Japanese Girl Names

Japanese girl names provide a wide array of unique choices. From meaningful traditional names to cute, cool, and rare ones, there’s something for every taste.

Each name may come with different kanji characters, meanings, and pronunciations, allowing for a truly special selection.

For a dose of inspiration, our list offers over 200 delightful Japanese names for girls.

Traditions Behind Japanese Girl Names

The Japanese Alphabet

Japanese names typically use kanji characters, which offer beautiful visual representations.

Due to their complexity, many parents opt for simpler scripts like hiragana and katakana. For example, the name Haruka can be written in kanji as 晴香, in hiragana as はるか, and in katakana as ハルカ.

Characters, Meaning, and Pronunciation

Parents choose a name not only based on the sound but also the characters used.

Japanese names utilize over 3,000 kanji, creating almost limitless options when combined. Here are the key factors they consider:

Characters: Names can use one to four kanji characters.

While one character is simple, using multiple characters can add more depth and personalization. Eldest children might traditionally have names with four kanji characters.

Meaning: The same name can have different meanings depending on the kanji used. For instance, the name Tomomi can mean:

• Tomo might mean “wisdom,” “intellect,” or “friend.”
• Mi could mean “beautiful,” “fruit,” “good result,” and “truth.”

Thus, Tomomi could translate to “intelligent beauty,” “wise truth,” “beautiful friend,” and more.

Pronunciation: Names can have varied pronunciations even with traditional combinations.

When choosing unique kanji combinations, parents often provide the spelling and pronunciation due to potential unexpected sounds. This trend has increased since the 1990s.

Popular Japanese Girl Names

Haruka

Haruka can be written in several ways, each providing different meanings.

In kanji: 晴香, it could mean “sunny fragrance.” The name is also common in hiragana and katakana, reflecting a pure and simple tone.

Aiko

Aiko commonly means “love child.” Written with the characters 愛子, it combines “love” (ai) and “child” (ko). This name conveys affection and warmth.

Yui

Yui is often written as 結衣, signifying “bind” and “garment” or “clothing.” This name is associated with connection and style, making it a popular choice.

Sakura

Sakura, 桜, directly translates to “cherry blossom,” symbolizing beauty and the fleeting nature of life. It’s a name that resonates with cultural and natural beauty.

Sora

Sora means “sky” and is written as 空. It’s a name that evokes a sense of freedom and vastness.

Most Common and Popular Japanese Girl Names

Ema

Ema is a name often seen in both Japan and the United States, sometimes spelled Emma in English.

In Japanese, the kanji for Ema can mean “favor, benefit” or “bay, inlet” combined with “flax.”

Naomi

Naomi is a timeless name that has remained popular for centuries. It’s especially trendy in the United States and reached its peak in the 1990s.

In Japanese, Naomi means “straight, direct” and “beautiful.”

Jun

Jun is a versatile name used for both boys and girls in Japan. Pronounced JOON, it has various meanings in kanji, including “pure,” “clean,” “simple,” and “moisture.”

Hana

Hana is pronounced the same way as the western name Hannah but has a different meaning in Japanese. As a kanji, Hana means “flower,” making it a beautiful and floral name choice.

Reina

Reina is a name that speaks to intellect and wisdom. Pronounced REH-NA, the kanji for Reina means “wise,” making it an excellent choice for a smart and thoughtful baby.

Himari

Himari is a particularly cute name that means “sunflower” in Japanese. Pronounced HEE-MA-REE, this name embodies brightness and cheerfulness.

Tsumugi

Tsumugi is a traditional name with a unique meaning. Pronounced TSOO-MOO-GEE, it refers to “pongee,” a type of knotted silk cloth in Japan, and “to spin.”

Rin

Rin is a unisex name pronounced REEN, meaning “dignified” in Japanese. It’s a noble name suitable for any child, regardless of gender.

Mei

Mei, pronounced MEH-EE, combines kanji to mean “bud, sprout” and “life.” This makes it a poetic and meaningful name for a baby.

Aoi

Aoi is another beautiful floral name. Pronounced A-O-EE, it means “hollyhock, althea” in Japanese and also carries the kanji meanings of “green” and “blue,” reminiscent of natural elements.

Unique and Rare Japanese Girl Names

Asami

Uncommon Japanese girls’ names like Asami offer very pretty meanings. Pronounced A-SA-MEE, asa means “hemp” and mi means “beautiful.”

