If you’re considering a Japanese name for your baby boy, learning about the traditional practices of naming in Japan can be helpful. Japanese has three distinct scripts: kanji, hiragana, and katakana.
Due to the unique nature of the Japanese writing system, many Japanese names can be written in multiple ways using different kanji characters. This allows for a great deal of creativity and flexibility when naming children. The popularity of a particular kanji character can often influence naming trends in Japan.
For example, the kanji character for “hiro” (meaning “wide” or “broad”) is a common element in many Japanese male names, such as Hiroaki, Hiromasa, and Hiroyuki. Similarly, the kanji character for “taka” (meaning “noble” or “high”) is found in many Japanese male names, such as Takahiro, Takao, and Takashi.
In This Article
100 Unique Japanese Male Names
While you may recognize some popular names on this list, you will likely discover some unique and rare Japanese male names that are new to you.
Akihiko
Akihiko is often given to boys born into royalty or families with high status. The name is made up of two kanji characters, "aki" meaning "bright" and "hiko" meaning "prince." Interestingly, the name was also given to the protagonist of the popular video game Persona 3, adding to its cultural significance in Japan.
Akimitsu
Akimitsu is a Japanese boy's name that means "bright light." The name is made up of two kanji characters, "aki" meaning "bright" and "mitsu" meaning "light." Akimitsu Takagi, a popular Japanese mystery writer, was one of the most famous people to bear this name.
Akio
Akio is a common Japanese boy's name meaning "bright man." It's often given to boys with high potential or intelligence. The name is composed of two kanji characters, "aki" meaning "bright" and "o" meaning "man."
Akira
Akira is a popular Japanese boy's name that means "bright, clear." The name is made up of two kanji characters, "aki" meaning "bright" and "ra" meaning "clear."
Amaterasu
Amaterasu is a unique and rare Japanese boy's name that means "heavenly light." It's derived from the name of the Shinto sun goddess, Amaterasu, who is considered one of the most important deities in the Shinto religion. The name is made up of three kanji characters, "ama" meaning "heaven," "terasu" meaning "to shine," and "su" meaning "emperor."
Arata
Arata is a unisex name that is commonly given to boys in Japan. It is associated with new beginnings and freshness, making it a popular choice for babies born in the spring. In Japanese culture, it is common to change one's name to mark a new chapter in their life, such as starting a new job or getting married.
Asahi
Asahi is a popular name for Japanese boys that is associated with warmth, energy, and the start of a new day. It is also the name of one of Japan's largest breweries, Asahi Breweries, which was founded in 1889.
Atsushi
Atsushi is a popular name for boys in Japan that is associated with hard work, leadership, and success. It combines the kanji for "industrious" and "director" to create a name that is often given to boys with high aspirations. In Japanese culture, there is a strong emphasis on working hard and striving for excellence, making Atsushi a fitting name if you want to instill these values in your child.
Chikao
Chikao is a unique name for boys in Japan that is derived from the combination of the kanji for "thousand" and "shrikes," a type of bird. In Japanese culture, shrikes are seen as symbols of determination and focus.
Daichi
Daichi is a popular name for boys in Japan that is associated with strength, power, and greatness. It is derived from the combination of the kanji for "large" and "earth," and is often given to boys who are expected to achieve great things in life.
Daisuke
Daisuke is a popular Japanese boy's name that means "great help". It is often given to boys born in Japan during times of need or crisis, as a way of wishing them strength and support.
Daitaro
Daitaro is a traditional Japanese boy's name that means "large and robust". It is a powerful name often given to boys born into families with a history of strength and perseverance. Although there are no notable namesakes, the name is still commonly used in Japan today.
Eiji
Eiji is a popular Japanese boy's name that means "eternal ruler". It is a strong name often given to boys born into families with a history of leadership and influence.
Eishin
Eishin is a unique Japanese boy's name that means "prospering heart". It is a positive name often given to boys with a bright and ambitious spirit.
Fumihito
Fumihito is a traditional Japanese boy's name that means "prince of abundant benevolence". It is a royal name often given to boys born into families of nobility and prestige.
Fumio
Fumio Hayashi was a prominent economist and professor at Hitotsubashi University in Japan. He was known for his contributions to econometrics and statistical analysis.
Genji
Genji is a name that appears in the classic Japanese novel "The Tale of Genji," written by Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century. The novel tells the story of the life and loves of the nobleman Hikaru Genji, and is considered a masterpiece of Japanese literature.
