Japanese boy names are an individual and unique option to select your child’s name. If you’re of Japanese origins, you could think about a traditionally male name, or one with a distinctive adorable, cool, or cute significance for your little boy. By combining various Kanji characters, you could make your own name that is as unique and adorable as the baby you’re expecting! To inspire you with ideas, we’ve put together 220 of our most-loved Japanese male names, as well as providing a brief lesson about the origins of these names.
Traditions that lie behind Japanese Male Names
If you are considering choosing a Japanese namesake for your new baby boy, it might be helpful to know the history associated with the process of naming babies in Japan. Perhaps you are already familiar with these customs and practices however this article can aid you in choosing the correct name and help you understand the significance of Japanese male names.
Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana
Japanese names are typically written using the kanji system, which is a collection of characters that have Chinese heritage in addition to Japanese pronunciation. These characters offer an illustration of the name. They are extremely complex. However, parents may also choose to use hiragana or Katakana as alternatives which are more straightforward ways to write the kanji. For instance, it is the Japanese boy Haruto’s name Haruto is like this when written using the kanji Qing Dou. You can however write it with the hiragana character, which looks like this”Haruto. In katakana, the word is even simpler and resembles”Haruto.
Characters with Meaning, Pronunciation, and Meaning
If a parent is deciding whether to go with kanji or the simplified hiragana, or Katakana, they’ll select the characters, meanings as well as pronunciation that will differ. Japanese names for girls and boys utilize more than 3,000 characters from kanji and combine them to form the monikers and their meanings. This is a huge number of names. So there are plenty of choices! Characters While parents can only make use of one character in the name of their child most prefer two or three characters to create a more personal name. Names with four characters are generally reserved for the son who is the most senior of the family, meaning that the first child you have may require the long Japanese male’s name! What does it mean? Japanese parents blend kanji to determine the meaning behind their child’s title. Kanji has multiple meanings. They can be altered depending on how they’re paired. Consider Daiki as an example: Daiki for instance:
- The Japanese character dai can refer to “big” in addition to “great.”
- When it is taken together, the character “ki” can refer to “brightness,” “tree,” and “valuable,” among other possible meanings.
The name Daiki could refer to “big brightness,” great brightness,” great value” and so on.
Pronunciation Similar to the names of boys in Japanese may differ as can pronunciation. Traditional and common names have well-known pronunciations. However, many parents are familiar with the spelling and the sound of their child’s name because unusual kanji combinations may make unorthodox-sounding names. Since the 1990s the trend has been to make use of unusual pronunciations for names that are commonly used. Consider the Kanji Da Xiang, for example:
- It is a pronunciation that has a tradition of KHEE RO-TOH, which a lot of parents still utilize.
- It also has other sounds, like HA-ROO-TOH that resemble that of Haruto and MAH-SAH toh for Masato. Masato.
In this list of Japanese names for boys, we have included the most commonly used pronunciation however, remember that you have the option of choosing other pronunciations. Just make sure you give your friends each spelling as well as the sound in case you select a different pronunciation.
