Browse 162 Japanese girl names with kanji, kana and a meaning for each kanji. Filter by era to separate Edo flower names, Showa -ko names and modern favorites.
Ai 愛 · あい Say it: EYE
Love and affection.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era · How common: very common
Extremely popular from the late Showa era (1980s) through the early 2000s as a powerful single-character name.
愛 love, affection · dictionary gloss: love, affection, favourite Copy Save
Akane 朱音 · あかね Say it: AH-KAH-NEH
A bright vermilion sound, evoking a warm and beautiful sunset.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: common
A warm and artistic name popular from the late 1990s through the 2010s.
朱 vermilion, crimson · dictionary gloss: vermilion, cinnabar, scarlet, red 音 sound · dictionary gloss: sound, noise Copy Save
Akari 朱莉 · あかり Say it: AH-KAH-REE
Red jasmine, suggesting brightness, warmth, and floral beauty.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
The name is beloved for its warm, glowing phonetic sound.
朱 vermilion red · dictionary gloss: vermilion, cinnabar, scarlet, red 莉 jasmine · dictionary gloss: jasmine Copy Save
Akiko 彰子 · あきこ Say it: AH-KEE-KOH
Clear, bright, and manifest child.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Heian period, Meiji and Taisho · How common: common
Famously the name of Empress Shoshi (Fujiwara no Akiko), patron of Murasaki Shikibu in the Heian court.
彰 clear, bright · dictionary gloss: patent, clear 子 child · dictionary gloss: child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM, first sign of Chinese zodiac 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
An 杏 · あん Say it: AHN
Apricot, a fruit-bearing tree symbolizing sweetness and health.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: common
Popular for its simple, modern, and internationally friendly single-syllable sound.
杏 apricot · dictionary gloss: apricot Copy Save
Anna 杏奈 · あんな Say it: AHN-NAH
Apricot and gentle grace, a soft name with a sweet, friendly sound.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: common
Popular because it has a sweet, international sound while using traditional botanical kanji.
杏 apricot · dictionary gloss: apricot 奈 phonetic kanji historically meaning apple tree · dictionary gloss: Nara, what? 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
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
Atsu 篤 · あつ Say it: AH-TSOO
Sincere, warm, and kind
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period, Meiji and Taisho · How common: uncommon
A highly respected name in late Edo samurai families, famously borne by Princess Atsu (Tenshō-in).
篤 sincere, warm, kind · dictionary gloss: fervent, kind, cordial, serious Copy Save
Atsuko 敦子 · あつこ Say it: AH-TSOO-KOH
A warm, kind-hearted, and honest child.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era · How common: common
A friendly and reliable-sounding name popular throughout mid-Showa.
敦 kind, warm, or honest · dictionary gloss: industry, kindliness 子 child · dictionary gloss: child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM, first sign of Chinese zodiac Copy Save
Ayaka 彩香 · あやか Say it: AH-YAH-KAH
Colorful fragrance.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
Extremely popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
彩 color, coloring · dictionary gloss: coloring, paint, makeup 香 fragrance, incense · dictionary gloss: incense, smell, perfume 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
Chacha 茶々 · ちゃちゃ Say it: CHAH-CHAH
Tea (repeated for a playful, affectionate tone)
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period · How common: rare
The birth name of Yodo-dono, one of the most powerful women of the Sengoku-Edo transition.
茶 tea · dictionary gloss: tea Copy Save
Chieko 千恵子 · ちえこ Say it: CHEE-EH-KOH
A child blessed with a thousand wisdoms or blessings.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era · How common: common
A warm, traditional name popular from the pre-war era through the 1950s.
千 thousand · dictionary gloss: thousand 恵 blessing or wisdom · dictionary gloss: favor, blessing, grace, kindness 子 child · dictionary gloss: child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM, first sign of Chinese zodiac 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
Chika 千花 · ちか Say it: CHEE-KAH
A thousand flowers, representing abundance, beauty, and diverse talents.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era, Modern · How common: common
A bright, cheerful name that is easy to pronounce.
千 thousand · dictionary gloss: thousand 花 flower · dictionary gloss: flower 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
Chiyo 千代 · ちよ Say it: CHEE-YOH
Thousand generations, representing long life and prosperity.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period, Meiji and Taisho · How common: common
A very popular auspicious name for women in samurai and merchant households during the Edo period.
千 thousand · dictionary gloss: thousand 代 generations · dictionary gloss: substitute, change, convert, replace Copy Save
Chiyoko 千代子 · ちよこ Say it: CHEE-YOH-KOH
Child of a thousand generations
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era, Meiji and Taisho · How common: common
A classic auspicious name wishing for long life, very common in early Showa.
