You want a name for your baby that does not already exist several times in your environment? Japanese names are not very common in Germany. They not only sound beautiful, but often have a deeper meaning. We explain what you should consider when choosing a Japanese name and introduce you to the most beautiful girl and boy names from Japan.
Japanese names are always special, because so well again name has its own meaning. If you decide to choose such a name, you should inform yourself well beforehand. Japanese parents give their children with the choice of name so also bestimtme virtues on the way.
Traditional Japanese girls’ names are often based on beauty, justice, nature, seasons or precious stones. Male names, on the other hand, are usually associated with solace, strength and masculinity.
Table of contents
Japanese Names And Their Peculiarities
Japanese names are becoming increasingly popular in Europe as well. If you are thinking about a Japanese girl or boy name, you should be aware of some peculiarities of Japanese names. Japanese first names usually consist of 1-3 characters, the so-called Kanji characters. Each individual Kanji character already has its own meaning. So a Japanese name is a total interpretation of different meanings. That is why the choice of name is particularly important in Japan. Parents give their child with his first name a very conscious meaning and certain virtues on the way.
Another special feature of Japanese first names is the pronunciation. For each kanji there are several possibilities of accentuation. Therefore, it is not clear from the characters exactly how the name is pronounced.
With Japanese names, you must also pay attention to the order of the characters. In Japanese, the family name is written first, and then the first name. And of course, Japanese family names are not without meaning. So Suzuki means “bell tree”, Tanaka “in the rice field”, Watanabe “crossing the border” and Yamamoto “mountain origin”.
Before you decide on a Japanese name for your daughter or son, you should find out exactly what it means, how it is pronounced and how it is spelled.
However, it is precisely because so much emphasis is placed in Japan on the meaning, individuality and sound of the name that Japanese first names are so fascinating. In Europe, too, baby names are increasingly chosen against the background of their origin and meaning, in addition to purely sound aspects.
Popular Japanese Names
While male Japanese names like to refer to values such as pride, strength and masculinity, female Japanese first names usually refer more to qualities with aesthetic associations such as beauty, flowers or somme. However, in recent years and decades, there has been a trend toward less feminine connotations.
Incidentally, the development of names in Japan is a good indicator of changes in society and its values. Particularly with regard to the role of women.
Traditional Japanese girls’ names are, for example, Aiko (child of love), Aya (woven silk), Chikako (child of wisdom), Cho (butterfly), Haruko (spring child) or Kazumi (harmony, beauty).
Popular traditional Japanese boy names are Katsuro (Victorious Son), Naoki (Honorable) or Takashi (Respect, Superiority).
Despite the traditional gender values, there are Japanese first names that can be both female and male: Aki (autumn), Yoshi (goodness, happiness).
And then, despite everything, there are also Japanese names without any meaning, such as the female name Nanashi (without a name).
Japanese Girl Names And Their Meaning
Japanese girl names are often based on beauty, justice, nature, seasons or precious stones.
Yui (meaning: attachment)
Mei (meaning: well-known, famous)
Hina (meaning: doll)
Miyu (meaning: superior spirit)
Yuna (meaning: moon, night)
Saki (meaning: flower)
Aoi (meaning: mallow)
Sakura (meaning: cherry blossom)
Akari (meaning: light, glow)
Mio (meaning: beautiful cherry tree)
Hinata (meaning: facing the sun)
Momoka (meaning: peach blossom)
Airi (meaning: love)
Honoka (meaning: a touch of…)
Misaki (meaning: beautiful blossom)
Haruka (meaning: far away)
Nanami (meaning: seven seas)
Ayaka (meaning: colorful flower)
Ayumi (meaning: to go one’s own way)
Kyoko (meaning: mirror)
Japanese Boy Names And Their Meanings
Male Japanese first names are mostly associated with synonyms such as “pride, strength, majesty, and manliness”. Every Japanese father wanted these qualities for his son. Therefore, they were already given to him in the first name.
Haruto (meaning: to fly high, to fly)
Yuuto (meaning: gentleness, superiority)
Sota (meaning: sudden, smooth)
Haruki (meaning: radiant; intelligent)
Riku (meaning: earth, land)
Yuma (meaning: honesty, happiness)
Sora (meaning: heaven)
Kaito (meaning: master thief)
Yuki (meaning: blessed; snow)
Hayato (meaning: hawk-man)
Kota (meaning: dark-skinned)
Hinata (meaning: facing the sun)
Haru (meaning: born in spring)
Yusei (meaning: planet)
Souta (meaning: sudden, smooth)
Kouki (meaning: hope, cheerfulness)
Takumi (meaning: man of the ocean)
Shouta (meaning: flying high)
Takashi (meaning: tall)
Makoto (meaning: honest)