Names that are popular Japanese Boy Names
If you’re looking for a modern Japanese name, take a look at the most popular Baby boy names within the United States and also at the names that are trending in Japan. Of all of the popular names in Japan, there are two that appear in the top 1000 names of America. United States: Kenzo and Kenji. We also included other popular and trendy names that have been topping lists (and continue to remain well) in Japan
| NAMES | Meaning | GENDER | ||
| Aoi (aoi) | Holly flower | Unisex | ||
| Asahi (Zhao Ri ) | Morning Sun | Boy | ||
| Haru (Chun ) | Born in the Spring; It’s Clear; The Sun Sunlight | Boy | ||
| Haruto (haruto) | Spring and Sunny. Clear Up Radiance and Sunlight. | Boy | ||
| Hinata (Ri Xiang ) | Japanese The Japanese Sunflower Faced with the sun; Sunny Place | Boy | ||
| Hiroto (hiroto) | Fly far; take a big flight | Boy | ||
| Itsuki (Wu Yue ) | Timber tree | Boy | ||
| Kaito ( Guai Dao ) | Kaito is a Japanese word meaning Sea, Ocean | Boy | ||
| Kanna | One of the many names for children of Lord Krishna The favourite name of Lord Krishna | Boy | ||
| Kei (kei) | Kei name means Square Jewel, Blessing, Wise | Unisex | ||
| Minato (Gang Qu ) | Harbour or Port | Boy | ||
| Niko | The conquest of the nation. | Boy | ||
| (ren) (ren) | The lotus’s love for the lotus | Unisex | ||
| Riku | German Powerful Ruler A variation of Richard | Boy | ||
| Sana | brilliance, exceptional aptitude or acuity towards things | Unisex | ||
| Souta ( Nan Bu ) | A sudden sound of wind | Boy | ||
| Touma | An Assyrian variant of Thomas. It is a reference to twins. | Boy | ||
| Yamato (yamato) | Great harmony | Boy | ||
| Youta (youda) | Great sunlight | Boy | ||
| Yuuma (yuuma) | Gentle, Truthful, Honest | Boy | ||
| Yuuto (yuuto) | Gentleness or tenderness | Boy | ||
| Aito (aito) | ocean, sea combined with ocean, sea and ae (to) (to) which is the Chinese constellation or?” (to) meaning “soar or fly” | Boy | ||
| Akiara (akiara) | A brilliant person | Unisex | ||
| Akio (Qiu Wei ) | Bright Man and Manly Hero | Boy | ||
| Akito (akito) | A bright person, who looks as autumnal | Unisex | ||
| Ami | Hebrew the Lord is my nation. It is a variation of the name Amiel | Boy | ||
| Aoki | An evergreen blue tree | Unisex | ||
| Arata (arata) | A fresh, new and fresh person | Boy | ||
| Asa | Healer and doctor as a healer. | Boy | ||
| Asas (toTong ziyouni) | Doctor and healer an unforgettable morning | Boy | ||
| Benjiro (benziro) | Enjoys Peace | Boy | ||
| Chibi (chibi) | Japanese – Small or Short Person | Boy | ||
| Chiharu (Qian Chun ) | Clear skies and springs | Unisex | ||
| Chikafusa (chikahusa) | The one that is close | Boy | ||
| Chikao (chikao) | A clever and wise person | Boy | ||
| Chiko (chiko) | A promise | Boy | ||
| Chimon (chimon) | Gate of Wisdom | Boy | ||
| Dai | A shining person | Boy | ||
| Daichi (daichi) | From the planet | Boy | ||
| Daido ( Da Tong ) | The most effective way to do it | Boy | ||
| Daiki (daiki) | The noble one, brimming with light and radiance | Boy | ||
| Daisuke (Da Fu ) | The big one | Boy | ||
| Danno (danno) | Gathering; to gather together | Boy | ||
| Danuja (danuziya) | Knight; a ruler | Unisex | ||
| Denji (Dian Shi ) | Someone with electromagnetic power | Boy | ||
| Doi (Tu Jing ) | It refers to mountains or earth. | Unisex | ||
| Eito (eito) | A very successful person. They are generous hearty | Boy | ||
| Enmei (emei) | A bright circle or a life-sustaining. | Boy | ||
| Fumihiro (humihiro) | Refers to extensive condemnation. | Boy | ||
| Genkei (Yuan Qi ) | The person who is worthy of honour and integrity. | Boy | ||
