-KEE, it means ‘tree’ and ‘to signify honesty’.

9. Yamato. The name Yamato comes from an ancient name for Japan and means ‘great harmony’. It’s often associated with traits such as strength, courage and determination. Today, many parents in Japan choose the name Yamato for their children as a way to honour their country's heritage and instil these positive qualities in their children.

10. Yūma. If you value truth and honesty above all else, this cute Japanese boy’s name means just that! It’s pronounced YOO-MA.

Unique Japanese Boy Names

If you want to give your little individual a unique baby name to match their unique personality, there are plenty of beautiful Japanese boy names to choose from. Here are some Japanese names for boys that offer something unique for your one-of-a-kind little man.

11. Akimitsu. This unique boy name is perfect for your shining star. Pronounced A-KyEE-MEE-TSOO, it’s an excellent option among Japanese boy names meaning ‘light’, as the kanji combination creates the interpretation of ‘bright light’.

12. Hanzō. The traditional spelling and notable bearer are what make this a unique Japanese boys’ name. Pronounced HAWn-ZO, the name was borne by a famous sixteenth-century samurai. It combines han and zō to mean ‘half’ and ‘to hide’, respectfully.

13. Isamu. This could be the perfect Japanese baby boys’ name, as it simply means ‘brave’. Pronounced EE-SA-MOO, it may be familiar to you as the name of the artist and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi.

14. Jun’ichi. Use this rare Japanese boys’ name for your unique little guy, as it combines the kanji jun, meaning ‘pure’, with ichi, meaning ‘one’. You can pronounce it JWOOn-EE-CHEE.

15. Ken’ichi. Similar to the name above, Ken’ichi is also a unique option, pronounced KEWn-EE-CHEE. Like Kenzo and Kenji, it combines ken, meaning ‘strong, healthy’ or ‘study, sharpen’, with ichi, which means ‘one’.

16. Kōji. Pronounced KO-ZEE, this is a unique yet strong Japanese boy’s name. Ko can mean ‘prosperous’, ‘peace’ or ‘happiness, good luck’. And when combined, ji can mean ‘boss’.

17. Minoru. You might like the unique meaning behind the name Minoru, pronounced MEE-NO-ROO. A favourite interpretation is ‘to bear fruit’, so your little boy will surely have success and good fortune!

18. Naomi. Though Naomi is one of the most popular Japanese girl names, it’s unisex, so it also works for boys. For either sex, nao is typically interpreted as ‘straight, direct’, but mi traditionally means ‘beautiful’ for girls and ‘self’ for boys.

19. Ryōsuke. Unique in spelling, this name typically uses the meaning ‘clear’ for ryō and ‘help, assist’ for suke. For pronunciation, you have two options: RyO-SOO-KEH or RyO-SKEH.

20. Yasu. If you’re wondering what Japanese boy names mean ‘calm’ or ‘peace’, Yasu is one of them. Pronounced YA-SOO, it can mean ‘peace, quiet’ or simply ‘peaceful’.

More Unique Japanese Boy Names

There are so many unique Japanese boy names, some with unusual sounds and others that have become rare choices. Here are some more to enjoy:

Common Japanese Boy Names

If you loved our popular and unique Japanese boy names, these common options fit somewhere between the two, offering a traditional vibe that never seems to go out of style.

31. Arata. This common Japanese boys’ name has the cute meaning of ‘fresh, new’, so it’s perfect for your new arrival. It’s pronounced A-RA-TA.

32. Aoto. You can pronounce this cute moniker as AH-O-TO. One of the more common meanings is ‘blue constellation’, in which ao means ‘blue’, and to refers to a constellation in Chinese.

33. Fuyuki. Perhaps you’ve seen this Japanese name for boys before, as it’s quite common. Pronounced FOO-YOO-KEE, its most traditional meaning is ‘winter’ and ‘tree’.

34. Hikaru. Pronounced KHEE-KA-ROO, Hikaru means ‘light’ or ‘brightness’, though the kanji combinations can create other interpretations. It’s a fairly common gender-neutral name.

