50 Japanese Girl Names and Their Meanings (Revised)

Do you love Japanese culture? Or maybe you want to connect with your Japanese roots by choosing a meaningful Japanese name for your child or yourself. Either way, we have the perfect list for you.

Japanese names often consist of one to three Chinese characters known as “kanji”. Each Kanji has a special meaning, and by combining them in different ways, Japanese parents can express an aspiration for how their child will grow up to be. However, some names, particularly modern or softer-sounding ones, may be written entirely in hiragana or katakana.

In Japanese culture, names carry a lot of meaning. So when picking a Japanese name, it is very important to consider its meaning —and not just its sound. Always ensure the kanji used for a name have positive and appropriate connotations.

When you introduce yourself, your name is among the first things you say, so think about the impression you want your Japanese name to produce.

This list is organized into sections that cover some of the most popular, traditional, trendy, and beautiful Japanese girl names. You might find the perfect name for you!

Most Popular Japanese Girl Names

Fashion, music, hairstyles, and pop culture are subject to trends and so are Japanese names. While there are some popular Japanese girl names like Yuki (由紀), which remains a cherished classic, its popularity may fluctuate over time, while other names come and go.

Here is a list of some of most common Japanese girl names and what they mean.

Himari is a popular Japanese girl's name that combines the characters 陽, which means sunshine, and 葵, meaning hollyhock (a type of plant with colorful flowers).

In recent years, there's been an upward trend in choosing girl's names that are more nature-based which potentially could be one reason for the popularity of the name.

Mei is also an extremely popular Japanese name for girls. The kanji that make up this name are 芽, meaning 'budding sprout,' and 依, meaning 'to rely on' or 'support,' suggesting a dependable and growing nature.

This is a very natural-sounding name and may attribute much of its popularity to the character of the same name from the popular film My Neighbor Totoro.

The girl name Hina is composed of 2 Japanese characters: sunshine (陽) and edible greens/vegetables (菜).

The popularity of this name is perhaps a reflection that in an ever-industrializing world, parents would still like to see their children connected to nature in some way.

Yua is a girl's name that conveys a deep sense of love and adoration. In Japanese, the word Yu (結) means to tie or bind, meanwhile, a (愛) means love.

A girl who from birth is set to be “bound by love” will for sure have a life full of love, and joy, and will always be surrounded by people who adore her.

Yūna uses the same first character, 結, as Yua, and then the same second character, 菜, as Hina. Therefore the meaning of Yuna (結菜) is to be bound to edible greens/nature.

Again, we see this ongoing theme of Japanese parents wanting to see their children connected to, and flourishing in the great outdoors.

Sakura is perhaps one of the better-known Japanese girl’s names thanks to the success of the popular Japanese anime Naruto and its general cultural significance.

But even if you are not an anime fan, chances are that you’ll know what this name means: Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom.

While Sakura does have its own kanji, 桜, as a name, it is often just written as hiragana alone for a softer impression.

Another popular Japanese name for a girl that is only written with hiragana is Akari.

Akari means light and by giving your daughter this name, you are hoping that her future will be very bright as well. It can also be written with kanji like 明里 (bright village) or 灯 (lamp light).

Another pronunciation for the kanji 葵, used in the second half of Himari (陽葵), is Aoi. The meaning of this name is hollyhock, which is a beautiful pink flower that is adored by many.

Tsumugi is a type of traditional woven cloth made from silk. As a Japanese name, it has a lot of beauty to it.

Although naming your daughter after a textile may sound strange in English, the concept is that like this very delicate, soft cloth, your daughter will be graceful, refined, and delicate. It also evokes a sense of strong bonds and connection.

The character 莉 means “jasmine” and 子 means “child.” So the name Riko means “Jasmine child”. This one too is a nature-based name and it expresses the parent's hope for their daughter to grow up to be as beautiful as jasmine flowers.

Beautiful Japanese Girl Names

Japanese parents often pick a beautiful name for their daughter in the hope that she will grow up to be just as lovely as her name.

While there are many pretty Japanese girl names, this is just a small sample of some names that exemplify beauty, grace, and elegance.

The Japanese name Chiha means “One thousand wings”. This name evokes the image of either butterflies or a graceful bird such as a dove.