| Giichi (gichi) | Giichi can be a masculine Japanese name for a male. The name translates to One Rule, The Righteous One. | Boy | ||
| (zin) (zin) | The meaning behind the term Gin can be described as Silver. | Boy | ||
| Ginjiro (Yin Ci Lang ) | Ginjiro is the Japanese name, which translates to Good Silver. | Boy | ||
| Goku | Be aware of the empty | Boy | ||
| Goro | The Enlightened Son Goro is particularly friendly and enthusiastic, open and to a large extent informative. | Boy | ||
| (gou) (gou) | Gou is a Japanese name meaning someone who is strong and powerful, similar to the mountain. | Boy | ||
| Habiki (habiki) | Echo, sound | Boy | ||
| Hachi (hachi) | Eight also refers to the flowerpot or bee. | Unisex | ||
| Hachirou (Ba Lang Lang ) | Eighth Son. A variation of the transcription is Hachiro | Boy | ||
| Hakaku (hakuku) | White Crane | Boy | ||
| Haku (haku) | White Older brother (Japanese) Lord Overseer in Hawai | Boy | ||
| Hansuke (hansuke) | A very supportive friend | Boy | ||
| Harue (Chun Jiang ) | Spring Bough; Sunshine | Unisex | ||
| Haruki (Chun Shu ) | Spring Wood; Clear Up Radiance; Sunshine; | Boy | ||
| Haruko | The Spring Child; Sunshine Clear Up Radiance First Born Child | Boy | ||
| Hayate | Fresh Breeze Smooth | Boy | ||
| Hekima | Intelligent, knowledgeable | Boy | ||
| Hibiki | Echo Sound | Boy | ||
| Hideaki | Bright, Excellent | Boy | ||
| Hideki | Excellence, Esteem, Excellent | Boy | ||
| Hideo | An excellent male child; Excellent Man | Boy | ||
| Hideyoshi | Excellence, Esteem, Good Luck | Boy | ||
| Hikaru | Brilliant brilliance shining in the sun; flashing brilliance | Unisex | ||
| Hiroaki | Radiance, radiance and Gloriousness | Boy | ||
| Hirohito | Ample benevolence or goodwill Ample generosity | Boy | ||
| Hiroki | Ample sparkle, Abundant Joy and Power | Boy | ||
| Hiromichi | Broad Street; Wilde Street | Boy | ||
| Hiromitsu | Large light, Large Radiance | Boy | ||
| Hironori | Gentle ruler tolerant Ruler | Boy | ||
| Hiroshi | Generous; Benevolent; Tolerant | Boy | ||
| Hiroyuki | Lots of happiness; Broad Happiness | Boy | ||
| Hiryur | A dragon that flies The versatile and spontaneous person | Boy | ||
| Hisahito | The Virtue of God is calm, steady and everlasting peace. | Boy | ||
| Hisao | Life Story; Life Story | Boy | ||
| Hisashi | Always with you; A long-term goal | Boy | ||
| Hisato | A person with a long life A person who has a long life | Boy | ||
| Hisoki | Secretive and Reserved; A variant of Hisoka | Boy | ||
| Hitomu | Wisdom, Intellect, Beautiful | Unisex | ||
| Hitoshi | Equal; Level; Even-tempered | Boy | ||
| Hoshi | Star | Boy | ||
| Hyousuke | Japanese Soldier who is helpful; One who’s friendly; A variant to Hyousuke refers to the English Hyosuke | Boy | ||
| Japana | One who is enthusiastic driven, drive-driven and ambitious | Unisex | ||
| Jin | Chinese – Gold Metal; Money The Ferry is Embroided, Bright and Embroided. | Boy | ||
| Jiro | Japanese Jiro is the Second Son. the Next Son | Boy | ||
| Joben | The name Joben Joben is a Japanese male name, which translates to”Join Cleanliness” | Boy | ||
| Jobon | Jobon is a name for males that is of Japanese origin. It means the one who is clean. | Boy | ||
| Jomei | People with this name always bring joy and enthusiasm to music. They have a passion for their entire life and are always interested in other people to build friendships. | Boy | ||
| Jona | It means that God is kind and a Dove bird. They are adored and respected in society or within families. | Unisex | ||
| Jun | Chinese – Truth; Japanese – Obedient; Latin – Younger; Young Child | Boy | ||
| Junichiro | Junichiro is one of the Japanese names and the meaning of it is”He Who Is the One to Take | Boy |
| NAMES | Meaning | GENDER | ||