Genshin
Genshin is a name that connotes a person with a deep and thoughtful mind. In Japanese Buddhism, Genshin was a monk and scholar who wrote the "Essentials of Pure Land Rebirth," a treatise on the Pure Land school of Buddhism.
Goro
Goro is a popular name for boys born as the fifth son in Japanese families. The name is often used in literature and film, such as in the novel "Sanshiro" by Natsume Soseki and the film "Goro the Assassin" by Sadao Yamanaka.
Hachiro
Hachiro is a traditional name given to the eighth son in Japanese families. In the 16th century, Hachiro Tsuruoka was a samurai who served under the powerful daimyo Oda Nobunaga. The name is also associated with the legendary hero Hachiro Tametomo, who was known for his archery skills and bravery in battle.
Hajime
Hajime is a popular Japanese name that is often given to boys born at the beginning of a new year or during a new chapter of their lives.
Haru
Haru is a unisex name that is often given to children born during the spring season in Japan.
Haruki
Haruki is a popular Japanese name that combines the characters for "sun" and "radiance." It can be given to both boys and girls, and it is often associated with warmth, energy, and positivity.
Haruto
Haruto is a Japanese name that combines the characters for "sun" and "flying." It is often given to boys and is associated with brightness, energy, and freedom.
Hideaki
Hideaki is a Japanese name that combines the characters for "excellent" and "brightness." It is often given to boys and is associated with intelligence, talent, and positivity.
Hideki
Hideki is a popular Japanese name that means "excellent timber trees". The name is often associated with strength and stability. The most famous bearer of the name is probably Hideki Tojo, who served as the Prime Minister of Japan during World War II.
Hideo
Hideo is a Japanese name that means "excellent man". One of the most famous bearers of the name is Hideo Kojima, a video game designer who is best known for creating the Metal Gear Solid series.
Hikaru
Hikaru is a Japanese name that means "light".
Hiro
Hiro is a Japanese name that means "generous". Hirohito, the Emperor of Japan from 1926 to 1989, is perhaps the most famous bearer of the name.
Hiroaki
Hiroaki is a Japanese name that means "wide and bright". The name is often associated with openness, creativity, and optimism. Hiroaki Samura is one of the most famous bearers of the name, a manga artist who is best known for his series Blade of the Immortal.
Hiromasa
There are no notable namesakes for this name, but it is a unique and elegant name with a beautiful meaning. Hiromasa is derived from the Japanese words "hiro" meaning broad, and "masa" meaning elegant.
Hiroyuki
Hiroyuki is a popular Japanese name that combines the characters "hiro" meaning generous, and "yuki" meaning happiness.
Hisao
Hisao is a Japanese name that combines the characters "hisa" meaning peace, and "o" meaning man.
Ichiro
Ichiro is a popular Japanese name that combines the characters "ichi" meaning first, and "ro" meaning son.
Isamu
Isamu is a Japanese name for boys that combines the characters "isa" meaning courage, and "mu" meaning warrior.
Isao
Isao is a Japanese name that means "honor". It is a popular name in Japan and is often given to boys who are expected to be honorable and respectful.
Itsuki
Itsuki is a Japanese name that means "harmony". It is a unisex name, but it is more commonly given to boys.
Jiro
Jiro is a Japanese name for boys that means "second son". It is a popular name in Japan and is often given to the second son in a family.
Jun
Jun is a Japanese name that means "obedient". It is a unisex name, but it is more commonly given to boys.
Junichi
Junichi is a Japanese boy's name that means "obedient first son". It is a popular name in Japan and is often given to the first son in a family.
Juro
Juro is a Japanese boy's name commonly given to the tenth son in a family.
Kaito
Kaito is a Japanese name that combines the characters for "ocean" and "flying". It can be used for both boys and girls. In Japan, Kaito is sometimes associated with a popular character from the anime series, "Kaitou Saint Tail".
Katsuo
Katsuo is a Japanese name that means "victorious male". It is a relatively common name in Japan.
Kazuhiko
Kazuhiko is a Japanese name that means "harmonious prince".
Kazuki
Kazuki is a Japanese name that means "hopeful tree". It is a relatively common name in Japan. Kazuki Nakajima, a Japanese racing driver, is a notable namesake. Nakajima has competed in various racing series around the world, including Formula One.
