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Japanese Girls' Names

 
Most Popular
Japanese Girls' Names
1994–2003
  Ai
Akane
Ami
Aoi
Asuka
Aya
Ayaka
Ayano
Chihiro
Chinatsu
Haruka
Hina
Kaeda
Kana
Kotone
Mai
Manami
Mayu
Miho
Miki
Misaki
Miu
Miyu
Mizuki
Moe
Momoko
Nana
Nanako
Nanami
Natsuki
Natsumi
Reina
Riko
Rin
Rina
Saika
Saki
Sakura
Shiori
Yui
Yuuka
  Taken from Japanese Baby
Names and Meanings
.

Most of the Japanese female names on this list are from an earlier generation—all the -ko, -e, and -yo names that were ragingly popular at the turn of the century, but that sound slightly dated now. Since 1980, the popularity of these traditional names has fallen, and names ending in -ka, -na, and -mi (beautiful) have taken over the top-ten lists of popular Japanese girls' names.

This dramatic shift is common in Japanese naming practice. Unlike in the West, where a name may be in constant use for thousands of years, in Japan names cycle out of use in a matter of generations. Names from The Tale of Genji have been dead for ages; the hot names of the 17th and 18th centuries are now used only for actors' and geishas' stage names; even names from the late 19th century sound hopelessly dated. One one hand, that means that there are layers upon layers of fresh names awaiting onomasts. On the other hand, if you're using this page to find a name for your Feudal Era heroine, you're out of luck. Most of these names would sound as out-of-place as a 17th-century English girl named Keisha.

You may notice that there are very few names starting with B, D, G, J, or Z. These voiced consonants sound rough and uncivilized; the Japanese far prefer the refinement of unvoiced consonants like Ch, F, H, K, S, Sh, and T. This is true not only of personal names, but of all names.

Note that the suffixes don't necessarily have anything to do with the "stem" of the name. Fujiko, wisteria + child, doesn't mean "child of the wisteria"; Nishie, west + tree branch, does not mean "tree branch that points west" or "tree branch from the west." The suffixes indicate mainly that the word is a name and not a noun, in much the same way that Romance languages tack -a or -ia onto the end of women's names. Each suffix presumably has a flavor of its own, but I'll leave it to a native Japanese onomast to explain them.

Because of this sporadic meaning-blindness—which affects all Japanese naming conventions—the meanings below contain some brain-busting combinations. Patterned accordingly? Sound of jewels Nara? Think of these combinations as individual syllables that sound good together, rather than a name with a single meaning.

I have included -ko, -e, and -yo names with their stem names, and I'm in the process of bringing -ka, -ki, -ho, -mi, -na, -ne, -no, -o, and -ri names together under their stem names as well. Where the stem doesn't stand alone, I'm listing the cluster of names under the -ko form.

These names are only the ones I've seen attested to in modern name lists. There may be variants I haven't run into; for example, the only variants of Sayo on this list are Sayoko, Sayomi, and Sayori, but the names Sayoe and Sayona are also possibilities. If you're using this list to generate character names, feel free to swap suffixes about.

-e (bay or tree branch), -ko (child), -ki (tree), -mi (beauty), -na (Nara?), -no (field), -o (generation; also a boy's suffix)