| Junpei | Japanese Pure, Genuine, Innocent and considerate. Kind | Boy | ||
| Juro | Old Greek Farmer, Earth Worker, A variant that is a variant of English George | Boy | ||
| Jurou | Japanese Tenth Son A variation of Juro | Boy | ||
| Kaede | Kaede means Maple | Unisex | ||
| Kaemon | Keamon refers to Righthanded | Boy | ||
| Kage | Kage is the name of the character. Kage is a reference to Shadow | Boy | ||
| Kairi | Kairi means Ocean Village | Unisex | ||
| Kaiyo | Kaiyo name signifies To Forgive | Boy | ||
| Kamaye | Kamaye means enthusiastic. | Boy | ||
| Kame | Kame signifies Desolate, Dry. | Boy | ||
| Kamin | Kamin is the word used to describe The One who is full of Joy | Boy | ||
| Kanon | Kanon refers to Land Of Reeds | Boy | ||
| Kaoru | Kaoru means Fragrant | Unisex | ||
| Karou | Karou means Fragrant | Unisex | ||
| Katsumi | Katsumi means to win to overcome | Unisex | ||
| Katsuro | Katsuro name means: The Victory of the Son | Boy | ||
| Kazu | Kazu refers to The First One | Boy | ||
| Kazue | Kazue signifies The Love for Harmony, Peace and Love. | Boy | ||
| Kazuki | Kazuki signifies The Unity of Harmoni, Brithnes and Hope | Boy | ||
| Kazumi | Kazumi means Beautiful Harmony | Unisex | ||
| Kazuo | Kazuo is the Japanese word for “The First Born Child | Boy | ||
| Kazuya | Kazuya signifies The Peaceful and Calm One | Boy | ||
| Kazz | Kazz signifies He who creates Peace. | Boy | ||
| Keiji | Keiji is a Japanese word meaning Two or Respect or Governs with Discipline | Boy | ||
| Keitaro | Keitaro means Blessed, Huge Gift | Boy | ||
| Ken | The result of fire, or beautiful or strong and healthy, and also a variation on Kenneth | Boy | ||
| Kenji | Kenji signifies He is Strong and Vigorous, a Wise Second Son | Boy | ||
| Kentaro | Kentaro signifies Big Man. Big Boy | Boy | ||
| Kenzou | A healthy and strong body | Boy | ||
| Keola | Kanzou is a reference to Wise and Three. | Boy | ||
| Kin | Kin means Golden | Unisex | ||
| Kioshi | The word Silent means quiet. | Boy | ||
| Kishi | Kishi is a reference to Hardness, His Gravity | Boy | ||
| Kiyoshi | The name means that He is Pure | Boy | ||
| Ko | To plough, or cultivate | Boy | ||
| Kohaku | Kohaku means Amber | Unisex | ||
| Kohana | Kohana means Swift | Boy | ||
| Koichi | Koichi is a Japanese word that means Happiness and One | Boy | ||
| Koji | Koji is Japanese for Light the Way | Boy | ||
| Kojii | Kojii signifies Abundance and Two. | Boy | ||
| Kosuke | Kosuke is a Japanese word meaning The Rising Sun | Unisex | ||
| Kota | Kota means River Bank | Boy | ||
| Koto | Koto is a Japanese word meaning Pure | Boy | ||
| Kouichi | The word “happiness” means happiness. One | Boy | ||
| Kouki | Kouki means Light | Boy | ||
| Kousuke | Kousuke is a Japanese word that means Clear and Inlet | Boy | ||
| Koya | A quick-witted and clever leader | Boy | ||
| Kuma | Kuma means Bear | Unisex | ||
| Kuniko | The Child in the country is the meaning behind the name. | Boy | ||
| Kuraim | The meaning behind this name is dark, not Gloomy | Boy | ||
| Kurapati | Kurapati is a reference to a house full of Treasures | Boy | ||
| Kuro | The name is a reference to The Ninth Son. | Boy | ||
| Kyo | Kyo is a Japanese word meaning Village or Unite | Unisex | ||
| Kyosuke | The word “name” means with Respect | Boy | ||
| Kyou | Kyou means Capital City | Unisex | ||
| Lawliet | The name of the protagonist from the Japanese series Death Note. A concocted name | Boy | ||
| Maki | Finnish definition is a hill and in Japanese Maki is a reference to True. | Unisex | ||
| Makoto | A sincere person | Unisex | ||
| Mana | A person who has a life | Unisex | ||
| Mareo | He is the only one who is rare. | Boy | ||
| Marise | The infinite is infinite | Boy | ||
