500+ Best Japanese Boy Names with Meanings: Top Guide

I thought naming my son would be the easy part. You know, buy a book, pick a sound that doesn’t annoy my wife, and call it a day. Then my father-in-law handed me a Kanji dictionary that weighed about five pounds, and I realized I was completely in over my head.

See, in English, if you pick “David,” you’re done. It’s a good name. It means “Beloved.” End of story. But when you step into the world of Best Japanese Boy Names, you aren’t just picking a sound. You’re picking a painting. You’re picking a history. And if you aren’t careful, you might accidentally name your kid something that sounds cool but means “Sadness” or “Empty Rice Field.”

If you’re staring at a blank piece of paper right now, panicking a little bit—I get it. I’ve been there. Whether you want to honor your heritage, find a name that works in both Tokyo and Texas, or just love the culture, this isn’t a textbook. It’s a guide from someone who has actually navigated this minefield.

Also Read: Best Unique Girl Names with Meanings and Best Mexican Surnames Starting with S

Key Takeaways

• Kanji changes everything: You can have five boys named “Hiroto” in one classroom, and their names will all mean completely different things depending on the characters.
• Nature is winning: Right now, everyone is looking at the sky and sea. Names like Ren (Lotus) and Haruto (Sun/Fly) are absolutely dominating.
• Short is sweet: Bilingual families are ditching the long samurai names for punchy, vowel-heavy names like Ken, Leo, and Rei.
• The “Stroke Count” stress: It sounds superstitious, but a lot of families (including mine) still count the brush strokes to make sure the name isn’t “unlucky.”
• Old school is cool again: Names ending in -rou (meaning Son) are having a major comeback, kind of like how “Arthur” is trendy in the US again.

Why is Japanese naming so much more complicated than English?

It really comes down to the Kanji.

In Japan, the alphabet isn’t just phonetic. It’s symbolic. Most names are built using Chinese characters adapted for Japanese, and each one of those characters carries its own weight and meaning.

Take the name Hiroto. It’s super popular. But which Hiroto do you want to raise?

• 大翔: “Big” + “Soar.” This is the ambitious kid. The one who flies high.
• 博人: “Learned” + “Person.” This is the professor. The wise man.
• 洋人: “Ocean” + “Person.” The surfer. The man of the sea.

They sound exactly the same when you yell them across a playground. But when you write them down on a job application twenty years from now, they tell a totally different story. That’s the cool part. It lets you embed a secret wish into your son’s identity.

But it’s also a headache. You have to check the dictionary, then check with a native speaker, and then check again.

What names are actually popular right now?

If you walk around Tokyo today, you aren’t going to hear a lot of “Kiyoshi” or “Susumu.” Those are grandpa names. The vibe for 2025 is open, bright, and airy.

Why does everyone love ‘Ren’?

Ren (蓮) has been the heavyweight champion of boy names for years. It means “Lotus.”

Why? Well, think about the lotus flower. It grows in muddy, gross water, but it blooms into this pristine, white flower. It’s a symbol of rising above the chaos. Given how crazy the world has been lately, I think parents just want their sons to be resilient. Plus, it’s short, sounds modern, and is easy for foreigners to say. It ticks every single box.

The Top 50 Trending Boys Names for 2025

Here is what is actually getting written on birth certificates lately. I’ve listed the most common Kanji, but people get creative with the spellings.

