150+ Cute & Unique Japanese Girl Names

The world has been exposed to various cultures in recent years. This exposure has made people appreciate and inculcate good things from other cultures. Similarly, the West has been exposed to the Japanese culture and its uniqueness. Young parents nowadays have developed a great appreciation for beautiful Japanese names, especially those for baby girls.

Japanese names for girls are mostly bright, lively and sweet, with beautiful meanings derived from nature and spirituality. Japanese parents take naming their daughters very seriously. Not only does the name have to be meaningful, but it should also have a sweet sound. Japanese ensure their monikers are beautiful, meaningful, and auspicious. That’s why these Japanese girl names are gaining attention across the world. Parents with beautiful daughters want to give their daughters a beautiful name which has a deep meaning, sounds sweet and also works as a blessing for them.

150+ Best Japanese Baby Girl Names With Meanings

Parents in the West appreciate Japanese names for baby girls as most of the Japanese names are fashionable and rooted in their culture. The Japanese names are structured by combining kanji characters (spellings). The name written in different kanji or spellings has different meanings, thus providing limitless possibilities for different meanings for a name. This versatility and uniqueness make Japanese names adorable to young parents.

Most Popular Japanese Girl Names

Every parent wants to choose a popular name for their daughter. Choose a name from the list of delightful Japanese names given below:

1. Akari

Akari is a Japanese origin name meaning “light” or “brightness”.

2. Amaya

Amaya meaning “mother city” or “night rain” is a beautiful Japanese name for females.

3. Aoi

Aoi is one of the cool Japanese girl names. The name means “hollyhock or althea”.

4. Chia

Chia is a Japanese name meaning “a thousand loves”.

5. Ema

Ema, as per Japanese culture, means a “shrine to show gratitude.”

6. Harumi 

Harimi in Japanese means “sunny, beauty, or fruity”.

7. Himari

The popular Japanese name Himari means “the sun,” “sunshine,” and “hollyhock”.

8. Hina

Hina, a beautiful Japanese name, means “light, sun, vegetables”.

9. Honoka

This is a feminine name of Japanese origin and means “spiked ear”. 

10. Kanna

Kanna in Japanese means “summer waves”.

11. Kiaria

Kiaria, or its popular alternatives, Kiara or Keira, are popular Japanese names meaning “fortunate”. Its short and sweet form, Kia, is also very popular.

12. Kira

Kira in Japanese means “glittery”, “shiny” and “sparkling”. 

13. Koharu

Koharu is a Japanese name meaning “small; heart; spring/summer”.

14. Kumi  

Kumi also has significance rooted in the kanji traditions. It means “group”, “party” and class”.

15. Manami

Manami is an elegant name which means “love, affection, beauty”.

16. Mayu

Mayu is a Japanese name meaning “true or gentleness”.

17. Nozomi

Nozomi is a Japanese name meaning “wish” or “hope” or “heart of hope”.

18. Niko

This cute Japanese name means “daylight”.

19. Rina

Rina is a short and sweet Japanese name meaning “white jasmine”. Its diminutive form, Rin, which means “dignified”.

20. Yasu

This beautiful name Yasu means “peace” or “quiet”. The other variations of the name are Yasue, Yasuha, Yasuko, and Yasuno.

21. Yua

Yua is an affectionate gender-neutral in Japanese that means “bound by love”.

22. Yui

Yui is a cute and short name having Japanese roots meaning “love” and “gentleness”.

Unique Japanese Baby Girl Names

A unique and meaningful Japanese name is the perfect gift for life for your beloved daughter. Choose one from the below list of unique names we picked up to gift your baby daughter a name that she shall love and treasure throughout her life:

1. Ai

Ai is one of the uncommon names in Japanese meaning “love”. The other variations of the name are Aina, Airi, Aiko and Aiho.

2. Atsuko

It is a popular Japanese name from medieval Japanese culture that means “a sincere and kind child”. 

3. Azumi

This cute Japanese name for girls means “safe residence”. It is the perfect name for a sweet and beautiful girl baby.

4. Chiho

Chiho means “beauty of a rice field” or “beauty of a field of rice”. The other variation of the name is Chihoko.