| Maro | A Japanese name which means “me” | Boy | ||
| Maru | Something precious; used to add suffixes to Japanese names; | Boy | ||
| Masa | Japanese name means true sand. | Boy | ||
| Masakazu | The first son born to Masa | Boy | ||
| Masao | A saint | Boy | ||
| Masaru | Japanese word meaning victory | Boy | ||
| Masato | The Japanese term for justice | Boy | ||
| Matsu | A pine tree | Boy | ||
| Michi | the straight way. | Unisex | ||
| Michiaki | road, path, way, lane, street. | Boy | ||
| Miho | Croatian variant of Michael Meaning that Michael is similar to God. | Boy | ||
| Miki | A Japanese name which translates to the tree. | Boy | ||
| Minoru | The process of a tree during the time it produces fruit, the fruit is grown on a tree | Boy | ||
| Miyo | A gorgeous and beautiful child | Unisex | ||
| Miyoko | A gorgeous child of a stunning generation | Unisex | ||
| Morie | Latin Swarthy Dark-Skinned Moor A variation of the name Morris | Boy | ||
| Namiko | Children of the sea, or one who is a surfer | Boy | ||
| Nana | The word “spring” is used in Hawaiian this is the title for the month of spring. In Japanese, it is a reference to freshly picked or green veggies. In Africa, it represents the status of a monarch. | Unisex | ||
| Nao | A trustworthy person, who does not lie | Boy | ||
| Naoki | A transparent and honest tree. | Boy | ||
| Naoyuki | Simple and fun. | Boy | ||
| Naozumi | The jovial and frankness. | Boy | ||
| Natsu | A very warm time of the year. | Unisex | ||
| Natsuo | The one who came into this world in the summertime. | Boy | ||
| Noa | Involvement or wave program or signal. | Unisex | ||
| Noboru | The sky is the limit. | Boy | ||
| Noburu | Growing wider or larger. | Boy | ||
| Noritaka | The commandment and the devoted virtue. | Boy | ||
| Notin | A round thing, and absolutely nothing else. | Boy | ||
| Ohta | The meaning of this name is twofold One is the eyes of God the Almighty God and the other is free of dirt or impurities | Unisex | ||
| Orochi | Big snake | Boy | ||
| Oshin | A Japanese brand name from the well-known television show | Boy | ||
| Raden | God of thunder | Boy | ||
| Raeden | Thunder God | Boy | ||
| Rai | Lightning and thunder | Boy | ||
| Raiden | Thunder | Boy | ||
| Raidon | God of thunder | Boy | ||
| Raijin | A thunderous spirit | Boy | ||
| Reiji | Courteous Child. A Baby who is well-mannered, Kind and well-behaved | Boy |
| NAMES | What does it mean? | GENDER | ||
| Reiki | The practice that heals the soul | Unisex | ||
| Reiko | The child who is thankful | Unisex | ||
| Renzo | The third son of the family | Boy | ||
| Riki | A man with strength and power | Boy | ||
| Rikuto | A landowner | Boy | ||
| Rin | A cold, serious and dignified individual | Unisex | ||
| Ringo | One who is similar to an apple | Boy | ||
| Rio | One that is similar to the river | Boy | ||
| Rui | One who is famous for his fame and power | Boy | ||
| Ruka | Bright Blue Flower Spiritual | Boy | ||
| Ryo | A person who is a survivor. To surpass, endure or achieve | Boy | ||
| Ryota | Clear, refreshing, or just something good | Boy | ||
| Ryoto | A person who resembles an animal such as a dragon | Boy | ||
| Ryu | To be as powerful as Dragon. | Boy | ||
| Ryuu | Japanese Dragon. An alternative spelling is Ryu | Boy | ||
| Ryuusei | One who is reborn the holiest and most prosperous | Boy | ||
| Saburo | Japanese name means bright | Boy | ||
| Sachi | One who descends from the Sun God | Boy | ||
| Sachihiro | A general feeling of joy | Boy | ||
| Saku | Remembrances of God’s Love | Unisex | ||
| Samuru | The name of God is God | Boy | ||
| Sanyu | Japanese name means happiness | Unisex | ||
