If you're learning Japanese, chances are you've come across many Japanese names—whether in anime, dramas, news, or from your Japanese friends. But you might have wondered:
“Is this a boy’s name or a girl’s?”
“How do I even read this?”
Don’t worry—you’re not alone.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of Japanese first names, how to guess the gender, commonly used kanji characters, name trends, and fun cultural tidbits.
The Basics of Japanese Names
First of all, a typical Japanese name follows this order:
Family name + First name
Example: Yamada Taro（山田 太郎）
Yamada = family name
Taro = given (first) name
When written in English, many people reverse the order to match Western naming conventions (e.g. Taro Yamada), though some now prefer to keep the original Japanese order even in English.
Names and Japanese Culture
Japanese names often reflect nature, seasons, or the hopes parents have for their child.
Example: 春菜 (Haruna) = 春 (spring) + 菜 (greens) → evokes freshness and vitality
Names are carefully chosen based on meaning, beauty, sound, and kanji balance.
It is not just about how it sounds. It is also about what message or image the name sends.
Gender Differences in First Names
You can often guess the gender of a Japanese name by looking at certain kanji or suffixes.
Here are some kanji frequently seen in Japanese names, along with their meanings and example names.
■Common Kanji in Girls’ Names
・美 (mi) = beauty → 美咲 (Misaki), 美香 (Mika)
・愛 (ai) = love → 愛 (Ai), 愛子 (Aiko)
・子 (ko) = child → 花子 (Hanako), 由美子 (Yumiko)
・奈 (na) = from Nara, or phonetic → 奈々 (Nana), 奈緒 (Nao)
・花 (ka) = flower → 花音 (Kanon), 花菜 (Kana)
・莉 (ri) = jasmine → 莉子 (Riko), 茉莉 (Mari)
The "ko" (子) ending was extremely popular for girls during the Showa era (1926–1989), but it has become less common in modern names.
■Common Kanji in Boys’ Names
・太 (ta) = big, strong → 健太 (Kenta), 太一 (Taichi)
・郎 (ro) = man, son → 太郎 (Taro), 一郎 (Ichiro)
・大 (dai) = great, large → 大輝 (Daiki), 大翔 (Hiroto)
・雄 (yuu) = masculine, brave → 雄大 (Yudai), 雄一 (Yuuichi)
・一 (ichi) = one, first → 一真 (Kazuma), 一樹 (Kazuki)
・之 (yuki / no) = classical, poetic tone → 真之 (Masayuki), 和之 (Kazuyuki)
Kanji like "郎" and "太" have a traditional feel, but many parents today choose simpler or softer-sounding names.
Note: In recent years, gender-neutral names have become popular.
For example: Hinata, Aoi, Yuuki, Riku
Wait... One Kanji, Many Readings?
Yes! One of the quirks (and beauties) of Japanese names is that kanji can have multiple readings.
Example: 翔 can be read as Sho, Kakeru, or Tsubasa
And the same name sound can be written in many different kanji.
Example: Keiko could be written as 恵子, 敬子, 景子, or 佳子
It might seem confusing at first, but once you get used to it, discovering the meaning behind different combinations can be fun and fascinating.
Modern Trends and Unusual Names
■Popular Names in Recent Years (2020s):
Boys: 蓮 (Ren), 陽翔 (Haruto), 蒼 (Aoi)
Girls: 結愛 (Yua), 心愛 (Kokoa), 陽菜 (Hina)
■What Are “Kira-Kira Names”?
"Kira-Kira" means "sparkly" or "glittery." It refers to flashy or unconventional names with unique readings.
Examples:
・光宙 (Pikachu – yes, really)
・七音 (Doremi) Literally “seven sounds,” this name suggests the seven musical notes (do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti) and carries a musical, harmonious image.
・宝冠 (Tiara) Literally “jeweled crown,” this name refers to a precious crown or tiara, symbolizing elegance, beauty, and nobility.
These names are controversial in Japan. Some find them creative, while others think they are hard to read or inappropriate.
Note: It is important to keep in mind that these kanji do not naturally have such readings. They are unconventional readings chosen by parents as part of so-called “kirakira names” , rather than standard Japanese usage.
Final Thoughts
Japanese names are more than just labels. They are rich in meaning, emotion, and tradition. The gender cues and complex readings might be tricky at first, but they are also part of the joy of learning the language.
So next time you meet a new Japanese name, take a closer look. You might discover something beautiful hidden in the kanji.