110+ Adorable and Cute Japanese Names (With Meanings)

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By Sapana Chandra

Giving your baby a Japanese name can be a meaningful way to connect with your culture. Read the best options for cute Japanese names.

Japanese baby and mother.
Photo courtesy of Canva.

Choosing a Japanese name for your baby is a beautiful way to honor Japanese heritage. Japanese baby names are often traditional and have deep meanings rooted in culture.

Whether you’re Japanese or love the country and its cuisine. a Japanese name may be the perfect option for your baby. It’s a beautiful way to honor their identity and set them apart.

If you’re looking for an A-to-Z list of cute Japanese names for your baby, you’ve come to the right place. The names are as follows.

Cute Japanese names for girls

Japanese toddler walking outside and a list of cute Japanese names for girls.
Photo courtesy of Canva.

The following are cute Japanese names for girls:

Aika: Meaning “love song.”

Aiko: Meaning “beloved one” or “little love” in Japanese.

Afuru: Meaning “overflow.”

Aiya: Meaning “love” in Japanese.

Akako: A Japanese word for “red.”

Aki: An adorable Japanese name meaning “autumn,” “bright,” or “sparkle.”

Akiko: Meaning “Autumn child” in the Japanese language.

Akina: Meaning “spring flower” in Japanese.

Ami: A Japanese word for “friend.”

Asuka: Meaning “tomorrow” or “fly” in Japanese.

Chiaki: Meaning “sparkling light” in Japanese.

Chieko: An adorable Japanese name meaning “one thousand blessings.”

Chika: Meaning “one thousand flowers.”

Chiyo: Meaning “one thousand generations” in Japanese.

Dai: Meaning “generation” in Japanese.

Eiko: A cute Japanese name meaning “flourishing.”

Emiko: A cute Japanese name meaning “beautiful” or “smiling child.”

Etsu: An adorable name meaning “delight” or “rejoice” in Japanese.

Fumiko: A Japanese name meaning “child of treasured beauty.”

Gen: A cute Japanese name meaning “spring,” perfect for a baby arriving during the Spring season.

Hana: Meaning “flower.”

Hanako: Meaning “flower girl.”

Hayami: Meaning “hurricane,” a fitting name for a baby with a big personality.

Hiro: A Japanese name meaning “abundant.”

Hisa: Meaning “long-lasting” in Japanese.

Hoshi: Meaning “star” in Japanese.

Jin: Meaning “gold” in Japanese.

Kaede: A Japanese name meaning “maple tree.”

Kaida: An adorable name meaning “little dragon” in Japanese.

Ko: A Japanese word for “baby,” perfect for your new arrival.

Koko: Meaning “fortune ritual.”

Kuni: A Japanese name meaning “light and help of God.”

Kyoto: A sweet name meaning “capital city.”

Machi: A Japanese name meaning “friction knowledge.”

Maiko: A cute Japanese word for “dancing child.”

Mari: Meaning “truth” in Japanese.

Mika: A Japanese name meaning “beautiful and good.”

Misaki: A cute name meaning “beautiful blossom.”

Mizuki: An adorable Japanese name meaning “beautiful moon.”

Nori: A Japanese name meaning “you” or “seaweed.”

Nishi: A word for “west” in Japanese.

Rika: A Japanese name meaning “smart song.”

Ruri: A Japanese word for “emerald,” perfect for a baby born in May.

Saki: Meaning “hope” or “bloom” in Japanese.

Sakura: A popular Japanese name meaning “cherry blossom.”

Sanyu: A Japanese name meaning “happiness,” symbolizing the joy your baby will bring you.

Sara: Meaning “vivid blossom” in Japanese.

Suki: A Japanese name meaning “beloved one.”

Sunako: Meaning “sand child,” perfect for a beach-loving baby.

Yuika: An adorable Japanse name meaning “dream come true.”

Yuki: Meaning “happiness” in the Japanese language.

Cute Japanese names for boys

Japanese baby crawling on towel and a list of cute Japanese names for boys.
Photo courtesy of Canva.

The following are cute Japanese names for boys:

Akio: A bold Japanese name meaning “bright man” or “hero.”

Aoto: Meaning “blue constellation” in Japanese.

Arata: A common Japanse name meaning “fresh” or “new.”

Asahi: A Japanese name meaning “morning sun.”

Arata: A common Japanese name meaning “fresh” or “new,” fitting for your new arrival.

Daiki: A cool Japanese name meaning “big” or “shining.”

Fuyuki: A common Japanse name meaning “winter” or “tree.”

Haru: A Japanese name meaning “spring” or “clear weather.”

Haruki: A boy’s name meaning “shining brightly.”

Haruto: A popular Japanese name meaning “light” or “sun.”