| Sasuke | A person who can help | Boy | ||
| Seiichi | A firstborn son | Boy | ||
| Seiua | Name of an arrow star, or the supreme pure father figure | Boy | ||
| Seto | Surname, which means white | Boy | ||
| Shichiro | A seventh son | Boy | ||
| Shiki | The four seasons in the year | Unisex | ||
| Shin | Someone who is authentic or authentic. | Boy | ||
| Shinjiro | An honest and pure person | Boy | ||
| Shinobu | Someone who is extremely long-lasting | Unisex | ||
| Shinta | A person who designs or creates things, or cultivates them. | Boy | ||
| Shiro | The four sons | Boy | ||
| Sho | One who will fly | Boy | ||
| Shohta | A big, strong and thick person. | Boy | ||
| Shoma | A boy who is looking for the truth about the world | Boy | ||
| Shou | One who glides and soars. | Boy | ||
| Shouta | A tall person who can soar. | Boy | ||
| Shun | A talented and fast-moving person | Unisex | ||
| Shunsuke | A person who is a gracious aid | Boy | ||
| Shusuke | One who is able to learn to meditate | Boy | ||
| Soma | No | Unisex | ||
| Sou | Love, Bright, Sincere Wind’s sound | Boy | ||
| Souji | A general director | Boy | ||
| Souma | Moonlight A woman as beautiful as the moon. | Boy | ||
| Subaru | One who unites. The term is used to identify an individual. The Pleiades star cluster is located in the constellation of Taurus. Taurus | Unisex | ||
| Suguru | A renowned person | Boy | ||
| Suzu | A man who is long-lived | Boy | ||
| Suzuki | A very common surname used in Japan refers to bells made of wood. | Unisex | ||
| Tadaaki | Light of Faith | Boy | ||
| Tadashi | A loyal servant and loyal; Righteous one | Boy | ||
| Taemon | Someone with morals that are good Person who is well behaved | Boy | ||
| Taichi | A big or thick one. | Boy | ||
| Taiga | Large and well-mannered. | Boy | ||
| Taiki | A huge, beautiful tree. Bright and full of light | Boy | ||
| Taji | The colour silver and yellow | Boy | ||
| Takahiro | Loving, respectful and incredibly loving | Boy | ||
| Takai | The next generation | Boy | ||
| Takashi | Devoted piety | Boy | ||
| Takato | A precious measure of exaltation | Boy | ||
| Takaya | A person who has great respect for anyone. | Boy | ||
| Takeo | The warrior who fights for the kingdom he is fighting for. | Boy | ||
| Taku | Young, just living for a few minutes yet | Boy | ||
| Takuma | An open truth | Boy | ||
| Tamaki | One of the boys who are truly a diamond | Boy | ||
| Tamashini | A soul. A person who is extremely soulful. | Unisex | ||
| Taro | He is a big boy | Boy | ||
| Tarou | A big boy | Boy | ||
| Taru | A huge and vast ocean of water | Unisex | ||
| Tatsuya | Dragon’s sign | Boy | ||
| Teijo | A righteous Boy | Boy | ||
| Tetsuya | An intelligent philosopher | Boy | ||
| Thunder | A thunder | Boy | ||
| Tohru | A person who is transparent | Boy | ||
| Tokyo | The capital is located to the east. | Boy | ||
| Toma | Romanian variant of Tomas that means twin. | Boy | ||
| Tomiche | A prosperous and wealthy person | Boy | ||
| Tomiichi | A person who is rich and prosperous | Boy | ||
| Tomohiro | A pearl of vast or wide wisdom or understanding | Boy | ||
| Tomoya | A smart or intelligent person | Boy | ||
| Toru | A huge and massive ocean of water | Unisex | ||
| Torvald | Powerful thunder is God | Boy | ||
| Toshiro | An intelligent or talented person | Boy | ||
| Tsukiya | It resembles the moon’s white. | Boy | ||
| Uta | A man who excels in combat. | Boy | ||
| Yoshi | Best or most superior in the crowd | Boy | ||
| Yoshiaki | To be content or to be righteous | Boy | ||
| Yoshihiro | Common good | Boy | ||
| Yoshio | Righteous boy | Boy | ||
| Yuka | A Bright Star | Unisex | ||
| Yuu | Excellence, Superiority, Gentleness, Brave | Boy |