Browse 157 Japanese boy names with kanji, kana and a meaning for each kanji. The era column shows which endings belong to samurai days, to Showa and to today.
Akatsuki 暁 · あかつき Say it: AH-KAH-TSOO-KEE
The moment of dawn when the sky begins to light up.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era · How common: uncommon
A powerful single-kanji name that feels both traditional and adventurous.
暁 dawn, daybreak · dictionary gloss: daybreak, dawn, in the event Copy Save
Akio 昭夫 · あきお Say it: AH-KEE-OH
A bright and shining man, highly popular during the Showa era.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era · How common: very common
The kanji for 'bright' (sho) directly referenced the Showa imperial era name, making it extremely popular.
昭 bright · dictionary gloss: shining, bright 夫 husband, man · dictionary gloss: husband, man Copy Save
Akira 明 · あきら Say it: AH-KEE-RAH
bright, clear, intelligent, and open-minded
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era, Meiji and Taisho, Edo period · How common: common
A classic, powerful name with a long history of unisex usage.
明 bright, clear · dictionary gloss: bright, light Copy Save
Akito 明人 · あきと Say it: AH-KEE-TOH
Bright and clear person, representing intelligence and positive energy.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era · How common: common
A classic, friendly-sounding male name with a positive meaning.
明 bright · dictionary gloss: bright, light 人 person · dictionary gloss: person Copy Save
Ao 碧 · あお Say it: AH-OH
A beautiful blue or green jade stone, representing deep, calm, and clear waters.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
Extremely trendy in the 2020s, reflecting a modern preference for gender-neutral, nature-themed names.
碧 blue, green, jade · dictionary gloss: blue, green Copy Save
Aoi 葵 · あおい Say it: AH-OH-EE
Hollyhock, a flower that grows tall toward the sun.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Heian period, Modern · How common: very common
Extremely popular since the late 1990s as a nature-themed unisex name.
葵 hollyhock flower · dictionary gloss: hollyhock Copy Save
Arata 新 · あらた Say it: AH-RAH-TAH
Fresh, new, representing a bright, clean beginning.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: common
A simple and positive name that has grown in popularity since the 2010s.
新 new, fresh · dictionary gloss: new Copy Save
Aritomo 有朋 · ありとも Say it: AH-REE-TOH-MOH
One who always has loyal friends.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Meiji and Taisho · How common: rare
A highly intellectual name, famously held by Yamagata Aritomo, a key Meiji military leader.
有 have, exist · dictionary gloss: possess, have, exist, happen 朋 friend, companion · dictionary gloss: companion, friend Medium confidence
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Asahi 朝日 · あさひ Say it: AH-SAH-HEE
Morning sun, representing the dawn of a new day and hope.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era · How common: common
A bright, warm name that has gained popularity in recent years.
朝 morning · dictionary gloss: morning, dynasty, regime, epoch 日 sun · dictionary gloss: day, sun, Japan, counter for days Copy Save
Asahi 朝陽 · あさひ Say it: AH-SAH-HEE
The morning sun, bringing light and hope to a new day.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: common
A refreshing name that rose sharply in popularity during the 2010s.
朝 morning · dictionary gloss: morning, dynasty, regime, epoch 陽 sun, sunlight · dictionary gloss: sunshine, yang principle, positive, male Copy Save
Azusa 梓 · あずさ Say it: AH-ZOO-SAH
The catalpa tree, historically used to make sacred bows.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era · How common: common
A clean, nature-inspired unisex name that carries a sense of flexible strength.
梓 catalpa tree · dictionary gloss: catalpa tree, woodblock printing Copy Save
Chihaya 千早 · ちはや Say it: CHEE-HAH-YAH
A thousand swift forces; an ancient poetic epithet for powerful gods.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era · How common: uncommon
A name with deep classical roots in waka poetry, used as a given name in modern and Showa eras.
千 thousand · dictionary gloss: thousand 早 fast, early · dictionary gloss: early, fast Copy Save
Chihiro 千尋 · ちひろ Say it: CHEE-HEE-ROH
a thousand fathoms, implying immense depth or height
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era · How common: common
A poetic name suggesting depth of character and resilience.