35. Kenji. Another common option is Kenji. Among other interpretations, ken can mean ‘healthy’, ‘strong’, ‘sharp’ and ‘sturdy’ and ji means ‘two’.

36. Osuke. With the cute pronunciation of OH-SOO-KAY, this name offers a sweet meaning of ‘cherry blossom’ and ‘to help’.

37. Ritsu. Common and cute, Ritsu is pronounced REE-TSOO and is the perfect moniker if you’re a family of lawyers, as it means ‘law’ or ‘being upstanding’.

38. Shuto. If your baby boy is born during the wintertime, you might like the Japanese name Shuto, pronounced SHA-TOH. Its kanji combination creates the meaning of ‘holly’ and ‘winter’.

39. So. If you want a simple baby name with a short and sweet meaning, consider So, which is pronounced just as it looks, SOH. It means ‘fresh’, so your little one will always be ready for anything!

40. Touji. Another name that works well for winter baby boys is Touji, which means ‘winter solstice’ in Japanese. It’s pronounced TOH-JEE.

More Common Japanese Boy Names

These common Japanese boy names have been for decades by families in Japan and are good choices if you're searching for something classic. Here are even more common favourites:

Cool Japanese Boy Names

If you’re looking for a cool first name or even an edgy middle name for boys, these Japanese options certainly have some hip vibes.

51. Banri. Pronounced BAN-RyEE, this Japanese name for boys has the cool meaning of ‘thousands of miles’. It’s a good moniker to use to wish your little one an adventurous life.

52. Haru. Haru, pronounced HA-ROO, just sounds cool! Though its kanji stands on its own, the name can be a nickname for the popular moniker Haruto. Haru means ‘light, sun’, ‘spring’ or ‘clear weather’.

53. Hikari. There are plenty of names for boys in Japanese that mean ‘light’, and this is one of them. But what adds to its cool factor is the pronunciation of KHEE-KA-REE.

54. Kaede. Kaede looks similar to the English name Kade but with a slightly different spelling. But if you prefer the traditional name, Kaede is pronounced KA-EH-DEH in Japanese and means ‘maple’.

55. Kaito. If you think the sea and sky are pretty cool, then the name Kaito might be a good option. It’s pronounced KA-EE-TO, with kai meaning ‘sea, ocean’ and to meaning ‘fly, soar’. This is also an option if you’re looking for Japanese boy names meaning ‘water’ or some form of water.

56. Kei. This is a good example of a single kanji name with numerous options for meanings, as kei can mean ‘intelligent’, ‘gemstone’ and ‘congratulate’, among other interpretations.

57. Masao. The unique spelling is what puts this moniker into the cool category for Japanese boys’ names. Plus, it’s pronounced MA-SA-OH and can combine its kanji to mean ‘proper hero’.

58. Nori. The most common interpretation for the kanji nori is ‘ceremony, rites’. Though pronounced NAW-ree in the United Kingdom as a nickname for Eleanor, in Japanese, Nori is pronounced NO-REE.

59. Ryō. It doesn’t get much cooler than a Japanese boys’ name that means ‘cool’. Ryō (pronounced RyOH) can mean ‘cool, refreshing’, among other interpretations.

60. Taro. Traditionally spelt Tarō, this name is pronounced TA-RO. It’s a pretty cool boys’ name and since ta can mean ‘big, great’ in Japanese and to can mean ‘son’, you’ve got a ‘great son’.

More Cool Japanese Boy Names

We can’t get enough of these cool Japanese boy names, with their hip sounds and edgy meanings. Check out more below!

Short and Long Japanese Names for Boys

The Japanese naming traditions create long names with multiple kanji, or short ones, with just a singular kanji. We’ve rounded up some of the best names for boys in Japanese that are both short and long.

71. Akio. Though a short baby boy name, Akio offers quite a few interpretations. Aki typically means ‘bright, luminous’, and when combined, o can mean ‘man’, ‘male’, ‘hero’ and more.

72. Hideyoshi. Something interesting about Japanese boys’ names is that they can appear to be quite long, but that’s because they simply combine names. In this case, you have the name Hide, meaning ‘excellent, outstanding’, combined with Yoshi, meaning ‘good, virtuous’ or ‘good luck’. Together, the name is pronounced KHEE-DEH-YO-SHEE.