Keiji
Keiji is a Japanese boy name that means "lead respectfully." It is a name that connotes good leadership and respect for others. The name is not commonly used in Japan today, but it has a strong historical significance, particularly during the Sengoku period, where there were many military commanders with the name Keiji.
Kenji
Kenji is a popular Japanese boy name that means "wise and strong." The name has a strong historical significance, particularly during the Edo period, where there were many scholars and warriors with the name Kenji.
Kento
Kento is a Japanese boy name that means "healthy and robust." It is a name that connotes good health and physical strength. The name is commonly used in Japan today, particularly among athletes and health enthusiasts.
Kiyohiko
Kiyohiko is a Japanese boy name that means "clear prince." It is a name that connotes nobility and purity. The name is not commonly used in Japan today, but it has a strong historical significance, particularly during the Heian period, where there were many courtiers with the name Kiyohiko.
Kiyoshi
Kiyoshi is a Japanese boy name that means "pure." It is a name that connotes innocence and clarity. The name is commonly used in Japan today and is often given to boys born during the New Year, as it signifies a new beginning and a fresh start.
Kohaku
Kohaku is a unisex name that is derived from the Japanese word for amber. In Japanese culture, amber is believed to have healing properties and is often worn as jewelry.
Kota
Kota is a unisex Japanese name that means "thick" or "robust."
Makoto
Makoto is a unisex Japanese name that means "truth."
Masahiro
Masahiro is a masculine Japanese name that means "broad-minded" in Japanese.
Masaru
Masaru is a masculine Japanese name that means "victorious" in Japanese.
Michio
Michio is a Japanese name that means "man on a journey." The name is a combination of the kanji characters "michi," meaning "path" or "way," and "o," meaning "man."
Minoru
Minoru is a Japanese name meaning "to bear fruit." The name is a combination of the kanji characters "mi," meaning "fruit," and "noru," meaning "to bear." Notable namesakes include Minoru Yamasaki, a Japanese-American architect best known for designing the World Trade Center in New York City, and Minoru Suzuki, a Japanese professional wrestler who has competed in several international promotions throughout his career.
Mitsuo
Mitsuo is a Japanese name that means "shining hero." The name is a combination of the kanji characters "mitsu," meaning "shine," and "o," meaning "hero."
Naoki
Naoki is a Japanese name that means "honest tree." The name is a combination of the kanji characters "nao," meaning "honesty" or "sincerity," and "ki," meaning "tree."
Noboru
Noboru is a Japanese boy name that means "to ascend." It is a common name in Japan and is often given to boys who are expected to achieve great things in their lives. Noboru Takeshita, who served as the Prime Minister of Japan from 1987 to 1989, is one of the most well-known people with this name.
Nori
The name Nori has a strong traditional feel in Japan due to its association with both ceremony and rule. It is often used in ceremonial contexts or for boys who are expected to follow in their family's footsteps and uphold tradition.
Osamu
The name Osamu conveys the traits of discipline and studiousness, making it a popular choice for boys in Japan who are expected to work hard and excel academically.
Ryo
Ryo is a name that conveys a sense of freshness and vitality. It is also a unisex name and can be spelled with different kanji characters to convey different meanings.
Ryohei
Ryohei is a name that conveys a sense of prosperity and success.
Ryu
The name Ryu is associated with the powerful and mythical creature of the dragon in Japanese culture. It is a popular name for boys in Japan who are expected to embody strength and power.
Ryuichi
Ryuichi is a powerful name that means "first son of dragon", making it an auspicious name in Japanese culture, as dragons are associated with strength, power, and good luck.
Saburo
Saburo is a traditional Japanese name meaning "third son", and is often used as a way to refer to the third-born son in a family.
Satoru
Satoru is a unique Japanese boy's name that means "enlightenment". It's a name that's associated with knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual understanding.
Seiichi
Seiichi is a popular Japanese name that means "refined" or "excellence".
Seiji
Seiji is a Japanese name that means "lawful government".
Shigeki
The name Shigeki is typically given to boys with hopes that they will excel in life, whether it be in academics, sports, or any other field.
Shin
The name Shin is often given to boys in hopes that they will live a genuine and honest life. Shin Koyamada, an actor known for his roles in "The Last Samurai" and "Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior", and Shin Lim, a world-renowned magician, are two notable namesakes.
Shingo
The name Shingo is often associated with purity and authenticity, with the meaning "true essence."