千 thousand · dictionary gloss: thousand 尋 fathom (unit of depth/length) · dictionary gloss: inquire, fathom, look for Copy Save
Chitose 千歳 · ちとせ Say it: CHEE-TOH-SEH
A thousand years, wishing for long life and enduring happiness.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era, Meiji and Taisho, Edo period · How common: uncommon
A traditional, auspicious name with deep historical roots, used for both genders.
千 thousand · dictionary gloss: thousand 歳 years, age · dictionary gloss: year-end, age, occasion, opportunity Copy Save
Daichi 大地 · だいち Say it: DIE-CHEE
Great earth or vast land, symbolizing a strong foundation and reliable character.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
Extremely popular for boys born from the late 1990s through the 2010s.
大 great, big · dictionary gloss: large, big 地 earth, ground · dictionary gloss: ground, earth Copy Save
Daiki 大輝 · だいき Say it: DIE-KEE
Great radiance, shining brightly with immense potential.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: common
A very popular name for boys born in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
大 great, big · dictionary gloss: large, big 輝 radiance, shine · dictionary gloss: radiance, shine, sparkle, gleam Copy Save
Eisuke 栄介 · えいすけ Say it: AY-SOO-KEH
A helper who brings prosperity.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period, Meiji and Taisho · How common: common
A bright name that became highly popular during the transition to the Meiji modernization.
栄 prosper, flourish · dictionary gloss: flourish, prosperity, honor, glory 介 assist, shell · dictionary gloss: jammed in, shellfish, mediate, concern oneself with Copy Save
Fuyuki 冬樹 · ふゆき Say it: FOO-YOO-KEE
Winter tree, symbolizing quiet strength, endurance, and nature.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era, Modern · How common: uncommon
A classic masculine name with a calm, stoic seasonal imagery.
冬 winter · dictionary gloss: winter 樹 tree · dictionary gloss: timber, trees, wood, establish Copy Save
Gennai 源内 · げんない Say it: GEN-NIE
Inside the source; historically used as a courtly office-derived name.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period · How common: rare
Famously borne by Hiraga Gennai, the eccentric genius inventor and writer of mid-Edo period Japan.
源 source · dictionary gloss: source, origin 内 inside · dictionary gloss: inside, within, between, among Medium confidence
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Genzaburō 源三郎 · げんざぶろう Say it: GEN-ZAH-BOO-ROHGenzaburo
The third son of the original family line.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period · How common: uncommon
A formal, traditional name indicating birth order, highly typical for Edo samurai.
源 source, origin · dictionary gloss: source, origin 三 three · dictionary gloss: three 郎 son · dictionary gloss: son, counter for sons Copy Save
Hachirō 八郎 · はちろう Say it: HAH-CHEE-ROHHachiro
Eighth son.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period, Meiji and Taisho · How common: common
A highly traditional birth-order name typical of samurai and merchant families in the Edo period.
八 eight · dictionary gloss: eight, eight radical (no. 12) 郎 son · dictionary gloss: son, counter for sons Copy Save
Hajime 一 · はじめ Say it: HAH-JEE-MEH
The first-born son, or a new beginning.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period, Meiji and Taisho · How common: common
Widely used across both samurai and civilian classes throughout the Edo and Meiji eras.
一 one, beginning · dictionary gloss: one, one radical (no.1) Copy Save
Haru 陽 · はる Say it: HAH-ROO
sunlight, male principle, or warm sun
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: common
Short, bright names like this are highly fashionable in modern Japan.
陽 sun, sunlight, positive energy · dictionary gloss: sunshine, yang principle, positive, male Copy Save
Haruki 春樹 · はるき Say it: HAH-ROO-KEE
Spring tree, representing fresh growth, vitality, and nature.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era · How common: very common
A timeless name that remains highly popular for its gentle, literary image.
春 spring · dictionary gloss: springtime, spring (season) 樹 tree · dictionary gloss: timber, trees, wood, establish Medium confidence
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Haruto 陽翔 · はると Say it: HAH-ROO-TOH
Soaring toward the sun, representing high ambitions and bright energy.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
One of the most consistently popular male names of the 21st century.