5. Chika

This female Japanese name meaning “wisdom; intelligence” is perfect virtue name. The other variations of the name are Chikaho, Chikayo and Chikako.

6. Egao

Egao is a unique female name of Japanese origin, meaning “smiling face”.

7. Fuji

This female name of Japanese origin means “dweller near the river where wisteria grows or a symbol of filial piety”. Fujie and Fujiko are other variations of the name.

8. Haru

Haru is a unique girl’s name in Japan meaning “Spring; sun” or “clear weather”. Girl child”s born in spring are usually named Haru. The variations of the name are Haruna, Haruno, and Haruyo.

9. Hatsuka

Hatsuka is a beautiful name which is usually used for baby girls born on the first day of the month. The name means “beginning; summer”.

10. Hiro

The Japanese name meaning “abundant” or “magnanimous or generous” is perfect for a beautiful and kind-hearted female. The other variations of the name are Hiroe, Hiroha, Hiromi and Hirona.

11. Hoshiko

This is a popular Japanese female name that means “star child”.

12. Ima

Ima is a sweet yet unique Japanese name meaning “present; now”. The other variations are Imae, Imako and Imayo.

13. Ine

Ine is a beautiful female name meaning “rice plant” or “young stalks of rice”. The name connotes or signifies a nurturing character of a female.

14. Izumi

Isimi means spring or fountain and is an elegant feminine name. 

15. Jin

Jin, a sweet and short Japanese name, means “quiet; benevolence”. It is a perfect name for females, signifying their gentle and tender nature.

16. Kaede / Kaeda

Kaede or Kaeda is a Japanese female name meaning “maple leaf”.

17. Kagami

Kagami meaning “mirror” is a perfect Japanese name for a clear-minded female.

18. Kama

Kama is a Japanese name meaning “metal pot” or “sickle”. It is an occupational name-giving tradition that originated in the peasants to indicate the future occupation of their children.

19. Kazu

Kazu is a female Japanese name meaning “harmony, peace”. The name can also mean “first”. Other variations of the name are Kazuna, Kazuno and kazuyo.

20. Konomi

Konomi meaning “small child” has other meanings like “beloved” or “good luck” or “reward” or “success”.

21. Makoto

Makoto, in Japanese, means sincerity or truth. It is a very celebrated gender-neutral name.

Beautiful Japanese Girl Names

A beautiful Japanese name for your cute princess is the perfect gift for life to your beautiful daughter. Choose one of the names we have listed for you to gift your daughter a lovely, charming and affable name that shall endear her to the ones surrounding her throughout her life:

1. Aina 

In Japanese this name means “love and affection”. Aina also has other Asian roots from east India and Bangladesh where it means “mirror”.

2. Aiko

Aiko is a well-received Japanese name that means “love,” “child,” and “affection.”

3. Ayako

Ayako is one of the pretty Japanese girl names meaning “writings, child” or ”kimono design”.

4. Ayumi

Ayumi is a beautiful female Japanese name meaning “sweet fish”.

5. Emi

This is a name of ancient Japanese origin that means blessed, favour or beautiful. 

6. Ena

It is a lovely baby girl’s name that means “gift from God”.

7. Hatsumi

This beautiful Japanese name means “beginning of beauty” or “firstborn beauty”. Hatsumi refers to a beautiful girl child who is firstborn.

8. Haya

Haya is a Japanese name for girls, meaning “quick” and “nimble”. Its variation is Hayaka.

9. Hisa

This name means “enduring; long-lasting; long sustained”. The name has many variations such as Hisae, Hisako, Hisami, Hisano, and Hisayo.

10. Etsuko

A wonderful name for your baby girl, Etsuko means “child of joy,” enapsulating the innocence and joyfulness of a child.

11. Fusae

Fusae with its kanji combination means “house of kindness or blessings.” One of the popular celebrity bearing this name includes Fusae Ichikawa, the co-founder of the New Women’s Association, who played a pivotal role in Japan’s women’s suffrage movement, which led to a significant milestone in 1945.