Chinatsu

Many unique Japanese girl names mean “summer.” Chinatsu, pronounced CHEE-NA-TSOO, is one such name and means “a thousand summers.”

Chō

Chō is a rare yet beautiful name meaning “butterfly” and is pronounced CHO. It is a great option if you prefer one-syllable names.

Junko

Ko means “child,” commonly found in Japanese names. Junko combines jun, meaning “obedience” or “pure,” making it a wonderful name. It is pronounced JOON-KO.

Kyō

Kyō is a unique name with several meanings, including “unite,” “cooperate,” “capital city,” “village,” and “apricot.” It is pronounced KyO.

Masuyo

Masuyo, pronounced MA-SOO-YO, means “profit, benefit” and “world.” It’s a happy omen for your baby girl.

Minato

Minato is pronounced MEE-NA-TO and means “harbor.” It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for names related to water.

Tsubame

Tsubame has a unique pronunciation, TSOO-BA-MEE. This name means “swallow,” referring to the small bird.

Umeko

With ume meaning “apricot, plum” and ko meaning “child,” Umeko suits a baby who is sweet like an apricot. It is pronounced OO-MEH-KO.

Yaeko

Yaeko, pronounced YA-EH-KO, means “multilayered child,” a fitting description for any baby.

Cute and Pretty Japanese Girl Names

Akari

Akari is a lovely name that means “bright” or “village” and can also mean “white jasmine.” It’s pronounced A-KA-REE and is perfect for a little girl who brings light to everyone’s life.

Ami

Pronounced like the name Amy, Ami means “second” or “Asia” from the word a and “beautiful” from the word mi. This is a great name choice for your beautiful second-born daughter.

Emi

Emi, pronounced EH-MEE, is a beautiful name meaning “beautiful” and “picture.” It’s a delicate and charming name that sounds just as lovely as its meaning.

Honoka

Honoka combines hono, meaning “harmony,” and ka, meaning “flower,” creating a wonderful name for a girl. It’s pronounced HO-NO-KA and offers a sense of peace and beauty.

Ichika

Ichika is pronounced EE-CHEE-KA and has many lovely meanings. Ichi can mean “love,” “hope,” and “beginning,” while ka can mean “flower,” “beautiful,” “affection,” and “fragrance.” This name is full of charm and sweetness.

Kei

Kei is a simple yet elegant name, pronounced KEH. It can mean “intelligent” or “gemstone,” making it a unique and sophisticated choice for a girl.

Mio

Mio, pronounced MEE-OH, incorporates mi, meaning “beautiful,” and o, meaning “cherry blossom” or “thread.” This name is both gentle and picturesque, perfect for a serene and elegant girl.

Noa

Noa is a unique name that means “love.” In Japanese, the kanji no shows possessiveness, linked with a, meaning “love” and “affection.” Pronounced NO-AH, it’s a name that embodies warmth and caring.

Shiori

Shiori, pronounced SHEE-O-REE, can mean “bookmark” when the kanji shi and ori are combined, which makes it a cute name for any little bookworm. Separately, these kanji can mean “poem,” “weave,” and “graceful.”

Yui

Yui is pronounced YOO-EE and means “excellence, superiority” and “garment of clothing.” It’s a name that ensures your little one is always seen in the best light.

Cool Japanese Girl Names

Akira

A-KyEE-RA sounds cool and carries the meaning of “bright” and “clear.” Fans of Japanese cinema might know the renowned filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, adding a touch of artistic flair to this name.

Asuka

This name offers two hip pronunciations: A-SOO-KA or A-SKA. Asuka means “to fly” and “bird,” giving it a whimsical, sky-high charm.

Hikari

Pronounced KHEE-KA-REE, this pretty name means “light.” It is often written in hiragana (ひかり), which has become more popular than the kanji version.

Keiko

Keiko, pronounced KEH-KO, means “celebrate” and “child.”

The name exudes joy and celebration, perfect for welcoming a new life.

Kimiko

Kimiko combines the meanings of “valuable” (ki), “beautiful” (mi), and “child” (ko).

Pronounced KyEE-MEE-KO, it embodies a sense of precious beauty.

Mai

Mai is versatile, fitting both Japanese and American cultures.

It can be pronounced like May or MA-EE. Depending on the kanji, it can mean “dance,” “genuine,” “love,” or “affection.”

Noriko

Pronounced NO-REE-KO, Noriko means “rule” and “child.”

It presents a blend of strength and gentleness.

Shun

Pronounced SHOON, Shun means “fast” or “talented.”