陽 sunlight · dictionary gloss: sunshine, yang principle, positive, male 翔 soar · dictionary gloss: soar, fly Copy Save
Hayate 颯 · はやて Say it: HAH-YAH-TEH
Swift wind or the sound of the wind, symbolizing quickness and freshness.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: common
Single-kanji names representing nature became extremely fashionable for boys in the Heisei and Reiwa periods.
颯 sound of the wind, sudden, swift · dictionary gloss: sudden, quick, sound of the wind Copy Save
Hayato 隼人 · はやと Say it: HAH-YAH-TOH
A falcon-like person, swift, sharp, and brave.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era · How common: common
A strong name with historical warrior connotations, still popular today.
隼 falcon · dictionary gloss: falcon 人 person · dictionary gloss: person Copy Save
Heisuke 平助 · へいすけ Say it: HAY-SOO-KEH
A peaceful helper who brings calm.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period · How common: uncommon
A humble yet respectable name worn by many lower-ranking samurai in Edo.
平 peaceful, flat · dictionary gloss: even, flat, peace 助 helper, assist · dictionary gloss: help, rescue, assist Copy Save
Hideo 秀雄 · ひでお Say it: HEE-DEH-OH
An outstanding, excellent, and heroic man.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era, Meiji and Taisho · How common: very common
One of the most iconic and highly ranked male names of the Showa period.
秀 excellent, outstanding · dictionary gloss: excel, excellence, beauty, surpass 雄 male, hero · dictionary gloss: masculine, male, hero, leader Copy Save
Hiiragi 柊 · ひいらぎ Say it: HEE-RAH-GEE
The holly tree, which represents protection and stays green through the winter snow.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: uncommon
A cool, seasonal name often given to boys born in winter.
柊 holly tree · dictionary gloss: holly Copy Save
Hikaru 光 · ひかる Say it: HEE-KAH-ROO
light, brightness, or a shining ray
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era, Meiji and Taisho · How common: common
A timeless name that became highly popular for both genders in the mid-to-late 20th century.
光 light, ray of light · dictionary gloss: ray, light Copy Save
Hinata 陽向 · ひなた Say it: HEE-NAH-TAH
Facing the sun, representing a bright, positive attitude.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
A highly popular unisex name of the 2010s and 2020s.
陽 sun, sunlight · dictionary gloss: sunshine, yang principle, positive, male 向 facing, toward · dictionary gloss: yonder, facing, beyond, confront Copy Save
Hinata 日向 · ひなた Say it: HEE-NAH-TAH
a sunny place, or facing towards the sun
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
A highly trendy, warm unisex name in 21st-century Japan.
日 sun · dictionary gloss: day, sun, Japan, counter for days 向 facing, direction · dictionary gloss: yonder, facing, beyond, confront Copy Save
Hirobumi 博文 · ひろぶみ Say it: HEE-ROH-BOO-MEE
One with wide knowledge of literature and culture.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Meiji and Taisho · How common: uncommon
Famously held by Ito Hirobumi, Japan's first Prime Minister, who started as a samurai.
博 wide, abundant · dictionary gloss: Dr., command, esteem, win acclaim 文 writing, literature · dictionary gloss: sentence, literature, style, art Copy Save
Hiroshi 寛 · ひろし Say it: HEE-ROH-SHEE
Generous, tolerant, and broad-minded.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era · How common: very common
A classic Showa name reflecting hopes for a kind and big-hearted son.
寛 tolerant, generous, broad-minded · dictionary gloss: tolerant, leniency, generosity, relax Copy Save
Hiroshi 宏 · ひろし Say it: HEE-ROH-SHEE
Vast, wide, or open-minded.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era, Meiji and Taisho · How common: very common
Single-kanji names representing great scale and potential were highly favored in mid-century Japan.
宏 wide, spacious, vast · dictionary gloss: wide, large Copy Save
Hiroto 大翔 · ひろと Say it: HEE-ROH-TOH
To soar high into the sky with grand, wide wings.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
One of the most popular boy names of the 2000s and 2010s.