12. Ishi

This elegant Japanese name for girls means “stone”. The virtue name connotes a female with firm and dependable character who can endure anything. Variations of the name are Ishie, Ishiko, and Ishino, Ishiyo.

13. Iwa

Iwa is a name perfect for a strong character girl. The name meaning “rock” signifies strength of character.

14. Kai

This is one of the Japanese girl names that start with k meaning “shell” or ocean” or “restoration”. The variations of the name are Kaiko and Kaiyo.

15. Kame

The elegant Japanese name Kame means “tortoise or turtle”. The name symbolises a long life. The variations are Kameko and Kameyo.

16. Michiko

Michiko is a sweet name meaning “beautiful; wise child”.

17. Kimi

Kimi meaning “upright; righteous” is the perfect name for the unique female.

18. Kishi

This cute name means “night “ or “beach; seashore” in Japanese.

19. Kiyo

Kiyo is a girl’s name in Japanese, meaning “purity” or  “happy generation”. The name connotes a female with a happy and pure life which is scandal free.

20. Kuma

Kuma is a Japanese name for girls, meaning “bear”. Bear is a symbol of strength and symbolises maternal love and devotion for her children.

21. Youko

This is a sweet gender-neutral Japanese name that means “sunshine child” or “beautiful child”.

Rare Japanese Girl Names

We understand nothing is more precious and unique than your little girl to you. To make that uniqueness stay forever, let’s gift her a name that is as unique and rare as her personality and charm.

1. Airi

Airi is a beautiful baby name for girls meaning “affection” and “love.” When combined with kanji, the name means “pear.”

2. Akasuki

Akasuki is a unique Japanese female name meaning “bright helper”.

3. Aki

The unique female Japanese name Aki has many variations Akie, Akiha and Akika. The name means “clear; crystal” or “autumn” and mostly is the name of the females born in Autumn.

4. Bachiko

Bachiko of one of the rare Japanese girl names meaning “happy child”.

5. Chiaki

In Japanese, Chiaki means “a thousand autumns.” Chiaki Mukai, a cardiovascular surgeon, was the first Japanese woman to go into space in 1994.

6. Chihiro

Chihiro is a uniquely beautiful baby name which means “seek,” “search,” or “thousand.”

7. Chinami

Chunami is a unique Japanese girl”s name meaning “a thousand wisdom; intelligence”.

8. Cho

This short and innocent-sounding name of Japanese origin means “butterfly” or sometimes “dawn”.  The beautiful name is usually given to baby girls born at dawn. The variations of the name are Choko and Choyo

9. Etsu

Etsu is one of the uncommon Japanese name meaning “delight”. The name has other variations such as Etsuko, Etsuno, Etsumi and Etsuyo.

10. Hiroko

Hiroko is an adorable name that means “generous,” “abundant,” and “prosperous child.”

11. Iku

Iku is a unique Japanese name meaning “nourishing; sustaining”. Its variations are Ikue, Ikuha, Ikuho, Ikuka, Ikuko, Ikumi, Ikuna, Ikuno, Ikuo, and Ikuyo.

12. Isamu

The unique Japanese name for females, Isamu means “brave” or “vigorous; robust; energetic”.

13. Jun

Jun is a lovely name for females in Japanese. The name means “pure” or “simple”. Other variations of the name are Junka, Junko, Junna and Junri.

14. Junko

Pronounced as either JOONG-KO or JOON-KO, the name has quite a popularity. It means “pure” and “obedience.”

15. Keiko

This is an ideal baby name that means “brimming with unbridled optimism”.

16. Kokoro

Cherry blossoms are famous in japan, so is this name Kokoro meaning “heart; mind; soul”.

17. Koume

Koume is a beautiful Japanese name meaning “little plum”. Plum blossoms are symbolic of endurance against the opposition of cold winters as they bloom in harsh climates.

18. Mana 

Mana is a short form of Manami that can be written using kanji characters. It means “pure love”. 

19. Tomiju

Tomiju meaning “wealth and longevity” is a unique name.

20. Yoshiko 

Yoshiko means an agreeable child. The name exudes innocence and purity, making it an ideal name for your little girl.