One hope that parents might wish upon their daughter if they give her the name Chiha is that she soars like a bird, with not even the sky being her limit.

Hana means “first summer” or “the start of summer” and has a very warm and gentle nuance to it. Note that Hana can also be written as 花 meaning "flower," a very popular and classic choice.

Many baby girls born in early June or late May have this name, which is very seasonal.

Haruka means “eternity” or “forever” and expresses a parent’s wish that their child has a long, healthy life and that they will be loved forever.

While multiple different characters can be used to write this Japanese girl's name, 永 is one popular choice. Other common writings include 遥 (far off, distant) or 晴香 (clear weather fragrance).

Honoka is a very bright and warm name. The kanji 火 (ho) means 'fire' and 佳 (ka) means 'beautiful' or 'good,' so one interpretation of 火佳 is “beautiful flame”. However, Honoka is far more commonly written with gentler kanji combinations such as 穂香 (ear of grain + fragrance) or 和花 (harmony + flower). These latter forms are often preferred for their softer, more nature-oriented or harmonious imagery.

The 'fire' kanji (火) in 火佳 can imply a bold and ambitious nature. However, with the more common writings like 穂香 or 和花, the image is typically gentler.

The literal translation of the Japanese name Mika is “beautiful flower”. This emphasizes her feminine charm and womanly grace as if she was just as beautiful as a flower.

Mizuki is another Japanese girl name that uses the character 美 (beauty). This time, the meaning of the name Mizuki is “beautiful moon” (美月) and has a bit of a calm nuance that is peaceful, like the moon. It can also be written 瑞希 (auspicious hope).

What is more flattering than just being called beautiful? What about being called beautiful seven times?

The Japanese girl name Nanami is constructed from the characters 七, seven, and 美, which means beauty. So in essence, the name means “seven beauties” or “seven times as beautiful”. Another popular writing is 七海 (seven seas).

Saki means “to bloom” in Japanese which is why many girls who are born in the spring will often bear this name.

One wish that parents may have for their daughter with this name is that like a flower, she blooms and continues to grow and flourish.

Sayo is a Japanese girl's name that means “sand world” or "sandy generation" (沙世). This may sound strange unless put into perspective.

Rather than a desert or some sand dunes, the name Sayo can also evoke images of a sprawling white sand beach which to many Japanese, is a very beautiful image. Other common and beautiful kanji combinations include 小夜 (little night), offering an image of gentle evening.

Yukina means “snow flower” and is considered to be a very lovely girl name in Japan. 雪華 refers to the beautiful, delicate patterns of snowflakes.

Japanese winters are very harsh and so when spring finally comes around and flowers start to poke out, everyone is elated.

Likewise, the hope carried by this name is that like flowers after winter, everyone who meets Yukina will be happy whenever they see her, or that she possesses a delicate, unique beauty.

Cute Japanese Girl Names

These days, many parents choose cute Japanese girl names as cute or “kawaii” culture in Japan is highly permeated into the Japanese way of life.

Before their child is born, they already have ideas of how cute and adorable their baby girl will be which may just be one of the reasons they chose a cute name for their daughter.

The Japanese character 彩 means vibrancy or to paint, and 海 is the ocean. Put them together and the name Ayami means “the vibrancy of the ocean” or "colorful sea".

This cute Japanese girl's name has a fun, sweet, summertime feel to it as well.

Ema with these kanji means “flourishing fruit/truth” (栄実). It is also often chosen because the sound "Ema" is similar to Emma, which is popular overseas. Other kanji include 絵麻 (picture + hemp) or 恵麻 (blessing + hemp).

Many Japanese parents like the international ambiguity of the name in addition to the already beautiful meaning.

Haruna written with 榛 means hazelnut tree. While this is one option, significantly more common writings for Haruna include 春奈 (spring + Nara/apple tree) or 晴菜 (clear weather + greens), which are often favored for their bright, nature-related meanings.

The association with 'hazelnut' (榛) might evoke images of natural richness, while the overall sound of Haruna is considered cute in Japanese.

There are actually many ways to write one name in Japanese, with the same pronunciation, but yet with different kanji which changes the meaning entirely.