Sho
The name Sho is often given to boys in hopes that they will lead a successful and prosperous life.
Shōhei
The name Shōhei is often given to boys with the hope that they will bring clarity and brightness to the world.
Shota
Shota is a popular name in Japan and is often associated with someone who is ambitious and has big dreams. The name can be written with different kanji characters, each with a slightly different meaning, but all conveying the idea of a big or grand flight.
Shun
Shun is a simple yet meaningful name that conveys the idea of speed or swiftness.
Soichiro
Soichiro is a strong and meaningful name that conveys the idea of protection and guardianship. The name is often associated with Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda Motor Co., who was known for his innovative spirit and determination to succeed.
Sosuke
Sosuke is a name that conveys the idea of a courageous helper or assistant. It is a popular name in Japan and has been used by several notable figures in Japanese culture, including Sosuke Uno, who served as Prime Minister of Japan from 1989 to 1991.
Susumu
Susumu is a strong and meaningful name that conveys the idea of advancement and progress. The name is often associated with Susumu Tonegawa, a Japanese molecular biologist and Nobel Prize laureate who made significant contributions to the field of immunology.
Tadashi
Tadashi is a Japanese boy's name that means "loyal." It has been used for centuries in Japan and has gained popularity in other parts of the world in recent years. Famous namesakes include Tadashi Yanai, the founder and CEO of Uniqlo, and Tadashi Shoji, a fashion designer known for his red carpet gowns.
Taiga
Taiga is a Japanese boy's name that means "big and great."
Takahiro
Takahiro is a Japanese boy's name that means "noble" or "generous." The name is also associated with the concept of Takahiro culture, which values honor and loyalty.
Takao
Takao is a Japanese boy's name that means "respectful man." The name is also associated with the Takao mountain range in Japan, which is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Takashi
Takashi is a Japanese boy's name that means "prosperous." The name is also associated with the Takashi Gallery, a contemporary art gallery located in Tokyo.
Takumi
Takumi is a name commonly given to boys in Japan, and it means "artisan" or "craftsman". It is a popular name for boys who are born into families of skilled craftsmen, such as carpenters, metalworkers, or artists.
Taro
Taro is a traditional Japanese boy's name that means "large son" or "eldest son". It is a popular name for boys in Japan, and is often given to the firstborn son in a family.
Tatsuya
Tatsuya is a popular Japanese name for boys that means "to achieve". It is a name that carries a strong meaning and is often given to boys who are expected to achieve great things in life.
Teruo
Teruo is a Japanese name that means "shining man". It is a name that is often given to boys who are believed to have bright futures ahead of them, or who possess a bright and positive personality.
Tomio
Tomio is a Japanese name that means "rich man". It is a name that is often given to boys who come from wealthy or prosperous families, or who are expected to achieve financial success in their lives.
Toru
Toru is a popular Japanese name meaning "to conquer." It is often given to boys in the hopes that they will become strong, successful men who can overcome any obstacle.
Toshi
Toshi is a Japanese name meaning "wise." It is often given to boys in the hopes that they will become knowledgeable and intelligent men who can make wise decisions. Toshi is also the name of a number of notable Japanese figures in film, activism, and professional wrestling.
Tsuyoshi
Tsuyoshi is a popular Japanese name meaning "strong." It is often given to boys in the hopes that they will become physically and mentally strong men who can face any challenge.
Yamato
Yamato is a Japanese name meaning "great harmony." It is often associated with Japanese mythology and nationalistic concepts, as well as historical documents and figures. Yamato is a popular name for boys, especially those who are believed to have a strong and harmonious character.
Yori
Yori is a Japanese name meaning "reliable." It is often given to boys in the hopes that they will become trustworthy and dependable men who can be counted on in any situation.
Yosuke
Yosuke is a popular name in Japan that means "happy help". It is a cheerful name that connotes someone who is always ready to assist others.
Yota
Yota is a Japanese name for boys that means "abundant sunshine". The name is a perfect reflection of a happy and lively personality.
Yūma
Yuma is a Japanese name that means "gentle horse". The name is often given to boys who are expected to grow up to be kind and caring individuals.
Yuto
Yuto is a Japanese name that means "gentle person". The name is often given to boys who are expected to be kind, patient, and thoughtful.
Yuu
Yuu is a Japanese name that means "gentleness". The name is often given to boys who are expected to grow up to be kind, compassionate, and considerate individuals.