Cute and Cool Japanese Names for Girls

Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind baby name for your little one that is super adorable and cool at the same time? Here are top picks for you:

1. Akira

Akira is one of the famous names in Manga and video games. The Japanese name means “clear” or “bright”. This is a popular pen or stage name taken up by many Japanese artists and performers. 

2. Asuka

Asuka has primary Japanese roots and it is a popular feminine name that means “tomorrow smell” or “perfume”. 

3. Emika

The Japanese name Emika means “blessed, beautiful child”.

4. Erika

Erika is a Japanese name meaning “scent of the blessed pears “or “fragrant pear”.

5. Fumi

The female name meaning “history” is a unique Japanese name. The name has several variations: Fimie, Fumiho, Fumina, and Fumiyo.

6. Haruko

Haruko has both Korean and Japanese origins. It means “spring child”.

7. Hikari

Hikari is a beautiful Japanese female name meaning “light or sunlight”.

8. Hotaru

Hotaru is a popular name rooted in a Japanese fairy tale. It means “garden fairy”.

9. Kane

This Japanese name means “metal; gold; money”. The variation to the name is Kaneko.

10. Kata

Kata is a Japanese name for girls, meaning “form”.

11. Kimiko

Kimiko in Japanese means either a Senior, noble or an express. 

12. Kuni

Kuni meaning “country-born” is the perfect Japanese name for the females born in the country.

13. Machi

Machi is a name like a blessing, as it implies a long or fortunate life. The Japanese name means “true happiness. “

14. Mai

Mai is one of the common names in Japanese. This adorable name is very popular and means “dance or genuine love”.

15. Maimi 

Maimi is an ancient Japanese name that means “a beautiful baby girl”.

16. Mami 

Mami in Japanese means” jasmine-like beauty”. As per Korean roots, it means “hemp”

17. Masa

Masa is a sweet Japanese name meaning “ture sand”. The name has other variations such as Masako and Masayo.

18. Mio

This short and sweet Japanese name means “beautiful cherry blossom”.

19. Misato

Misato is a popular Japanese word that means “beautiful”, “beautiful knowledge”, or “beautiful village”.

20. Miyu

Miyu can mean both “beautiful moon” or “beautiful connection” and “beautiful kindness”.

21. Moe

This innocent Japanese name, Moe refers to feelings of affection.

Powerful and Strong Japanese Girl Names

Girls are strong, both mentally and physically. They have an innate intuitions and a powerful sense of understanding people. To mark their strong and powerful abilities and inspire them to be one forever, let’s try some strong Japanese female names.

1. Chitose

Chitose meaning “ascend with the strength of thousands” is a name signifying blessings of parents for their daughter to have a long life and her descendants also have an unbroken line for a thousand years. Its popular variation, Chiyo, is one of the traditional names for females in Japan, meaning “thousand generations”.

2. Chizu

Chizu meaning “a thousand storks or cranes” is a unique Japanese name. The name is meant as a blessing for long life as cranes have a long life so thousands of cranes result in very long life. Its variations are Chizuka, Chizuko and Chizumi.

3. Fuyu

This Japanese name means “wind; help of god” or “winter”. Other variations are Fuyuka, Fuyuki, and Fuyumi.

4. Gen

This is one of the short names for girls in Japanese, meaning “spring; origin; source”.

5. Hideka

Hideka meaning “excellent” and “superior” is a Japanese virtue name. The variations of the name are Hide, Hideko, Hidemi and Hideyo.

6. Kanae 

Kanae has a special significance rooted in the kanji culture of Japan. It means all elements of nature that reflect love and affection. 

7. Kanako

Kanako a popular Japanese name means “child of great blessings”. The elegant name can also mean “child of music” with a different kanji.

8. Kaori

Kaori is an exquisite name for a baby girl. It means “perfume,” “aroma,” or “fragrance.”

9. Kayo  

Kayo is a name of Japanese origin that means a lively future generation. 

10. Kei

The short and sweet Japanese name means “blessing; square jewel”.

11. Keon 

Keon is a Japanese name having Korean roots that means pure beauty. 

12. Masako

Masako is a well-known feminine name for girls, meaning “elegance”.