Name

Meaning, Alternate Names
Abi  
Ado  
Aemi  
Aeko  
Agasa  
Ai Love; indicates a person who loves others
Aiho, Aika, Aiko, Aimi, Aina, Aino, Airi
Aiga  
Aira  
Aisa  
Aishun  
Akako, Akae Red
Akae, Akaho, Akana, Akane, Akari
Akane Turkey red
Akasuki Fond of red or bright helper
Akemi
Akeno  
Aki Autumn; given to girls who are born in the Autumn
Akie, Akiha, Akiho, Akika, Akiko, Akimi, Akina, Akine, Akino, Akiyo
Akina Very bright spring flower, spring leaves
Akio
Akira, Akirako
Akko
Ako
Akoto  
Amari  
Ami Asia + beauty
Amika, Amiko
An, Anna Probably the English name "Anne"
Anbi  
Ane Elder sister?
Aneka  
Anii Possibly the English name "Annie"
Anju  
Ano  
Anri  
Anzu Apricot, feminine love
Ao  
Aoba  
Aoi Hollyhock
Aomi  
Are  
Arei  
Ari Ariko
Arisu A family name, but possibly popularized by the English name "Alice"
Asa Morning; given to girls who are born in the morning
Asae, Asaka, Asako, Asami, Asano, Asari
Asahi
Asaji
Asuka Tomorrow + fragrance
Asuko
Atsuko Atsue, Atsuho, Atsuki, Atsumi, Atsuna, Atsune, Atsuno, Atsuyo
Au Meeting
Aya Colorful
Ayae, Ayaka, Ayako, Ayami, Ayana, Ayane, Ayano, Ayayo
Ayaka Colorful and fragrant, or colorful flower, or colorful summer
Ayako Damask pattern
Ayame Iris, flower of the moon
Ayameko
Ayao  
Ayase  
Aye  
Ayuka  
Ayuko  
Ayumi Pace, walk
Ayuri  
Azami The flower of a thistle; symbolizes defiance
Azumi Possibly "kindness + beauty"
Azusa Possibly "catalpa tree"
Bachiko Happy child
Beni Beniha, Benika, Beniko, Benio
Chiaki
Chie Chieko, Chiemi, Chieri
Chifumi
Chifuyu
Chigusa
Chiharu
Chihiro Thousand + inquire
Chiho, Chihoko Possibly "a thousand excellences" or "a hundred thousand"
Chihomi Possibly "a hundred thousand beauties" or "a thousand + protect + beauty"
Chihori  
Chika, Wisdom, intelligence, or near
Chikaho, Chikako, Chikayo
Chikage  
Chikaze Possibly "a thousand winds"
Chima, Chimako Possibly "a thousand truths"
Chimaki
Chimari A thousand balls?