Hikaru: Meaning “light” or “brightness” in Japanese.

Hinata: A popular Japanese name meaning “sunny place” or “toward the sun.”

Hiro: Meaning “generous” in the Japanese language.

Hotaru: A whimsical Japanese name meaning “firefly.”

Izumi: A nature-inspired Japanese name meaning “spring.”

Kaede: A Japanese name meaning “maple.”

Kaito: A word for “ocean breeze” in Japanese, perfect for a baby boy that will grow up on the coast.

Katsumi: A sweet baby boy name meaning “win over the sea.”

Kei: A Japanese name meaning “intelligent” or “congratulate.”

Kenji: A cute boy name meaning “strong” or “sharp.”

Kenzo: The most popular Japanese boy name in the United States, meaning “humble” or “strong”.

Kiyoshi: A peaceful baby name meaning “pure” and “bright.”

Koji: A sweet Japanese name meaning “little one.”

Kosuke: A beautiful baby boy name meaning “rising sun.”

Isamu: An adorable option, meaning “brave” in Japanese.

Masao: A cute Japanese name meaning “proper hero.”

Masashi: A powerful Japanese name meaning “ambition” and “commander.”

Minato: A rare Japanese name meaning “harbor.”

Minoru: A unique name meaning “to bear fruit,” perfect for a boy that will grow up to be successful.

Nobu: A Japanese name meaning “trust” or “prolong/stretch.”

Nori: Meaning “ceremony” in the Japanese language.

Osamu: A Japanese name meaning “discipline” and “study.”

Osuke: A sweet name meaning “cherry blossom” or “to help,” perfect for a boy that will grow up to help others.

Ren: An old-fashioned Japanese name meaning “lotus” or “love.”

Riku: Meaning “land” in Japanese.

Ritsu: A cute name meaning “law” or “being upstanding.” It’s the perfect moniker if you’re a family of lawyers or dream of your son becoming a lawyer one day.

Ryu: A popular Japanese name meaning “dragon.”

Shuto: An adorable option for a winter baby. A Japanese name meaning “winter” or “holly.”

So: A short and simple Japanese name meaning “fresh.”

Sota: A nature-inspired Japanese name meaning “sound of the wind.”

Tadashi: A cool baby boy name meaning “loyal” and “faithful.”

Taro: A memorable name meaning “big” or “great” in Japanese.

Tatsuki: A cute Japanese name meaning “tree,” symbolizing strength and wisdom.

Tatsuo: A powerful name meaning “masculine dragon” in Japanese.

Tomo: A sweet baby boy name meaning “intelligent” or “wisdom.”

Toshiro: A popular Japanese name meaning “talented” or “intelligent.”

Touji: The perfect option for a winter baby, meaning “winter solstice” in Japanese.

Yasu: A sweet boy’s name meaning “calm” or “peace.”

Yoshi: A Japanese name meaning “silent” or “quiet.”

Yukio: A sweet-sounding name meaning “happy” or “fortunate baby.”

Yuto: A strong Japanese name meaning “excellence” or “soar, fly.”

Adorable gender-neutral Japanese names

Close-up of Japanese baby's face.
Photo courtesy of Canva.

Gender-neutral Japanese names are versatile and becoming popular. The following are popular unisex options for cute Japanese names.

Akira: A popular Japanese name meaning “bright” and “clear.”

Aoki: An adorable Japanese name meaning “blue tree.”

Enkai: A cute Japanese name meaning “deep ocean waters.” perfect for a baby that will grow up playing on the beaches.

Hikaru: A gender-neutral name meaning “light” and “radiance.”

Kaira: A beautiful Japanese name meaning “sea.”

Kana: A Japanese name meaning “powerful.”

Katana: A popular Japanese name meaning “honorable” or “sword.”

Kazumi: A sweet name meaning “beautiful peace” in the Japanese language.

Kin: A cool Japanese name meaning “gold.” It works great as a middle name, too.

Masa: A sweet baby name meaning “just” or “true.”

Naomi: A popular Japanese name meaning “direct.”

Sora: A nature-inspired name meaning “sky.”

Tips for choosing a Japanese name

If you’re unsure of how to choose a name, here are some tips to help:

1. Consider the meaning. Japanese names often have thoughtful meanings. What qualities do you want your child to embody? Choose a name that reflects those qualities, such as prosperity, wisdom, or knowledge.

2. Study history and literature. Japanese names inspired by historical figures can be a source of inspiration.

3. Consult with family. It’s common in Japanese culture to consult with family members when choosing a name. Consider asking older relatives for suggestions or input.

4. Consult with a professional. If you want to ensure the name is meaningful, consider consulting with a professional. A Japanese language teacher or cultural advisor and offer guidance.

Related: Baby Names That Mean Dream