千 thousand · dictionary gloss: thousand 代 generations · dictionary gloss: substitute, change, convert, replace 子 child · dictionary gloss: child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM, first sign of Chinese zodiac Copy Save
Etsuko 悦子 · えつこ Say it: EH-TSOO-KOH
Joyful child
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era · How common: common
Extremely popular in the early to mid-Showa period, representing the hope for a happy child.
悦 joy, pleased · dictionary gloss: ecstasy, joy, rapture 子 child · dictionary gloss: child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM, first sign of Chinese zodiac Copy Save
Fujiko 富士子 · ふじこ Say it: FOO-JEE-KOH
Child of wealth and honor
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era, Meiji and Taisho · How common: common
A traditional name that peaked in popularity in the mid-20th century.
富 wealth, abundance · dictionary gloss: wealth, enrich, abundant 士 samurai, gentleman · dictionary gloss: gentleman, scholar, samurai, samurai radical (no. 33) 子 child · dictionary gloss: child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM, first sign of Chinese zodiac Medium confidence
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Fumi 文 · ふみ Say it: FOO-MEE
Writing, literature, or letters, implying intelligence and education.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period, Meiji and Taisho · How common: common
Highly popular among families who valued literacy and classical arts.
文 writing, letter · dictionary gloss: sentence, literature, style, art Copy Save
Fusako 房子 · ふさこ Say it: FOO-SAH-KOH
Abundant child like a cluster of fruit
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era, Meiji and Taisho · How common: uncommon
A traditional name representing abundance and prosperity from the early Showa period.
房 tassel, cluster, room · dictionary gloss: tassel, tuft, fringe, bunch 子 child · dictionary gloss: child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM, first sign of Chinese zodiac Copy Save
Fuyuka 冬花 · ふゆか Say it: FOO-YOO-KAH
Winter flower, symbolizing resilience and delicate beauty.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era · How common: uncommon
A poetic seasonal name chosen for girls born in the cold months.
冬 winter · dictionary gloss: winter 花 flower · dictionary gloss: flower Copy Save
Gō 江 · ごう Say it: GOHGo
Inlet, bay, or river
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period · How common: uncommon
Famously borne by Oeyo (Gō), the mother of the third Tokugawa shogun.
江 inlet, bay, river · dictionary gloss: creek, inlet, bay Medium confidence
Copy Save
Hana 花 · はな Say it: HAH-NAH
Flower or blossom, symbolizing beauty and grace.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period, Meiji and Taisho, Modern · How common: very common
A universally beloved name across all social classes in the Edo and Meiji eras.
花 flower · dictionary gloss: flower Copy Save
Haru 春 · はる Say it: HAH-ROO
Spring, representing warmth, new life, and fresh beginnings.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period, Meiji and Taisho · How common: very common
A very common auspicious seasonal name across many generations.
春 spring · dictionary gloss: springtime, spring (season) 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
Haruka 遥 · はるか Say it: HAH-ROO-KAH
Distant, representing vast horizons and a grand future.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
A highly popular name since the late 1990s that sounds both traditional and fresh.
遥 distant, far off · dictionary gloss: far off, distant, long ago Copy Save
Hatsu 初 · はつ Say it: HAH-TSOO
First, or the beginning
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period · How common: common
Commonly given to eldest daughters in samurai and merchant households during the Edo period.
初 first, beginning · dictionary gloss: first time, beginning Copy Save
Hazuki 葉月 · はづき Say it: HAH-ZOO-KEE
The month of leaves, which is the traditional Japanese name for August.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern, Showa era · How common: common
A highly elegant, nature-inspired name that became popular in the late 20th century.
葉 leaf · dictionary gloss: leaf, plane, lobe, needle 月 moon, month · dictionary gloss: month, moon 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
Himari 陽葵 · ひまり Say it: HEE-MAH-REE
Sunny hollyhock, a flower that turns toward the bright sun.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
One of the most popular baby names in Japan in the 2010s and 2020s.
陽 sunlight · dictionary gloss: sunshine, yang principle, positive, male 葵 hollyhock flower · dictionary gloss: hollyhock Copy Save
Hina 陽菜 · ひな Say it: HEE-NAH
Sunny greens, representing warmth and natural growth.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
A top ranking name throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
陽 sun, sunlight · dictionary gloss: sunshine, yang principle, positive, male 菜 greens, vegetables · dictionary gloss: vegetable, side dish, greens 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
Hisako 久子 · ひさこ Say it: HEE-SAH-KOH
A long-lived child, wishing for health and longevity.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era · How common: common
A traditional, auspicious name popular in the early and mid-Showa eras.
久 long time or long-lived · dictionary gloss: long time, old story 子 child · dictionary gloss: child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM, first sign of Chinese zodiac 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
Honoka 穂香 · ほのか Say it: HOH-NOH-KAH
A gentle fragrance of ripening grain, symbolizing abundance.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: common
Very popular since the late 1990s for its soft, airy sound.