13. Megumi

Megumi is a quintessential name, ideal for a girl child, meaning “affection” or “favour.” This name encapsulates a radiant quality, evoking imagery of shimmering luminosity.

14. Mizuki

Mizuki meaning “beautiful moon” or “water moon” is a beautiful Japanese girl’s name.

15. Noa

This is a baby boy’s name meaning “motion”

16. Ruri

Ruri meaning “lapis lazuli” or “emerald” is a Japanese female name symbolizing being protected. It”s variation is Ruriko.

17. Sara

Sara is one the beautiful Japanese names that start with s. The name means “happy; pure; soul”.

18. Suki

One of the familiar Japanese name outside Japan, Suki means “to like”. This beautiful name is also used to say “to love”.

19. Sumiko

This is a feminine name dating back to the medieval Japanese culture that means “child of goodness or beautiful girl”

20. Tamiko

Tamiko is a popular feminine Japanese name that means “child of the people”

21. Tsumugi

Tsumugi is a beautiful Japanese name meaning “spinning”.

Japanese Girl Names Inspired By Mythology

You are not doing your little girl any good if you are looking for a name for her in the category of common Japanese girl names. Her moniker should be mystical and powerful, inspired by some mythology, just like her mystical charm and captivating personality.

1. Ainu

Ainu belongs to the Japanese goddess of fertility. It also means ‘human-like.’ The name is quite short and sweet, making it an ideal option for baby girls.

2. Amabie

As per an old Japanese mythical legend, Amabie refers to a type of mermaid.

3. Amaterasu

Amaterasu or Amaterasu Ōmikami refers to the goddess of the sun in Japanese mythology. Amaterasu Ōmikami is also recognised as Ōhirume no Muchi no Kami.

4. Ameonna

Ameonna is a unique baby girl name referring to female spirit that makes rain.

5. Benzaiten

Benzaiten refers to the Buddhist goddess of things that flow. The name seems quite traditional and rare. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kin name for your baby girl, then this could be it.

6. Hannya

Hannya represents a female demon in Japanese folklore.

7. Kishimojin

Kishimojin symbolises a Buddhist deity turned protector of children, offering maternal care and compassion.

8. Kisshōten

Kisshōten personifies the goddess of beauty, fertility, and prosperity in Japanese mythology. For parents looking for an X-factor in their child’s name might e interest in this.

9. Kitsune

Known as the fox spirit, the name Kitsune embodies cunning, shapeshifting abilities, and intelligence.

10. Kiyohime

Kiyohime portrays a tragic figure, a woman transformed into a vengeful serpent due to unrequited love as per Japanese mythology.

11. Izanami

Izanami signifies the Shinto goddess of creation and death. She is also associated with the formation of the Japanese islands.

12. Jorōgumo

Jorōgumo, as per the Japanese folklore, refers to a type of yōkai that can shapeshift into a beautiful woman or a monstrous spider spirit, often luring and preying upon unsuspecting victims.

13. Kami

Kami is an exquisite Japanese name for divinity, deity, or spirit residing in nature, objects, or phenomena.

14. Kukurihime

Kukurihime is a Sinto deity or goddess of meditation and negotiation. She is revered across the country in several shrines throughout the nation.

15. Mizuchi

Mizuchi refers to a legendary water dragon or serpent, often associated with bodies of water and floods.

16. Ningyo

Ningyo is a mythical creature known as the mermaid or merman in Japanese folklore, possessing supernatural and irresistable allure.

17. Sen

Often depicted as a sage or recluse in Japanese folklore, Sen also refers to the wood fairy.

18. Tamayori-hime

Tamayori-hime is portrayed as the daughter of the sea-dragon god Watatsumi and the younger sister of Toyotama-hime, with divine lineage.

19. Tennin

Tennin, in Japanese folklore, refers to angels in Japanese Buddhism, depicted as graceful and ethereal entities.

20. Toyotama-hime

Toyotama-him is represented as the princess of the sea, symbolising marine life, fertility, and maritime prosperity.

21. Ukemochi

As per Japanese mythology, Ukemochi is represented as the goddess of food and nourishment, providing sustenance and abundance to all.

22. Uzume

Uzume is the goddess of mirth and revelry, credited with bringing joy and laughter to the world.