73. Hirohito. For a long and sweet Japanese boys’ name, you’ve got Hirohito, pronounced KHEE-RO-KHEE-TO. It has a very nice meaning of ‘abundant’ and ‘compassionate’ or ‘person’ by combining hiro and hito.

74. Kazuyuki. This long baby name might have one of the best meanings on our list of Japanese boy names! Kazu means ‘harmony, peace’ and yuki means ‘happiness, good luck’. It’s pronounced KA-ZOO-YOO-KyEE.

75. Nao. Short and simple, Nao is pronounced NA-O and means ‘straight, direct’.

76. Nobutoshi. Nobutoshi, pronounced NO-BOO-TO-SHEE, is a long name with an appealing meaning. Nobu can mean ‘trust’ and toshi typically means ‘quick, clever’.

77. Shin. For a singular kanji name, you could go with Shin, pronounced SHEEN. In Japanese, this boys’ name means ‘real, genuine’.

78. Shin’ichi. If you like the name and meaning of Shin above but prefer a longer Japanese name for your baby boy, consider Shin’ichi. It’s pronounced SHEEN-EE-CHEE and combines shin (‘real, genuine’) with ichi, meaning ‘one’.

79. Shō. This is another singular name with a few different options for meaning. Pronounced SHO, it can mean ‘soar’, ‘glide’, ‘prize’ or ‘reward’, among other interpretations.

80. Yori. Yori, pronounced YO-REE, is an excellent option for a sweet Japanese name for your baby boy. It simply means ‘rely upon’, and being reliable is an admirable character trait to have.

More Short and Long Japanese Names for Boys

Japanese names for boys offer both short and long! So, we’ve included a few more mini monikers and long titles for you to consider.

Cute Japanese Boy Names

Cute Japanese boy names offer sounds and meanings that will pull at your heartstrings. And your little man certainly deserves a name that matches how adorable he is!

91. Asuka. This is a unisex Japanese name with an adorable meaning. Pronounced A-SOO-KA or A-SKA, the name combines asu, which can mean ‘tomorrow’, ‘fragrance’ or ‘to fly’, with ka, meaning ‘bird’.

92. Daigo. With a cute pronunciation of DA-EE-GO, this Japanese boys’ name is already a winner. But it also offers an adorable meaning: ‘big, great’ and ‘enlightenment’.

93. Fuyutake. Pronounced FOO-YOO-TA-KAY, this Japanese boys’ name has a cute meaning inspired by nature. Fuyu can mean ‘winter’ and take can mean ‘bamboo’.

94. Haruo. If your little baby boy is born in spring, consider this Japanese name, as it means ‘springtime man’. It also has a cute pronunciation, HA-ROO-OH.

95. Isao. Another cute and short option, Isao is pronounced EE-SA-OH and means ‘virtue’ or ‘honour, merit’.

96. Kohaku. The cute sound of this Japanese boys’ name is what makes it truly adorable. It’s pronounced KO-HA-KOO and means ‘amber’, so it’s a good choice if your baby is born in November, as amber is the month’s birthstone.

97. Kōki. If the spelling and sound of this cute Japanese boys’ name aren’t quite enough, you might also love the meaning. Pronounced KO-KyEE, kō can mean ‘light’ or ‘happiness, good luck’ and ki can mean ‘hope’ or ‘brightness’.

98. Shoichi. For a sweet name for your little one, consider Shoichi, pronounced SHO-EE-CHEE. Sho means ‘iris’ and ichi means ‘one’.

99. Touwa. Touwa has too many great interpretations – it’s hard to choose the best meaning! Pronounced TO-WAH, tou can mean ‘winter’ or ‘wisteria’, and wa can mean ‘feathers’ or ‘peace, harmony’.

100. Yoshi. Yoshi might be the ultimate cute Japanese boys’ name, as it simply means ‘good luck’. If you liked Nintendo as a kid, you might remember Yoshi as the cute dinosaur and trusted sidekick of Mario and Luigi in Super Mario World.