It carries a sense of quickness and skill.

Yoshiko

Yoshiko, pronounced YO-SHEE-KO, combines yoshi meanings like “good,” “virtuous,” “fragrant,” “joy,” and “respectable” with ko, meaning “child.”

Together, it can mean “virtuous child.”

Yume

Yume, pronounced YOO-MEH, means “dream, vision.”

Other interpretations can include “abundant,” “plentiful,” and “bud” or “sprout.”

More Cool Japanese Girl Names

Below are some additional names to consider.

• Aoi: Pronounced AH-OH-EE, meaning “blue” or “hollyhock.”
• Hana: Means “flower” or “blossom.”
• Emi: Its meanings are “beautiful smile” or “blessed with beauty.”
• Rin: Pronounced REEN, which stands for “dignified” or “severe.”
• Sora: Means “sky.” Pronounced SAW-RA, it gives a sense of open space and freedom.

Japanese Girl Names Meaning “Flower”

Ayame

Pronounced A-YA-MEH, this name has a beautiful sound.

And, of course, it’s a Japanese flower name for girls. Ayame means “iris,” referring to the purple flower.

Hanae

Pronounced HA-NA-EH, this cute floral name combines hana, meaning “flower,” and e, meaning “picture,” “favor,” or “benefit.”

Hanako

The Japanese word hana means “flower.” Since ko means “child,” Hanako translates to “flower child.” Hanako is pronounced HA-NA-KO.

Hinata

A unisex name, Hinata means “sunny place,” “toward the sun,” or simply “sunflower.”

Consider this name for a baby girl born in the summer! Pronounce Hinata HEE-NA-TA.

Karen

Very similar to the classic American girl’s name, this Japanese name means “flower” and “lotus” or “water lily.”

Unlike the English name Karen, the Japanese version is pronounced KA-REHN.

Kiku

Pronounced KyEE-KOO, this adorable name means “chrysanthemum,” referring to the flower.

Mio

Another cute-sounding name, Mio, pronounced MEE-OH, combines kanji to create the meaning “beautiful cherry blossom.”

Misaki

If you want a beautiful Japanese floral name for your little girl that’s less specific than Mio, try Misaki.

It means “beautiful blossom” and is pronounced MEE-SA-KyEE.

Sakura

If you like the simple meaning “cherry blossom,” consider Sakura, pronounced SA-KOO-RA.

Fans of Cardcaptor Sakura, the girl manga animated series from the late 1990s, might recognize and love this name!

Sayuri

This Japanese flower name has the adorable meaning of “small lily.”

It could be a cute option for a little girl whose mother’s name is Lily!

Japanese Girl Names Connected to Nature

Chōko

With this truly cute Japanese girl’s name, your little one could be a beautiful “butterfly child”! The name is pronounced CHO-KO.

Fuyuko

If your little lady is born in the winter months, you could consider the name Fuyuko, pronounced FOO-YOO-KO.

It combines kanji to mean “winter child.”

Hibiki

For a Japanese girl’s name with a unique sound and meaning, Hibiki offers an excellent option.

It is pronounced HEE-BEE-KEE and means “sound” or “echo.”

Hoshi

Give your little star a name that means “star”! Hoshi, a singular kanji, is pronounced HO-SHEE.

Hotaru

If you’re looking for Japanese girl names that mean “fire,” Hotaru offers a charming alternative by meaning “firefly.”

It is pronounced HO-TA-ROO.

Kohaku

Pronounced KO-HA-KOO, this sweet name means “amber,” referring to the fossilized gemstone.

Natsuki

If you’re considering unique Japanese girl names meaning “moon,” think about Natsuki.

Pronounced NA-TSOO-KEE, this kanji means “summer moon,” ideal for a girl born in the summer.

Shinju

This pretty Japanese name simply means “pearl,” making it perfect for your little girl who is as precious as a pearl! Shinju is pronounced SHEEN-JOO.

Sora

Short and sweet, Sora is a lovely Japanese name for girls that means “sky.” It is pronounced SO-RA.

Suzume

This uncommon Japanese girl’s name simply means “sparrow,” referring to the sweet little bird. It is pronounced SOO-ZOO-ME.

Japanese Girl Names Meaning “Beautiful”

Aimi

Aimi combines two meanings: “love” (ai) and “beautiful” (mi).

This name, pronounced A-EE-MEE, makes a lovely choice for a cherished daughter, blending affection with beauty in its kanji.