This character used for Hina means “warmth” (暖) and expresses the wish that your baby girl will be warm and cheery. (See also Hina 陽菜 in the popular section).

The name Yume directly translates to 'dream' (夢) in Japanese. It carries the hope that a girl named Yume will be imaginative, creative, and pursue her aspirations. This beautiful and popular kanji is almost exclusively read as Yume for this meaning.

Koharu combines 心 (kokoro/ko) meaning 'heart' or 'spirit' with 春 (haru) meaning 'spring.' This lovely name evokes feelings of warmth, new beginnings, and a kind heart, often chosen for girls born in springtime.

Midori means “green” in Japanese and is yet another nature-related Japanese girl name. It can also be written with kanji such as 緑.

A girl named Midori is expected to be well-connected to nature, be creative, and enjoy the outdoors.

“Heart sunshine” or Mio (心陽) is a very cute Japanese girl name that has seen a rise in popularity in recent years. Other popular kanji include 美桜 (beautiful cherry blossom) or 澪 (waterway).

A girl named Mio is loved, and like the sunshine, her future is bright and she is always surrounded by the warmth of meaningful relationships.

The meaning of Miyu with the kanji 海夢 is “ocean dream”. However, it's important to note that extremely popular and arguably more common writings for Miyu include 美優 (beautiful + gentle/superior) or 心結 (heart + bond), which carry different but equally lovely sentiments of tenderness, grace, or connection.

A parent who names their daughter Miyu with any of these kanji wishes for her to embody the positive qualities her name suggests, such as dreams as vast as the ocean, or a beautifully gentle nature.

Natsuki combines 凪 (nagi) meaning 'calm' or 'lull (of the sea/wind)' with 月 (tsuki/zuki) meaning 'moon.' The name evokes the serene image of a 'calm moon.' It’s a poetic choice, reflecting peace and natural beauty. Another popular Natsuki is 夏希 (summer hope).

Ruka has a very cute nuance in Japanese and means “lapis lazuli flower” (瑠華). For whatever reason, the name Ruka has a dainty feel to it in Japanese culture and would be fitting for a girl who is little with a round face.

Traditional Japanese Girl Names

In Japan, often just by hearing a woman’s name, you can tell just about how old she is or what generation she is from.

There are many old-fashioned Japanese girl names that although were once popular, today they may feel more classic or vintage, much like some older English names.

Without further ado, here are some prime examples of traditional Japanese girl names.

Akemi means “bright beauty” (明美). While it was very popular in the mid-20th century (e.g., number one for girls in Japan in 1965), it is less common for newborns today, giving it a more classic or "grandmotherly" feel.

Chiyo was another name that was very popular back a long time ago. In 1915, Chiyo was the number one Japanese baby girl name.

The name means “one thousand generations” (千代), and in recent years it has made a bit of a comeback as a vintage-chic choice.

You’ll see a lot of older girls names in Japan, especially from the 1940s' using the character 子 (ko) or “child” as the last kanji.

The name Fumiko (冨美子) means “wealthy beautiful child” and if you think about what parents during that time wanted for their kids, wealth and beauty were surely at the top of the list. Other kanji for Fumi include 文 (literature, sentence).

The name Hanako means “flower child” (花子) and has a refined and elegant sound to it.

While the name still feels old, many parents will still name their daughter Hanako with the intention of calling her Hana for short.

The Japanese girl name Kanako yet again uses the 子 character and is preceded by 加奈 which can be interpreted as "increasingly good" or phonetically. A common wish is that the child (子) brings increase (加) and beauty/goodness (奈).

If a girl is named Kanako, it is assumed that she will have many friends.

The literal translation of the girl’s name Kaori is “fragrance weaving” (香織), which sounds a bit poetic.

The Japanese character 香 means “fragrance” or “scent.” The second Japanese character, 織, means "to weave."

Putting them together suggests a life beautifully woven with pleasant experiences and fragrant memories.

If you are looking for a Japanese equivalent to the English name Grace, Keiko meaning “blessed child” or “graceful child” (恵子) is a wonderful option.

While a very beautiful name, it has a quiet nuance to it and is not a boisterous name in essence.

The girl’s name Mayumi is usually written using just hiragana alone (まゆみ) or with various kanji combinations like 真弓 (true bow – as in archery) or 麻弓 (hemp bow). It corresponds to the name of the Japanese spindle tree (檀/真弓).

This tree has very long, thin, and elegant supple branches and is said to have the grace and charm of a beautiful woman.

Sachiko is a very traditional name in Japanese and feels almost like the poster child for “mom names” in Japan.

The meaning of Sachiko is “happy child” or "child of good fortune" (幸子). However, many Sachikos will just go by “Sachi” for short.

Unique Japanese Girl Names

While traditional names remain cherished, there's also a space for unique and modern Japanese girl names. Some of these might involve less common kanji combinations or readings, or names that have a distinctive sound or contemporary feel. When choosing a unique name, it's still important to consider the kanji meanings and overall impression. Here are some examples that stand out for their individuality:

Anji combines 杏 (an) meaning 'apricot' with 紫 (ji/shi) meaning 'purple.' The name 'purple apricot' offers a unique and colorful image. The sound 'Anji' can also feel familiar to international ears, similar to 'Angie', which may contribute to its appeal for parents seeking a name that bridges cultures.

Eren combines 永 (e) meaning 'eternity' or 'long' with 恋 (ren) meaning 'love.' The name signifies 'eternal love' or 'lasting love,' a beautiful sentiment. While it has a distinct Japanese origin with these kanji, its sound is also familiar in other cultures (for instance, resembling the name 'Eren' known from popular media or other linguistic backgrounds), which can add to its unique appeal.

Marin can be written with 真 (ma) meaning 'true' or 'genuine,' and 鈴 (rin) meaning 'bell.' The name 'true bell' has a clear, resonant, and charming sound. It feels both Japanese and internationally accessible. Notably, Marin is also frequently written in katakana as マリン (Marin), often evoking the word 'marine' and an association with the sea, which contributes to its modern appeal.

Miran combines 碧 (mi) meaning 'blue-green' or 'turquoise' with 空 (ran) meaning 'sky.' The name paints a vivid picture of a 'turquoise sky,' suggesting vastness and beauty. While uncommon, it's a strikingly beautiful and modern choice.

Ririka is a graceful name combining 凜々 (riri), meaning 'dignified' or 'gallant,' with 花 (ka), meaning 'flower.' It suggests a 'dignified flower,' a blend of strength, composure, and beauty.

Noa often uses the kanji 乃 (no), a possessive particle or sometimes 'of,' and 愛 (a), meaning 'love.' While the structure can be interpreted as 'love itself' or 'my love,' it’s a gentle and popular modern name, often chosen for its soft sound and international appeal. Its similarity in sound to the Western name Noah (though typically masculine in the West) likely contributes to its popularity among parents looking for a globally recognizable yet distinctly Japanese name.

Karen is written with 花 (ka) meaning 'flower' and 恋 (ren) meaning 'love' or 'romance.' The name 'flower love' is romantic and pretty. Although it sounds like the Western name Karen, its Japanese kanji (花恋 - flower love) give it a distinct and lovely local meaning. This dual appeal – a familiar sound with a unique Japanese essence – makes it an attractive choice.

Akira, written with the kanji 旭, means 'rising sun' or 'morning sun.' While traditionally more common for boys, it is also used for girls, evoking brightness, hope, and new beginnings. It's a strong, radiant, and memorable name.

Shion combines 詩 (shi) meaning 'poem' or 'poetry' with 音 (on) meaning 'sound.' The name translates to 'sound of poetry' or 'poetic sound,' suggesting a lyrical, artistic, and gentle nature. It’s a beautiful and increasingly popular choice.

Sena is a lovely modern name often written with 星 (se) meaning 'star' and 南 (na) meaning 'south.' The imagery of a 'south star' is guiding and luminous. It's a popular choice for its gentle sound and celestial connection.

In Japan, names are sacred, so before you give yourself, your daughter, or a character a name, really think about the meaning and what it says about them. Pay close attention to the kanji chosen, as they define the name's essence.

In Japanese culture, a name is like a wish for the future and so that is something to take to heart as well.

If you want to continue exploring Japanese girl names, we have a series of articles on Japanese names organized by the first letter in their Romanji transliteration. See the links at the bottom of the page.