More Cute Japanese Boy Names

Here are a few more cute Japanese boy names for you to consider.

Attractive Japanese Boy Names

In Japanese culture, attractive names are popular for both boys and girls, whether in sound or meaning. We think you’ll be won over by the following Japanese boy names, which have beautiful meanings and simply sound delightful.

111. Akemi. Besides its pretty sound, as it’s pronounced A-KEH-MEE, Akemi also has the perfect meaning of ‘bright’ (ake) and ‘beautiful’ (mi). Another interpretation for this gender-neutral Japanese name is ‘natural beauty’, which your little one will surely have!

112. Atsuki. There are plenty of interpretations for the attractive Japanese boys’ name Atsuki, but among the most beautiful are ‘warmth’ and ‘hope’. It’s pronounced AT-SOO-KEE.

113. Haruka. Pronounced HA-ROO-KA, this is another name that has lots of choices for meaning. The prettiest interpretations might be ‘spring’ for haru and ‘flower, blossom’ or ‘fragrance’ for ka.

114. Hinata. Pronounced KHEE-NA-TA, this is the perfect name for your little ray of sunshine. The more common meanings of the name’s kanji combination are ‘sunny place’, ‘toward the sun’ and ‘sunflower’. There are quite a few Japanese boy names meaning ‘sun’, but with so many interpretations, this one might be a favourite!

115. Jun. For a simple yet attractive Japanese boys’ name, consider Jun, another gender-neutral option. Pronounced JOON, it can mean ‘pure’, ‘moisture’ or ‘clean’.

116. Michi. Not only pretty but also quite common, Michi is another gender-neutral Japanese name. Pronounced MEE-CHEE, it has the beautiful meaning of ‘path’. Surely your new arrival has created a new path for you!

117. Noriaki. The sound of this Japanese boy’s name is what makes it so attractive, as it’s pronounced NO-REE-A-KyEE. Nori can mean ‘law’ or ‘rule, ceremony’, and aki can mean ‘bright, light, clear’.

118. Touya. If you like the sweet calmness of the dusk or a starry sky or you want a Japanese boy’s name meaning ‘dark’, you might enjoy the name Touya, pronounced TOH-YA, which simply means ‘evening, night’.

119. Yoshiharu. Combining two names, Yoshiharu can mean ‘goodness’ and ‘spring’, which is fitting considering spring brings us lots of good things! It’s pronounced YO-SHEE-HA-ROO.

120. Yukiya. This attractive and cute Japanese boys’ name, pronounced YOO-KEE-YA, is an excellent choice for your son. Yuki can mean ‘happiness’ or ‘snow’ and ya is often used as an exclamation. So, your little boy is ‘happiness’! Or he’s ‘snow’!

More Attractive Japanese Boy Names

Here are even more attractive Japanese names with beautiful meanings such as ‘good luck’ and ‘peace, calm’ for your gorgeous baby boy:

Powerful Japanese Boy Names

You won’t have trouble finding strong Japanese boy names, as numerous kanji combinations create powerful meanings for your mighty little man!

131. Akira. This strong Japanese boys’ name means ‘bright’ or ‘clear’, so your little one can use his clear mind to lead him! It also has the nice pronunciation of A-KyEE-RA.

132. Chihiro. Pronounced CHEE-KHEE-RO, this powerful name combines chi, meaning ‘thousand’ and hiro, meaning ‘fathom’.

133. Daiki. All the kanji combinations for Daiki make this a powerful Japanese boys’ name. Pronounced DA-EE-KyEE, dai can mean ‘big, great’, and when combined, ki can mean ‘brightness’, ‘tree’ or ‘valuable’.

134. Fuyuto. If you think winter is a powerful season, this might be the name for you. Fuyuto, pronounced FOO-YOO-TOH, means ‘winter’ and ‘ascend, rise’.

135. Haruya. Another nature-inspired Japanese boys’ name with the meaning ‘spring’, Haruya takes it a step further with ya, which is either an exclamation or means ‘also, more’. So, the power of spring is intensified!