穂 ear of grain · dictionary gloss: ear, ear (grain), head, crest (wave) 香 fragrance · dictionary gloss: incense, smell, perfume Copy Save
Hotaru 蛍 · ほたる Say it: HOH-TAH-ROO
Firefly, evoking tiny lights glowing in summer darkness.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: uncommon
A poetic single-kanji name that represents delicate, transient light.
蛍 firefly · dictionary gloss: lightning-bug, firefly 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
Ichi 市 · いち Say it: EE-CHEE
A bustling market or town, implying prosperity and activity.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period · How common: uncommon
Famously borne by Oichi, the beautiful sister of Oda Nobunaga.
市 market, town · dictionary gloss: market, city, town Copy Save
Ichika 一花 · いちか Say it: EE-CHEE-KAH
A single beautiful flower, or the best flower.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
A top-ranking modern name in the 2010s and 2020s.
一 one, best · dictionary gloss: one, one radical (no.1) 花 flower · dictionary gloss: flower Copy Save
Ine 稲 · いね Say it: EE-NEH
Rice plant, representing abundance, harvest, and life.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period, Meiji and Taisho · How common: uncommon
Famously borne by Kusumoto Ine, Japan's first female doctor of Western medicine in the Meiji era.
稲 rice plant · dictionary gloss: rice plant Copy Save
Iroha 彩葉 · いろは Say it: EE-ROH-HAH
Colorful leaves, evoking the beauty of changing seasons.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: common
A highly trendy name in the 2010s and 2020s, loved for its traditional poetic rhythm.
彩 color, paint · dictionary gloss: coloring, paint, makeup 葉 leaf, foliage · dictionary gloss: leaf, plane, lobe, needle Copy Save
Ito 糸 · いと Say it: EE-TOH
Thread, representing connection and fine silk
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period, Meiji and Taisho · How common: common
A highly popular, traditional name for women in samurai and wealthy merchant families.
糸 thread, silk · dictionary gloss: thread Copy Save
Junko 純子 · じゅんこ Say it: JOON-KOH
A pure, innocent, and genuine child.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era · How common: very common
A beloved name that peaked in the late 1950s and 1960s.
純 pure or innocent · dictionary gloss: genuine, purity, innocence, net (profit) 子 child · dictionary gloss: child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM, first sign of Chinese zodiac Copy Save
Kaede 楓 · かえで Say it: KAH-EH-DEH
Maple tree, representing beautiful autumn colors and natural strength.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: very common
Extremely popular since the late 1990s for its natural and gentle image.
楓 maple tree · dictionary gloss: maple Copy Save
Kaguya 輝夜 · かぐや Say it: KAH-GOO-YAH
Shining night, famously associated with the mythical moon princess.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: rare
Evokes classical Japanese folklore and starry skies.
輝 shine · dictionary gloss: radiance, shine, sparkle, gleam 夜 night · dictionary gloss: night, evening 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
Kane 兼 · かね Say it: KAH-NEH
To accumulate or possess multiple virtues.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Edo period · How common: uncommon
A strong, traditional name common among women of the warrior class.
兼 accumulate, double · dictionary gloss: concurrently, and, beforehand, in advance Copy Save
Kanna 環奈 · かんな Say it: KAHN-NAH
A harmonious ring, suggesting connection and completeness.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Modern · How common: common
A trendy name that has gained significant traction in the 2010s and 2020s.
環 ring, circle · dictionary gloss: ring, circle, loop 奈 apple tree, phonetic · dictionary gloss: Nara, what? 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
Kayo 佳代 · かよ Say it: KAH-YOH
A beautiful or auspicious generation.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era · How common: common
A classic name that was highly popular during the Showa era.
佳 good, beautiful · dictionary gloss: excellent, beautiful, good, pleasing 代 generation · dictionary gloss: substitute, change, convert, replace Copy Save
Kazuko 和子 · かずこ Say it: KAH-ZOO-KOH
A child of harmony and peace, reflecting the name of the Showa era itself.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era · How common: very common
This was the absolute number one female name in the early Showa period.
和 harmony or peace · dictionary gloss: harmony, Japanese style, peace, soften 子 child · dictionary gloss: child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM, first sign of Chinese zodiac 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
Keiko 恵子 · けいこ Say it: KAY-KOH
A blessed child, representing gratitude and divine favor.
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Showa era · How common: very common
A dominant name for girls born in the 1940s and 1950s.
恵 blessing or favor · dictionary gloss: favor, blessing, grace, kindness 子 child · dictionary gloss: child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM, first sign of Chinese zodiac Copy Save
Kenshi 妍子 · けんし Say it: KEN-SHEE
Beautiful and elegant child
Origin: Japanese · Fits: Heian period · How common: rare
A highly refined, classical name used by high-ranking noblewomen in the imperial court.
妍 beautiful, elegant · dictionary gloss: beauty, splendor 子 child · dictionary gloss: child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM, first sign of Chinese zodiac Copy Save