China  
Chinami A thousand waves
Chinatsu A thousand summers
Chino
Chio
Chisa Chisaki, Chisako, Chisami, Chisano
Chisato
Chise
Chisuzu
Chitako
Chitose A thousand years
Chiyako
Chiyo A thousand generations
Chiyoe, Chiyoko, Chiyomi, Chiyori
Chiyu
Chiyuki
Chiyumi
Chiyuri  
Chizu A thousand storks
Chizuka, Chizuko, Chizumi
Chizuru  
Cho Dawn; given to girls who are born at dawn. Also means butterfly
Choko, Choyo
Dai Stand, base, or great
Den Bequest from ancestors
Dori Dorika
Eari
Eba
Egao Smiling face
Eho
Ei Eiha, Eika, Eiko, Eimi, Eina
Eimu
Eire
Eitsu
Eka
Eko
Ema, Emao
Eme
Emi Emiho, Emika, Emiko, Emina, Emine, Emio, Emiri
Emiya
Emu
En, Enko
Ena
Enri
Ere
Eren
Erena Possibly the English name "Elena"
Eri Eriko, Erina
Erii  
Erika Eri + ka, but possibly popularized by the English name "Erica"
Erisa  
Erisu  
Erize  
Eru Erumo, Eruna
Esumi  
Etsu Delight
Etsuko, Etsumi, Etsuno, Etsuyo
Fuji Wisteria
Fujie, Fujiko
Fukami
Fuki Fukiko, Fukiyo
Fukuko Fukuka, Fukumi
Fumi Perfume
Fumie, Fumiho, Fumika, Fumiki, Fumiko, Fumina, Fumino, Fumiyo
Fumika The scent of perfume (or perfume + perfume)
Fumiya "Perfume + earth" or "perfume + increasingly"
Fusa Fusae, Fusako, Fusami, Fusayo
Futaba  
Fuuko Fuuka, Fuuki
Fuyu Winter; given to girls who are born in the winter
Fuyuka, Fuyuki, Fuyuko, Fuyumi
Fuyume  
Gen Spring, origin, source
Gin Silver
Ginko
Gina Silvery
Hagino
Hairi
Hako  
Hama Shore, beach
Hamako, Hamano
Hami
Han
Hana Bloom, blossom, flower
Hanae, Hanaka, Hanako, Hanayo
Haru Spring; given to girls who are born in the spring. Also means tranquil
Harue, Haruka, Haruko, Harumi, Haruna, Haruno, Haruyo
Harui
Haruka Spring flower
Harumi Spring beauty
Hasumi  
Hatomi  
Hatsu Firstborn
Hatsue, Hatsuho, Hatsuka, Hatsuko, Hatsumi, Hatsuna, Hatsune, Hatsuno, Hatsuyo
Hatsuka Firstborn flower; or may be a name given to girls who are born on the first day of the month
Hatsumi Firstborn beauty
Haya

Quick, nimble
Hayaka

Hazuki  
Hibari  
Hide Excellent, superior
Hideka, Hideko, Hidemi, Hideyo
Hikari Light
Hikaru To shine?
Himeka  
Himeko  
Himiko  
Hina, Hinako Sun + vegetation
Hirari  
Hiro Magnanimous, generous
Hiroe, Hiroko, Hiroha, Hiromi, Hirona, Hiroyo
Hisa Enduring, sustaining
Hisae, Hisako, Hisami, Hisano, Hisayo
Hisano Long plain
Hitomi  
Hizuru  
Homi Homika, Homina
Homugi  
Hona  
Honami  
Honoka  
Honomi  
Hoshi Star
Hoshika, Hoshiko, Hoshimi, Hoshiyo
Hosuzu  
Hotaru  
Hozumi  
Iako  
Ibu  
Ichi Ichie, Ichiha, Ichiho, Ichiko, Ichino
Ie  
Iena  
Iho  
Ihono  
Iki  
Ikoi  
Iku Nourishing, sustaining
Ikue, Ikuha, Ikuho, Ikuka, Ikuko, Ikumi, Ikuna, Ikuno, Ikuo, Ikuyo
Ikumu  
Ima Present, now
Imae, Imako, Imayo
Imari  
Ina  
Inaho  
Ine Rice; connotes a nurturing character
Ino  
Inoue  
Io, Ioko  
Iona  
Iori  
Irisa  
Isa Isae, Isako, Isano
Isaki  
Isami  
Isamu Vigorous, robust, energetic
Ise  
Isoko  
Isono  
Ishi Stone; connotes a firm, dependable, enduring character
Ishie, Ishiko, Ishino, Ishiyo
Isuzu  
Ito Thread
Itsuko Itsuha, Itsuho, Itsuka, Itsuki, Itsumi, Itsuyo
Iwa Rock; denotes strength of character
Iyo  
Iyona  
Izumi  
Jin Tenderness, gentleness
Jori  
Joruri  
Jun Obedience
Junka, Junko, Junna, Junri
June The English name June
Juri, Juria The English name Julia
Kae  
Kaede, Kaeda Maple leaf
Kagami Mirror
Kagome Despite its appearance in Inu-Yasha, Kagome is not a traditional Japanese name. It's part of a children's chant, and the meaning is lost.
Kaho Kahoko
Kahori  
Kahoru  
Kai Forgiveness
Kaiko, Kaiyo
Kako  
Kama Sickle
Kame Tortoise; symbol of long life
Kameko, Kameyo
Kami  
Kaminari Thunder
Kana Beautiful Nara (a city in Japan)
Kanae, Kanako, Kanami, Kanayo
Kane Doubly accomplished
Kaneko
Kaneru Bronze
Kanna  
Kanon  
Kao  
Kaori  
Kaoru Fragrance
Kaoruko
Karen Possibly the English name Karen
Karin Possibly the English name Karen
Karina Possibly the English name Karen
Kasumi  
Kata Worthy
Katsu Victorious
Katsue, Katsuko, Katsuki, Katsumi
Kawa River
Kaya, Kayami Yew or rush (reed)
Kayo, Kayoko  
Kayu  
Kazashi (Kazahi?) Hair ornament
Kazu First; obedient, disciplined
Kazue, Kazuha, Kazuho, Kazuko, Kazumi, Kazuna, Kazuno, Kazuyo
Kei Reverence, rapture, awe
Keiko, Keina
Kichi Fortunate, lucky
Kie  
Kiho Kihomi
Kii  
Kiko  
Kiku Chrysanthemum; associated with November
Kikue, Kikuka, Kikuko, Kikumi, Kikuno, Kikuyo
Kikyo Bellflower
Kimi Without equal, peerless, sovereign
Kimie, Kimiho, Kimika, Kimiko, Kimiyo
Kin Gold
Kina  
Kino Kinoka
Kinu Silk
Kinue, Kinuho, Kinuka, Kinuko, Kinumi, Kinuyo
Kirari  
Kiri Kirie, Kirika
Kisa  
Kishi Beach, seashore; symbol of longevity
Kishiko
Kita North
Kitako, Kitami
Kiwa Border; given to girls who are born at a border
Kiwako, Kiwayo
Kiyo Happy generation; connotes a scandal-free or pure life
Kiyoe, Kiyoka, Kiyoko, Kiyomi, Kiyone, Kiyono, Kiyori
Kiyoshi, Kioshi Bright, shining, clear
Kiyumi  
Ko Filial duty, daughterly devotion
Kofuyu  
Kohana Little flower