136. Hiro. As a unisex Japanese boys’ name, Hiro (pronounced HEE-RO) is an adaptable name choice. Besides sounding like the word hero, which already gives this name strength, it also has the powerful meanings of ‘abundant’, ‘generous’ and ‘prosperous’. If you were a fan of the TV series Heroes, you might think of the character who could time travel and stop time.

137. Kazuo. If you’re after a Japanese boys’ name with a deep meaning, consider Kazuo, pronounced KA-ZOO-O. Kazu can mean ‘peace, harmony’ and when combined, o can mean ‘man’ or ‘male’. So, your little one is a ‘peaceful man’.

138. Masashi. Another strong choice is the name Masashi, pronounced MA-SA-SHEE. Masa can mean ‘government’, and when combined, shi can mean ‘will, purpose’.

139. Shuji. Short and simple, Shuji means ‘govern, rule’. It’s pronounced SHOO-JEE.

140. Toya. Pronounced TOH-YA, the first part of this name (to) means ‘wisteria’. But what gives Toya its strength is the meaning behind ya, which is ‘arrow’.

More Powerful Japanese Boy Names

Keep those powerful Japanese boy names going with the following options, some with very strong meanings, such as ‘victory’, ‘trust’ and ‘eternal’.

Numerical Japanese Names for Boys

Many Japanese boy names indicate the order in which your son arrives, such as the first son, second son, and so on. All you need to do is combine the kanji ro, meaning ‘son’, with the kanji for each number. Though not many families have 10 sons, if you enjoy this idea, you can still use the first handful of names! Here are the numerical names for the first through the tenth son:

151. Ichiro. Ichi means ‘one’, so Ichiro, pronounced EE-CHEE-RO, is the perfect Japanese name for your first baby boy! The traditional spelling is Ichirō, and if you’re a fan of baseball, you might think of Ichiro Suzuki, a former professional baseball player.

152. Jiro. For your second son, you could go with Jiro, as ji means ‘two’. It’s pronounced JEE-RO and is traditionally spelt Jirō.

153. Saburo. Since sabu means ‘three’, Saburo (or Saburō) works for your third son. It’s pronounced SA-BOO-RO.

154. Shiro. The fourth son in the family might be given the Japanese boys’ name Shiro, traditionally Shirō. Pronounced SHEE-RO, shi means ‘four’ and, of course, ro means ‘son’.

155. Goro. Goro continues the numerical theme, as go means ‘five’, so it’s a good option for a fifth son. The spelling and pronunciation make this a cute Japanese boys’ name, as it’s pronounced GO-RO. You can also use the traditional spelling, Gorō.

156. Rokuro. Keep counting with Rokoru (or Rokorō), pronounced RO-KOO-RO, for your sixth son. Ro means ‘six’.

157. Shichiro. Your seventh son can have the name Shichiro, as shichi means ‘seven’. It’s pronounced SHEE-CHEE-RO whether you use the traditional spelling of Shichirō or this more common spelling.

158. Hachiro. If you’ve made it to eight sons, consider Hachiro, pronounced HA-CHEE-RO. Hachi means ‘eight’, and you can use Hachirō as a more traditional way of writing the name.

159. Kuro. Ku simply means ‘nine’, so you can use Kuro or Kurō for a ninth son. It’s pronounced KOO-RO.

160. Juro. Lastly, the tenth son traditionally received the Japanese boys’ name Juro (Jūrō), as ju means ‘ten’. It also comes with a cute pronunciation, JOO-ROO.

Even More Japanese Boy Names

If you want even more of our popular, common, unique, cute, attractive, strong and cool Japanese boy names, keep reading!

The Bottom Line

Just like beautiful Korean boy names, Japanese names for boys offer attractive options and wonderful naming traditions. With Japanese boy names, you can almost create your own unique name by combining different kanji and choosing personalised meanings and sounds.

If you’re interested in exploring other cultures and languages, you might like our list of Chinese boy names or Italian boy names.

And as you search for baby names, don’t forget to download the Pampers Club app so you can free diapers for all those future diapers purchases that little Jun or Kenji will need!