Japanese Girl Names Inspired By Nature

Japanese culture has a great connection with nature. Besides the flora, you’ll find many names in relation to animals, seasons, natural wonders, weather, and more.

1. Chōko

Pronounced CHO-KO, this adorable short Japanese moniker means ‘butterfly child.’

2. Fuyuko

This easy-to-pronounce name means ‘winter child’ in Japanese when combined with kanji. Fukuyo is going to be a perfect name for your little one if she is born in the winter season

3. Hibiki

pronounced KHEE-BEE-KyEE, Hibiki is an excellent choice of a name for your baby girl. It means ‘echo’ or ‘sound.’

4. Hoshi

Hoshi is a cute, singular Kanji name meaning ‘star.’ This celestial name if going to be perfect for your little girl.

5. Kohaku

Referring to the fossilized gemstone, Kohaku is an exotic baby name meaning ‘amber.’ If your daughter is tough and has a little feisty character, then Kohaku certainly bags the top spot.

6. Natsuki

This beautiful celestial name of Japanese origin means ‘moon.’ When combined with kanji, the name meaning ‘summer moon’ is all the better for baby girls born in summer and at night.

7. Shinju

Pronounced SHEEN-JOO, Shinju is a refined and elegant name which means ‘pearl.’

8. Sora

Sora has tugged at our heartstrings. This short and oh-so-adorable Japanese baby name means ‘sky,’ inspiring your little one to have endless dreams and creativity with no limits.

9. Suzume

Pronounced SOO-ZOO-MEH, Suzume is a unique baby girl name with a connection to birds. The name means ‘sparrow.’

10. Moriko

This beautiful Japanese moniker has a feminine feel to it and feels very much connected to nature. It means ‘forest child.’

11. Natsumi

Meaning ‘beautiful summer,’ Natsumi is a quintessential baby name reflecting the free spirit of summer, joy, and cheer.

12. Natsuko

Pronounced NA-TSOO-KyEE, Natsuko means ‘summer child.’ If your little one was born in the summer season, then this could be an apt name.

13. Shizuka

Building a connection with the sweet, lazy summer, Shizuka is a well-known Japanese baby name. It means ‘quiet summer.’

14. Tsubasa

Pronounced TSOO-BA-SA, this Japanese baby girl’s name means ‘wings,’ symbolising freedom and free spirit.

Japanese Girl Names That Mean Flower

Japanese culture highly reveres nature and its enchanting beauty, and flowers are one of the most gorgeous elements of nature, illuminating the land from plain and boring to colourful and pleasant. Here are some Japanese names inspired by flowers for your pretty little girl.

1. Akina

Akina, a unique name for females in Japanese, means “spring flower or spring leaves”.

2. Aya

This beautiful Japanese female name means “beautiful” or “beautiful” or “brilliantly coloured flower or a fragrant flower or brilliantly colourful summer”. The name has other variations, such as Ayae, Ayaka and Ayako.

3. Ayaka

The Japanese name has a different meaning according to the kanji used. The elegant name means “colourful flowers”.

4. Azami

Azami is one of the beautiful Japanese girl names meaning “flower of a thistle”. The thistle flower is a symbol of defiance in Eastern mythology. The name is perfect for a brave and beautiful girl.

5. Fumika 

This is so a feminine name of Japanese roots that means “history, beautiful or flower”.

6. Hana

Hana is the Japanese moniker of the biblical name Hannah. The beautiful name meaning “flower” has a variation in Hanae. It means “bloom”, “blossom,” or “flower”. Its variations are Hanae, Hanaka, Hanako, and Hanayo.

7. Chie

Parents looking for a bright and successful future for their daughter will find this name interesting. This preference stems from the various Kanji combinations available, such as 千恵 meaning “thousand blessings,” 千栄 meaning “thousand prosperous,” 智栄 meaning “wisdom prosperous,” and 千映 meaning “thousand shine.”

8. Hanae

This is the Japanese variant of the biblical name “Hannah”. It is also named a flower. 

9. Ichika

Ichika is a popular Japanese name meaning “one thousand flowers”.