Koharu  
Koko Here, or stork, or lake
Koma Foal, pony; traditional term of endearment
Komaki, Komako
Kome Rice; indicates a nurturing, dependable character
Komeko
Komi  
Konami  
Konatsu  
Koneko Kitten
Konomi Nuts; also has several other readings, including "beloved," "good luck," and "fruit, reward, success"
Koto Japanese harp
Kotoe, Kotoha, Kotoka, Kotomi, Kotone, Kotono, Kotori, Kotoyo
Kotone Sound of the Japanese harp
Kouko  
Koume  
Kozakura Little cherry tree
Kozue Branches of a tree
Kukiko Snow child
Kuma Bear
Kumi, Kumiko, Kumiyo Braid
Kuni Country; given to girls who are born in the country
Kunie, Kunika, Kuniko, Kunimi
Kura Treasure house
Kurea  
Kuri Chestnut
Kurumi  
Kuwa Mulberry tree (given in most name lists as "Kurva"); or possibly "long time + harmony"
Kuwako, Kuwayo
Kyoko, Kyouko Mirror
Kyouka  
Kyoumi  
Leiko You will see this name in innumerable name lists as "arrogant," but there's no such name. See Reiko.
Machi Ten thousand thousand; denotes long life
Mai Dance; flaxen garments; every, each
Mami  
Manami Love and beauty
Mari Ball
Mariko
Masa Straightforward, honest
Masako
Masago Sand; symbolizes long life
Masu Increase
Matsu Pine tree; denotes long life or a strong old age; symbol of January
Matsuko, Matsuyo
Maya Mayaka, Mayako
Mayu True + reason
Megumi Goddess
Michi The righteous way (lit. road, path)
Michie, Michiyo
Michiko Beautiful, wise
Michiru Possibly "fullness, maturity"
Midori Green, melon
Midoriko
Mie Triple branch
Mieko Bright
Miho Beauty + crest of a wave
Mika New moon
Mikazuki Moon of the third night
Miki Tree trunk; trunk or stem of the family tree
Mikiko, Mikie
Mikka Third day
Minako Three seven child
Mina South
Minami, Miniami
Mine Summit
Mineko
Mio Triple cord
Misaki Beautiful bloom
Misao Fidelity, loyalty
Misoka Last day of the month; given to girls who are born on the last day of the month
Mitsu Light
Mitsuko
Miu Beautiful feather
Miwa Far-seeing
Miwako
Miya Shinto temple
Miyo Beautiful generations
Miyoko
Miyu Beauty + gentle, superior
Miyuki Silence of deep snow; indicates a quiet, peaceful, and serene character
Mizuki Beautiful moon
Mizuko Water child; indicates a pure character
Moanna Ocean
Moe Bud
Momoko Peach
Mon Gateway
Mori Wood, forest
Morie, Moriko, Moriyo
Morie Bay
Moto Origin, source, fount
Motoko
Muika Sixth day; given to girls who are born on the sixth day of the week
Mura Village
Murasaki Purple, plum
Nadeshiko Pink - the flower, not the color
Nagisa Seashore
Nami Wave, surf
Namie, Namiko
Nana Nara + Nara (a city in Japan), or "seven"
Nanae, Nanako, Nanami, Nanayo
Nanami "Seven beauties" or "seven seas"
Nanase  
Nao Right, honest
Naoki, Naoko, Naomi
Nara Oak; symbol of stability
Nari Peal of thunder
Nariko
Natsu Summer; given to girls who are born in the summer
Natsuki, Natsuko, Natsumi, Natsuyo
Nishi West; given to girls who are born in the west; symbol of fruitfulness
Nishie, Nishiko, Nishiyo
Nori Precept, doctrine
Noriko
Nui Tapestry
Nyoko Gem, treasure