1. Ren (蓮) – Lotus; purity rising from the mud.
2. Haruto (陽翔) – Sun and Soar; flying toward the light.
3. Minato (湊) – Harbor; a safe place where people gather.
4. Yuma (悠真) – Permanence and Truth; a calm, honest soul.
5. Souta (颯太) – The sound of the wind; big and breezy.
6. Itsuki (樹) – Tree; sturdy and independent.
7. Hiroto (大翔) – Big flight; grand ambition.
8. Yamato (大和) – Great Harmony; this is also the ancient, poetic name for Japan itself.
9. Asahi (朝陽) – Morning Sun; fresh start.
10. Riku (陸) – Land; solid and grounded.
11. Aoi (碧) – Blue/Green; deep color of the ocean.
12. Kaito (海斗) – Sea and Big Dipper; vast.
13. Hinata (陽向) – Facing the sun.
14. Arata (新) – Fresh, New; innovation.
15. Eito (瑛大) – Crystal, Big; shining bright.
16. Yuito (結翔) – Bind and Soar; connecting people.
17. Sora (空) – Sky; limitless.
18. Touma (冬真) – Winter Truth.
19. Dan (暖) – Warmth.
20. Saku (朔) – New moon.
21. Nagi (凪) – Calm; when the waves stop.
22. Kouki (光輝) – Light and Radiance.
23. Hayate (颯) – Sudden, fresh breeze.
24. Akito (昭人) – Bright person.
25. Haruki (春樹) – Spring tree.
26. Kenshin (謙信) – Humble Trust; sounds like a samurai warlord (because it is).
27. Ritsuki (律希) – Rhythm and Hope.
28. Sousuke (宗介) – Founder/Assistant; smart and helpful.
29. Taiga (大雅) – Big Elegance.
30. Reo (玲央) – Sound of jewels in the center.
31. Ryo (遼) – Distant; a broad view of the world.
32. Shin (真) – Truth. Simple and strong.
33. Takumi (匠) – Artisan; someone skilled with their hands.
34. Naoki (直樹) – Straight tree; honest.
35. Tatsuki (樹) – Another way to read “Tree.”
36. Gaku (岳) – Mountain peak.
37. Ibuki (伊吹) – Breath.
38. Jin (仁) – Benevolence; old school virtue.
39. Kaisei (快晴) – Clear weather.
40. Kei (慧) – Insightful; smart.
41. Kou (幸) – Happiness.
42. Mashiro (真白) – Pure white.
43. Ouga (煌牙) – Shining fang. (Sounds aggressive, but popular).
44. Rui (塁) – Base/Fort.
45. Sena (星那) – Star.
46. Taiyou (太陽) – The Sun.
47. Uta (詩) – Song/Poem.
48. Wataru (航) – To cross over/Navigate.
49. Zen (禅) – Yes, like Zen Buddhism.
50. Ayato (彩人) – A colorful person.

Looking for something strong? (The Samurai Vibe)

We all want our boys to be tough, right? Not necessarily “get in a fight” tough, but resilient. In the past, names like Takeshi (Warrior) were the standard.

Today, that definition of strength is shifting a bit. It’s less about swords and more about mental grit. But the classic “Warrior” names still carry a heavy, cool gravity that’s hard to beat.

Are Samurai names dead?

Not at all. Actually, names ending in -rou (which means “Son”) are coming back. It feels a bit retro, distinguished. Like naming your kid “Theodore” or “Walter” in the States. Names like Kotarou or Rintarou sound solid. They sound like main characters.

100 Names of Strength, Courage, and Power

• Takeshi (武) – Warrior. The classic.
• Kenji (健二) – Strong second son.
• Masaru (勝) – Victory.
• Isamu (勇) – Courage.
• Riki (力) – Power.
• Katsu (勝) – To win.
• Makoto (誠) – Sincerity. This is a quiet kind of strength.
• Takeru (尊) – Noble.
• Ryuu (龍) – Dragon. Can’t get stronger than a dragon.
• Tatsuya (竜也) – To become a dragon.
• Kenta (健太) – Healthy and Big.
• Tsuyoshi (剛) – Sturdy. Unyielding.
• Takeo (武雄) – Warrior Hero.
• Mamoru (守) – Protector.
• Gou (豪) – Overpowering; magnificent.
• Raiden (雷電) – Thunder and Lightning.
• Arashi (嵐) – Storm.
• Tetsuya (哲也) – Iron philosophy.
• Yuu (勇) – Brave.
• Yuuto (勇人) – Brave person.
• Kouhei (康平) – Peace and stability.
• Taiki (大輝) – Great radiance.
• Kinnosuke (金之助) – Golden assistant.
• Kintarou (金太郎) – Golden boy (famous folk hero).
• Musashi (武蔵) – Military storehouse (famous swordsman).
• Ryouma (龍馬) – Dragon horse.
• Souji (総司) – Leader.
• Toshizou (歳三) – Year three (Shinsengumi warrior).
• Nobunaga (信長) – Faith and long (The unifier).
• Hideyoshi (秀吉) – Excellent luck.
• Ieyasu (家康) – Peaceful house.
• Masamune (政宗) – Ruling essence.
• Yukimura (幸村) – Happy village (Samurai hero).
• Kenshin (謙信) – Humble trust.
• Shingen (信玄) – Truth and mystery.
• Benkei (弁慶) – Warrior monk.
• Yoshitsune (義経) – Righteous virtue.
• Atsushi (篤) – Sincere strength.
• Satoru (悟) – