Japanese culture is becoming more widely known throughout the world with the rise of anime. As it becomes more popular, so are Japanese names. Some of these names come from well-known characters like Hiro, meaning ‘generous’.
Other names have movie-inspired meanings like Akio, meaning ‘hero,’ or Ryoma, meaning ‘dragon’. What little boy doesn’t see himself as the hero of the story? And most children go through a dinosaur or dragon phase. They are powerful and exciting animals causing chaos and destruction, like many little boys.
However, if you would prefer a name with a gentler meaning to inspire your son to great things, you might consider names like Dai, meaning ‘a shining individual’, or Kento, meaning ‘cure for sadness’. Watching your son run around living his life to the fullest is sure to brighten any dreary day. Those brilliant smiles melt hearts just as easily as dragon fire.
Many Japanese names that are popular in Western cultures tend to be limited to one or two syllables, like Akio, Hiro, or Dai. This is probably because they are easier for a Western tongue to pronounce but still retain the beautiful sound and meaning of the name.
Akiara
Meaning: A bright person
Origin: Japanese
Akio
Meaning: Hero
Origin: Japanese
Aoi
Meaning: Holly flower
Origin: Japanese
Arata
Meaning: A fresh and new individual
Origin: Japanese
Asahi
Meaning: Morning Sun
Origin: Japanese
Benjiro
Meaning: Enjoys peace
Origin: Japanese
Chibi
Meaning: Small Child
Origin: Japanese
Chimon
Meaning: Gate of wisdom
Origin: Japanese
Dai
Meaning: A shining individual
Origin: Japanese
Denji
Meaning: Electromagnetic powers
Origin: Japanese
Doi
Meaning: Mountain
Origin: Japanese
Eito
Meaning: A very prosperous person
Origin: Japanese
Enmei
Meaning: Bright circle
Origin: Japanese
Fumihiro
Meaning: Refers extensive condemnation
Origin: Japanese
Genkei
Meaning: The one who deserves honour and integrity
Origin: Japanese
Gin
Meaning: Gin is Silver
Origin: Japanese
Goku
Meaning: Aware of emptiness
Origin: Japanese
Habiki
Meaning: Sound
Origin: Japanese
Haru
Meaning: Sun
Origin: Japanese
Hinata
Meaning: Sunflower
Origin: Japanese
Hiro
Meaning: Generous
Origin: Japanese
Itsuki
Meaning: Timber tree
Origin: Japanese
Jiro
Meaning: Second Son
Origin: Japanese
Jun
Meaning: Obedient
Origin: Japanese
Kaito
Meaning: Sea, Ocean
Origin: Japanese
Kei
Meaning: Square Jewel, blessing
Origin: Japanese
Kento
Meaning: Cure for sadness
Origin: Japanese
Maro
Meaning: Myself
Origin: Japanese
Masao
Meaning: A saint
Origin: Japanese
Minato
Meaning: Harbour or port
Origin: Japanese
Nao
Meaning: An honest person
Origin: Japanese
Niko
Meaning: Conquest of the nation
Origin: Japanese
Orochi
Meaning: Big snake
Origin: Japanese
Raden
Meaning: God of thunder
Origin: Japanese
Ren
Meaning: The love of the lotus
Origin: Japanese
Riku
Meaning: Powerful Ruler
Origin: Japanese
Ryoma
Meaning: Dragon
Origin: Japanese
Saburo
Meaning: Brightness
Origin: Japanese
Sana
Meaning: Brilliance
Origin: Japanese
Seiichi
Meaning: A first born son
Origin: Japanese
Souta
Meaning: A sudden sound of the wind
Origin: Japanese
Suzu
Meaning: A man who lives long
Origin: Japanese
Tadaaki
Meaning: Faithful light
Origin: Japanese
Thunder
Meaning: A thunder
Origin: Japanese
Torvald
Meaning: The power of thunder God
Origin: Japanese
Touma
Meaning: Twin
Origin: Japanese
Uta
Meaning: Man who prospers in battles
Origin: Japanese
Yamato
Meaning: Great harmony
Origin: Japanese
Yuuma
Meaning: Gentle, truthful, honest
Origin: Japanese
Yuuto
Meaning: Gentleness or tender person
Origin: Japanese