A note on O- names: Until the early 20th century, women's names were frequently preceded by the honorific O: Ochiyo, Orie, Okimi. When the woman was addressed with a title such as -san, the O was dropped and she became Chiyo-san, Rie-san, or Kimi-san. The practice has since largely died out, and is now considered rustic. Until the 80's, -ko variants were popular—Chiyoko, Rieko, Kimiko—but now the stem names and fresher-sounding variants like -mi and -na are more common.

That said, not every woman's name that begins with an O is an honorific name.

Ochiyo Honorable + Chiyo
Ogi  
Oharu Honorable + Haru
Oki Middle of the ocean; given to girls who are born at sea
Okichi Honorable + Kichi
Okiko Honorable + Kiko
Okiku Honorable + Kiku
Okimi Honorable + Kimi
Ome  
Omitsu Honorable + Mitsu
Orime  
Oriana Oleander
Ori Weaver
Orie, Orino
Orika Honorable + Rika
Orimi Honorable + Rimi?
Osami  
Osen A thousand; symbolizes magical power
Otoe  
Otome Maiden
Otsune Honorable + Tsune?
Poemu Possibly the English word "poem"
Rai Next or trust
Raiko
Raira  
Raku Ease, comfort, pleasure
Rakuko
Ran Water lily; symbol of purity
Rea  
Rebun Possibly an adaptation of an English word or name
Rei Gratitude or propriety
Reika, Reiko, Reimi, Reina, Reine, Reiri
Reichiru  
Reina Sound of jewels + Nara (a city in Japan)
Reira Possibly popularized by the English name Leila
Reisa  
Remi Remina
Remon Possibly the English word "Lemon"
Ren Water lily or lotus; symbol of purity. Can also mean arranger
Renka, Renri
Rena
Rie Rieko
Riho Rihoko
Rii  
Rika Rikae, Rikako
Riko Jasmine
Riku Land
Rikuko, Rikuyo
Rin Park or cold
Rinko
Rina Family home
Rinako
Ringo Apple?
Rino  
Rio  
Rira  
Ririko Ririka
Risa Risako
Rise  
Risu  
Ritsuko  
Roku Emolument
Rokuko Sixth-born
Romi  
Rui  
Ruka  
Ruma  
Rumi Rumie, Rumika, Rumiko, Rumine
Runa  
Ruri Emerald; symbolizes being protected from evil
Ruriko
Ruru  
Ryou Name lists spell this "Ryo" and give its meaning as "dragon," but a dragon, a male symbol, is an unlikely name element for a female. It may mean "apricot."
Ryouko
Ryu Lofty
Ryuko, Ryuuko
Sachi Bliss
Sachiko
Sada Chaste
Sadako
Sai Talented
Saiko
Saika Colorful flower
Sakae Prosperity
Saki Cape or early narrative
Sako Assistant
Sae, Sayo
Sakura Cherry blossom; symbol of prosperity (along with other, less auspicious meanings)
Sakurako
Sato Sugar
Satsu Possibly "assistant + haven"
Satsue, Satsuko, Satsuyo
Satsuki Possibly "assistant + moon"
Sawa Marsh
Sayo Born at night
Sayoko, Sayomi, Sayori
Sayomi Night-born beauty or little night beauty
Sei Force, truth
Seiko
Seiko Success, achievement
Seki Great, barrier, stone
Sen Wood fairy
Setsu Fidelity, loyalty, faithfulness
Setsuko
Shige Exuberant
Shiho To maintain one's original intention
Shihobu Perseverance
Shika Deer, gentleness
Shina Faithful, virtuous, possessions
Shinako
Shino Slender bamboo; symbol of fidelity
Shiori To weave a poem
Shirushi Evidence
Shizu Quiet
Shizue, Shizuko, Shizuyo, Shizuka
Shungiku Spring chrysanthemum (may be antiquated)
Sugi Japanese cedar; symbol of morality
Suki Beloved
Sukie
Sumi Clear, refined
Sumiko Charcoal
Sute Foundling
Suzu, Suzue Bell
Suzuki Yellow bell or bell tree
Suzume Sparrow
Taira
Taka Tall, honorable, falcon
Takako
Takako Filial piety
Takara Treasure, precious object
Take Bamboo; symbol of resistance and strength or fidelity
Takeko
Taki Plunging waterfall
Tama Jewel, ball
Tamako, Tamayo
Tamaki Bracelet, armlet
Tamako
Tame Unselfish
Tami People
Tamie, Tamika, Tamiko, Tamiyo
Tanaka Dweller in a rice paddy
Tane Seed
Tani Valley
Taru Cask, barrel
Tatsu

Name lists give this meaning as "dragon," but a dragon, a male symbol, is an unlikely name element for a female. It may mean "rouse," "health," or "build," among other meanings.