大 big, grand · dictionary gloss: large, big 翔 soar, fly · dictionary gloss: soar, fly Copy Save
Hiyori 日和 · ひより Say it: HEE-YOH-REE
Fine weather or a harmonious, sunny day.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: common
A soft, trendy unisex name inspired by nature and bright weather.
日 sun, day · dictionary gloss: day, sun, Japan, counter for days 和 harmony, peace · dictionary gloss: harmony, Japanese style, peace, soften Copy Save
Ibuki 伊吹 · いぶき Say it: EE-BOO-KEE
A fresh breath of air, or the budding of new life in spring.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: common
A fresh and poetic name that has gained popularity for its natural sound.
伊 that, he (phonetic) · dictionary gloss: Italy, that one 吹 blow, breath · dictionary gloss: blow, breathe, puff, emit Copy Save
Ibuki 息吹 · いぶき Say it: EE-BOO-KEE
breath, fresh breeze, or the breath of spring
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: uncommon
A poetic, refreshing modern name evoking new life and nature.
息 breath · dictionary gloss: breath, respiration, son, interest (on money) 吹 blow · dictionary gloss: blow, breathe, puff, emit Copy Save
Isami 勇 · いさみ Say it: EE-SAH-MEE
A brave and courageous person.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period, Meiji and Taisho · How common: common
A strong, single-character name popular among samurai families in the late Edo period.
勇 courage, brave · dictionary gloss: courage, cheer up, be in high spirits, bravery Copy Save
Isamu 勇 · いさむ Say it: EE-SAH-MOO
Brave, courageous, or full of vigor.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era, Meiji and Taisho · How common: common
Commonly given during the early, more militaristic and post-war rebuilding years of Showa.
勇 courage, brave · dictionary gloss: courage, cheer up, be in high spirits, bravery Copy Save
Isamu 勲 · いさむ Say it: EE-SAH-MOO
A meritorious deed or distinguished achievement.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era, Meiji and Taisho · How common: common
A strong, traditional name commonly given to boys born around the pre-war and wartime Showa era.
勲 merit, distinguished service · dictionary gloss: meritorious deed, merit Copy Save
Itsuki 樹 · いつき Say it: EE-TSOO-KEE
Large tree, symbolizing nature, deep roots, and steady growth.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: common
A single-kanji name that is highly favored for its strong, natural image.
樹 timber tree · dictionary gloss: timber, trees, wood, establish Copy Save
Kaito 海斗 · かいと Say it: KIE-TOH
Ocean and the Big Dipper constellation, representing vast horizons and navigation.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
A very popular modern name that combines marine and celestial imagery.
海 ocean · dictionary gloss: sea, ocean 斗 Big Dipper constellation · dictionary gloss: Big Dipper, ten sho (vol), sake dipper, dots and cross radical (no. 68) Copy Save
Kakeru 翔 · かける Say it: KAH-KEH-ROO
To soar high in the sky, representing freedom, big dreams, and success.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
This single-kanji name has been a consistent top-ten favorite since the late 1990s.
翔 soar, fly, spread wings · dictionary gloss: soar, fly Copy Save
Kanade 奏 · かなで Say it: KAH-NAH-DEH
To play music, evoking harmony, artistry, and beautiful sounds.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: common
A popular modern unisex name with an artistic and elegant vibe.
奏 play music · dictionary gloss: play music, speak to a ruler, complete Copy Save
Kaoru 薫 · かおる Say it: KAH-OH-ROO
fragrant, pleasant aroma, or to be filled with scent
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era, Heian period · How common: common
Inspired by the classical concept of elegant, lingering scents in courtly life.
薫 fragrance, to be fragrant · dictionary gloss: send forth fragrance, fragrant, be scented, smoke (tobacco) Copy Save
Katamori 容保 · かたもり Say it: KAH-TAH-MOH-REE
One who maintains dignity and protects the land.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period · How common: rare
Famously held by Matsudaira Katamori, the loyalist Lord of Aizu during the Boshin War.