Akemi

Akemi, pronounced A-KEH-MEE, carries the meanings of “beautiful” and “bright.” It’s both pretty and unique, fitting perfectly for a little girl with a radiant personality.

Hitomi

Hitomi uses the simplified hiragana system and means “beautiful history.”

With a pronunciation of HEE-TO-MEE, it offers a sense of elegance and tradition.

Kumiko

Kumiko, pronounced KOO-MEE-KO, is full of meaning.

The kanji represent “long time” (ku), “beautiful” (mi), and “child” (ko). It’s an endearing name symbolizing a forever beautiful child.

Michiko

Meaning “beautiful,” “wise,” and “child,” Michiko is a charming name for a girl.

Pronounced MEE-CHEE-KO, it combines beauty with intelligence.

Mika

Mika is pronounced MEE-KA and merges “beautiful” (mi) with “fragrance” (ka).

This name is simple and elegant, perfect for a little girl with a delightful presence.

Miu

Miu, with its cute pronunciation of MEE-OO, means “beautiful” and “feather.”

It’s a short and lovely name, soft and airy.

Nanami

Nanami, pronounced NA-NA-MEE, is ideal for families with many children.

Nana means “seven,” and mi means “beautiful,” making it a fitting name for a seventh child or a seventh girl in a large family.

Satomi

Satomi offers a wonderful compliment for a daughter, meaning “intelligent, clever, bright,” alongside “beautiful.”

Pronounced SA-TO-MEE, it’s a unique and flattering name for any girl.

Yumi

Yumi, pronounced YOO-MEE, combines two kanji with multiple interpretations.

Choosing “beautiful friend” as its meaning, this name is wonderful for a girl who brings joy and companionship to those around her.

Japanese Girl Names With Strong Meanings

Ayane

For a name with a unique meaning, Ayane is a great choice.

Pronounced A-YA-NEH, this name combines aya, which means “color,” “design,” or “brilliant kimono design,” with ne, meaning “sound.” The kimono is a significant traditional garment in Japan, making Ayane a meaningful and strong name.

Chiyo

Chiyo is a simple yet powerful name. Pronounced CHEE-YO, it translates to “thousand,” “generation,” or “world.” This name carries a sense of longevity and global significance.

Hiroko

Hiroko is a cute and fitting name for your little girl.

Pronounced HEE-RO-KO, hiro means “tolerant, generous,” “abundant,” or “prosperous,” and ko means “child.” This name hints at a future filled with generosity and abundance.

Masako

Masako can be an elegant choice. Pronounced MO-SA-KO, this name combines masa, meaning “elegant,” “graceful,” “right,” or “proper,” with ko, meaning “child.” This name is also royal, as it belongs to the current empress consort of Japan.

Miku

There’s a lot to appreciate about the name Miku.

Pronounced MEE-KOO, mi means “beautiful,” and when combined with ku, the name means “sky” or “long time.” As a traditional nanori reading, Miku also means “future,” making it a name full of promise.

Shinobu

Although it’s a longer baby name, Shinobu holds a singular and powerful meaning.

Pronounced SHEE-NO-BOO, this name means “patience” and “endurance.” It conveys a sense of resilience and inner strength.

Tomoko

Tomoko is a name that suggests strong intellectual capabilities.

Pronounced TO-MO-KO, tomo means “wisdom, intellect,” and ko means “child.” This name is perfect for someone who values knowledge and learning.

Tsukiko

For a name that reflects the beauty of the night sky, consider Tsukiko.

Pronounced TSOO-KYEE-KO, it means “moon child,” combining tsuki (moon) with ko (child). This name is both poetic and powerful.

Ume

Ume is a name rich with cultural significance. Pronounced OO-MEH, it means “Japanese apricot” or “plum,” referring to the species Prunus mume.

In Japanese culture, the ume blossom is thought to protect against evil, giving this name a powerful connotation.

Yoshi

Yoshi is a unisex name with strong meanings.

Pronounced YO-SHEE, it can mean “good luck,” “righteous,” or “virtuous.” This name is both simple and impactful, carrying positive vibes and moral strength.

Even More Japanese Female Names

Hana

A name meaning “flower,” often used to symbolize beauty and nature.

Sora

This name means “sky” and is commonly chosen for its peaceful and uplifting connotations.

Yui

Meaning “binding” or “tie,” this name signifies connection and unity.

Mai

A charming name meaning “dance” or “real love.”

Aiko

This name means “love child,” reflecting affection and endearment.