Tatsumi Possibly "build + beauty"
Tazu Rice-field stork; symbol of long life
Tetsu Iron; symbolizes magical protection
Toki Time of opportunity
Tokiwa Eternally constant
Tomi Riches
Tomiko, Tomiyo
Tomiju Wealth and longevity
Tomo Knowledge, intelligence
Tooka Tenth day, ten days
Tookayo
Tora Tiger
Tori Bird
Toshi Year of plenty
Toshiko, Toshimi
Tsugi Second-born
Tsugiko, Tsugiyo
Tsuna Bond
Tsuru Stork, crane; symbol of good luck and long life
Tsuruko
Tsukiko Moon
Tsukiyo
Ui Uiko
Uka  
Uki Ukiko, Ukimi
Ume Plum blossom; symbol of wifely fidelity and devotion
Umeka, Umeki, Umeko, Umeno
Umeki Plum tree
Umi Ocean
Umika, Umiko
Una  
Uno  
Urano Coast
Urako  
Urara  
Urena  
Urumi  
Usagi Rabbit; associated with the moon because the Japanese see a rabbit in the moon where English-speakers see the "old man in the moon." (Tsukino Usagi, Sailor Moon's real name, is a pun on "Tsuki no Usagi," "the rabbit of the moon.")
Usami  
Uta Song
Utae, Utako, Utano, Utayo
Utsuwa  
Utzuki Variant spelling of Uzuki
Uzuki  
Waka Wakako, Wakana, Wakano, Wakayo
Wakaba  
Waki Wakiko
Wako  
Wakumi  
Wakuri  
Wami  
Warabi  
Wayoko  
Wazuka  
Yachi Eight thousand
Yae Eighth
Yaeka, Yaeko
Yasu Peaceful
Yasue, Yasuha, Yasuho, Yasuka, Yasuki, Yasuko, Yasumi, Yasumiko, Yasuna, Yasune, Yasuno, Yasuyo
Yasumu  
Yatsumi Possibly a variant spelling of Yasumi
Yawara  
Yayoi Born in March
Yei Flourishing
Yo, Yoko Positive, ocean, or female principle
Yodo  
Yoi Evening, night; given to girls who are born at night
Yoka  
Yokkako Fourth day child
Yone Wealth
Yori Trustworthy
Yorie, Yorika, Yoriko, Yorimi
Yoshe A beauty, lovely
Yoshi Good, respectful
Yoshie, Yoshika, Yoshike, Yoshiko, Yoshimi, Yoshino, Yoshiyo
You Youka
Yu Yue, Yuho, Yuko
Yufu  
Yui Possibly "gentle + ???"
Yuiha, Yuiho, Yuika, Yuiko, Yuina, Yuine, Yuiri
Yuka Possibly "gentle flower"
Yukaho, Yukako, Yukami, Yukana, Yukari, Yukayo
Yuki Snow; given to girls who are born in December. Also symbolizes luck
Yukie, Yukiha, Yukiho, Yukiko, Yukimi, Yukina, Yukine, Yukino, Yukiyo
Yukiji  
Yukika Snow flower
Yuma Yumako
Yume Dream?
Yumeka, Yumeko, Yumemi, Yumena, Yumeno
Yumeji  
Yumi Yumie, Yumiho, Yumika, Yumiko, Yumina
Yumia  
Yumisa  
Yuna  
Yuno  
Yura  
Yuri Lily
Yurie, Yuriha, Yurika, Yuriko, Yurimi, Yurina, Yurino
Yuria  
Yurisa  
Yuro  
Yusa Yusaho
Yutori  
Yutsuko Variant spelling of Yuzuko
Yuuko Gentle; variant spelling of Yuka
Yuuha, Yuuhi, Yuuho, Yuuka, Yuuki, Yuumi, Yuuna, Yuuri
Yuyu  
Yuzu Yuzuho, Yuzuka, Yuzuki, Yuzuko, Yuzuna

< Back to RPGs  |  < Back to Japan  |  On to Japanese Boys' Names >

Trends in Japanese Baby Names - Also includes a comprehensive list of names.

Japanese Name Gender Finder - A loooooong list of girls', boys', and family names.

Japanese Names - A short list of boys' and girls' names with meanings and kanji.

Common Japanese Names - A list of common first and last names with alternate spellings in kanji.

Japanese name @ Wikipedia - The history and structure of Japanese names.

New options raise the stakes in the "Name that Baby" game - A Japan Times article about the addition of new kanji to the jinmei kanji, the list of kanji permitted for use in names.

For more names, or for kanji spellings, go to the Japanese <-> English Dictionary Server. You may have a hard time picking out the spelling that corresponds to the name's meaning because the Japanese play a sort of literary game with names. Any kanji whose reading fits the sound of the name can be substituted for the original kanji, with extra points given for piquant new meanings. For example, Shishiwakamaru, the bloodthirsty swordsman of Yu Yu Hakusho, is named shishi (lion), waka (young), -maru (a common suffix for samurai boys' names). However, Shishi is written not with the "lion" kanji, but with a doubled kanji that means "death" (shi), so his name appears to mean "death-death-young-maru." Native speakers know that "death-death" is a kanji pun for "lion."

Therefore, when you go to the dictionary server, you'll find that many names have several, even dozens of, spellings. If you can't figure out which combination of kanji is the name's original meaning, just pick the prettiest and go with it.

 

 
 
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