10. Kaoru

Kaoru is an ideal Japanese name for baby girls, and it means “fragrance like the flowers”.

11. Kiku

Kiku is a name associated with the month of November. The name means “chrysanthemum”. The flower of Chrysanthemum symbolizes nobility and sun.

12. Saika

Saika is one of the common Japanese names meaning “vividness” or colourful flower”.

13. Sakura

Sakura is one of the most famous Japanese names meaning “cherry blossom”. The auspicious name symbolizes prosperity. Another variation of the name is Sakurako.

14. Ume

Ume meaning “plum” or “plum blossom” is a beautiful Japanese name. The name symbolizes the wifely fidelity and devotion to her family. The name is also a symbol of perseverance when facing obstacles, as the plum tree blossoms in cold winters.

Japanese Girl Names Inspired By Anime Character

Are Japanese names complete without Anime character names? Anime is an integral part of modern Japanese culture and they are super apt for today’s babies. Here are some names inspired by top female Anime characters.

1. Akame

Akame is a female protagonist of the Japanese manga series Akame ga Kill! The name means ‘red eye.’

2. Akane

Akane is a female protagonist of the popular Japanese anime series Psycho-Pass. The name means ‘deep red.’

3. Akeno

Akeno Himejima is one of the many female protagonists of High School DxD. She is a first-year college student at Kuoh Academy. Her name means ‘bright shining field.’

4. Asuna

From the Sword Art Online series of light novels by Reki Kawahara, Asuna Yuuki is a popular fictional character. It means ‘tomorrow’s apple tree.’

5. Fujiko

From the very popular manga series Lupin III, Fujiko comes as an exemplary female character who is a burglar and uses her charm to fool her targets. The name means ‘child of wisteria.’

6. Hinata

A very fictional character from the very popular manga and anime series Naruto, Hinata is a favourite of everybody. The character is a soft-spoken, kind-hearted, and hardworking character, all the traits to inspire your little girl.

7. Homura

In the 2011 Japanese anime TV series Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Homura Akemi comes out as a fictional character. The name means ‘flame’ or ‘fire.’

8. Koko

Koko will certainly make your kid a cool kid on the block. This stylish and cool name is certainly apt for your little girl if you don’t want a name that has a timid or shy feel to it. The name Koko belongs to an eccentric arms dealer from the anime series Jormungand. By the way, the name means ‘stork.’

9. Kushina

Kushina is an eccentric, headstrong, and supporting character to Naruto during his battle against the Nine Tails in the very popular Naruto Shippūden. The name Kushina means ‘a fruit tree.’

10. Maki

Maki Oze represents a headstrong and smart character from the anime Fire Force. She is the powerful Second Generation pyrokinetic. The name means ‘true’ and ‘precious.’

11. Mikasa

Mikasa Ackerman is a strong, loyal, and stoic fictional character from the manga series Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama. The character represents loyalty, strictness, and dedication and means ‘three hats of bamboo.’

12. Motoko

Motoko Kusanagi, with the title ‘Major’, is the protagonist in the manga and anime series Ghost in the Shell by Masamune Shirow. The character represents fearlessness, bravery, and confidence. Mokoto means ‘child of the capital.’

13. Nana

Nana Osaki, from the anime television series Nana, in which she holds the role of a titular protagonist. Her character symbolises loyalty and fierceness. The name means ‘vegetables.’

14. Shiki

Shiki Ryougi is the main protagonist of the anime movie series Kara no Kyoukai. She i a strong character with supernatural abilities. The name means ‘four seasons.’

15. Touka

Touka Kirishima is a ghoul and is portrayed as a deuteragonist in the popular anime series Tokyo Ghoul. Toua in Japanese means ‘good perfume.’

16. Tsukuyo

Tsukuyo, popularly recognised as the Courtesan of Death, is a mighty, skilled ninja specialising in the usage of kunai in the Japanese manga series Ginatama. She had trained under the infamous assassin Jiraia. The character holds immense power, both mentally and physically, making the name of the character ideal for your strong baby girl. Tsukuyo in Japanese means ‘moon.’