容 form, contain · dictionary gloss: contain, form, looks 保 protect, keep · dictionary gloss: protect, guarantee, keep, preserve Copy Save
Katashige 賢重 · かたしげ Say it: KAH-TAH-SHEE-GEH
One who is wise and highly valued.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period · How common: rare
A traditional, heavy-sounding name typical of daimyo and high-ranking samurai families.
賢 wise, clever · dictionary gloss: intelligent, wise, wisdom, cleverness 重 heavy, important · dictionary gloss: heavy, important, esteem, respect Medium confidence
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Katsutarō 勝太郎 · かつたろう Say it: KAH-TSOO-TAH-ROHKatsutaro
Victorious eldest son.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period, Meiji and Taisho, Showa era · How common: common
A very traditional, powerful name commonly given to eldest sons during the Edo and Meiji eras.
勝 victory · dictionary gloss: victory, win, prevail, excel 太 thick or big · dictionary gloss: plump, thick, big around 郎 son · dictionary gloss: son, counter for sons Copy Save
Kazuki 和樹 · かずき Say it: KAH-ZOO-KEE
Tree of harmony, representing a peaceful, steady, and supportive nature.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era · How common: common
Popular throughout the Heisei period (1989–2019) for its gentle, balanced sound.
和 harmony, peace · dictionary gloss: harmony, Japanese style, peace, soften 樹 tree · dictionary gloss: timber, trees, wood, establish Copy Save
Kazuo 一男 · かずお Say it: KAH-ZOO-OH
The first-born son.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era, Meiji and Taisho · How common: very common
A standard traditional name for the eldest son, highly common in the mid-1900s.
一 one, first · dictionary gloss: one, one radical (no.1) 男 male, man · dictionary gloss: male Copy Save
Kazuo 和夫 · かずお Say it: KAH-ZOO-OH
A man of peace and harmony.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era · How common: very common
This name reflected the postwar desire for peace and rebuilding during the mid-Showa era.
和 peace, harmony · dictionary gloss: harmony, Japanese style, peace, soften 夫 husband, man · dictionary gloss: husband, man Copy Save
Kei 圭 · けい Say it: KAY
a pointed jade tablet used in ancient rituals, symbolizing elegance
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era, Meiji and Taisho · How common: common
A sharp, sophisticated single-syllable name favored for its clean sound.
圭 jade tablet, gemstone · dictionary gloss: square jewel, corner, angle, edge Copy Save
Keisuke 敬助 · けいすけ Say it: KAY-SOO-KEH
A respectful helper who honors others.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period, Meiji and Taisho · How common: common
A polite and noble name suitable for educated samurai and Meiji-era officials.
敬 respect, revere · dictionary gloss: awe, respect, honor, revere 助 helper, assist · dictionary gloss: help, rescue, assist Copy Save
Kenji 健二 · けんじ Say it: KEN-JEE
The healthy, strong second son.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era, Modern · How common: very common
Names ending in -ji (二) were incredibly trendy for second sons during Showa.
健 healthy, strong · dictionary gloss: healthy, health, strength, persistence 二 two, second · dictionary gloss: two, two radical (no. 7) Copy Save
Kenta 健太 · けんた Say it: KEN-TAH
A healthy, strong, and robust boy.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era · How common: very common
A classic, friendly name that peaked in the late Showa era but remained popular into the late 1990s.
健 healthy, strong · dictionary gloss: healthy, health, strength, persistence 太 thick, big, sturdy · dictionary gloss: plump, thick, big around Copy Save
Kento 賢人 · けんと Say it: KEN-TOH
Wise person, wishing for intelligence, good judgment, and a kind heart.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
A highly favored name for boys born in the late 1990s and 2000s.
賢 wise, intelligent · dictionary gloss: intelligent, wise, wisdom, cleverness 人 person · dictionary gloss: person Copy Save
Kinnosuke 金之助 · きんのすけ Say it: KEEN-NOH-SOO-KEH
Golden assistant.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period, Meiji and Taisho · How common: uncommon
The real name of the celebrated Meiji-era novelist Natsume Soseki was Natsume Kinnosuke.
金 gold · dictionary gloss: gold 之 of · dictionary gloss: of, this 助 assistance · dictionary gloss: help, rescue, assist Copy Save