17. Tsunade

In the highly revered Japanese manga and anime series Naruto, Tsunade is a character who is known as the world’s strongest kunoichi (female ninja). Tsunade in Japanese refers to a ‘reserved or introverted person who warms up.’

Japanese Girl Names From Pop Culture

Japanese pop culture is on the ever rise. Here are some names inspired by the pop culture and Japanese television shows and animes.

1. Chiyo

Chiyo is a popular pop culture name, thanks to the hero character of Memoirs of a Geisha. It means ‘thousand generations’ in Japanese.

2. Ren

Ren is a popular Japanese name which means ‘lotus.’ It is also a symbol of Buddhism. Ren has also been a part of the very popular sci-fi saga Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, which has a character named Kylo Ren.

3. Katana

Although unconventional, Katana is a popular Japanese name. Katana in Japanese refers to a type of sword that warriors used. The name has also been called out in The Walking Dead as Michelle’s weapon.

4. Nori

Native Japanese know what Nori is – a dried edible seaweed used in several Japanese cuisines. The name also refers to a type of sushi. With its association with core Japanese, the name Nori has quite the visibility. The West is also catching up on this name after Used as a nickname for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West named their daughter North West with a nickname Nori.

5. Haruka

This name is inspired by Haruka Nanase, a character from the popular anime series “Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club.” The character Haruka is known for his calm and distant demeanor, which makes the name a unique and meaningful choice.

What Is the Tradition Behind Naming Japanese Baby Girl Names?

Here’s a quick rundown on how naming Japanese babies works:

1. Japanese Alphabets

Japanese girl names are deeply rooted in tradition and custom. Understanding the cultural norms surrounding baby naming in Japan can help in selecting the perfect name for your daughter. The Japanese alphabet comprises kanji, hiragana, and katakana. Kanji, with its intricate characters, is commonly used in Japanese names, though some opt for simpler versions like hiragana and katakana.

For instance, take the name Haruka: 晴香 in kanji, はるか in hiragana, and ハルカ in katakana. Parents carefully choose characters, meanings, and pronunciations for their baby’s name. With over 3,000 kanji characters to choose from, there’s a vast array of combinations and meanings available, offering almost limitless naming possibilities for baby girls in Japan.

2. Family Heritage

Additionally, naming traditions in Japan often involve passing down family names or using characters from ancestors’ names. This practice helps maintain connections to ancestral roots and honours family lineage.

3. Religious and Spiritual Influence

Japanese baby girl names often carry deep cultural and familial significance. Parents may choose names based on meanings related to nature, virtues, or desirable qualities they wish to instil in their daughters. Shinto and Buddhist beliefs may influence name choices, with some names honouring deities, celestial bodies or embodying spiritual virtues. For instance, names like Amaterasu (sun goddess) or Benzaiten (goddess of flow) carry religious connotations.

FAQs

1. Can non-Japanese parents choose a Japanese name for their daughter?

Absolutely! Non-Japanese parents can also choose a Japanese name for their little daughters if they are inspired by Japanese culture or if they simply appreciate the beauty of Japanese names. With people connecting to different parts of the world no longer feel limited to their culture and norms, and are happily adapting to different cultures and religions as well. Ensure that the chosen name is easily pronounceable in the family’s native language, and considering any potential cultural implications is crucial.

2. Do Japanese names always have a specific meaning?

You’ll find many traditional Japanese names having a strong significance due to their historical or cultural references. However, not all of them do. Many Japanese names are made of kanji characters, which can have multiple meanings depending on their context and pronunciation. Therefore, you may come across many Japanese names that are chosen for their aesthetic appeal rather than a significant meaning. Overall, while many Japanese names do have meanings, it’s not a strict rule that all names must have a specific meaning.

Every parent wants a beautiful, sophisticated and graceful name for their daughter that embraces her beautiful, delightful and noteworthy personality. Most parents are well knowledgeable about the world and different cultures, so their name-keeping is not restricted to their own culture or language. Embracing other cultures by the way they name their baby girls is their way of showing that the world is one big family. So, picking a beautiful and meaningful Japanese name will enhance their daughter’s personality and create a sweet impression throughout her life. Happy naming and we wish all the happiness in the world for your little one.

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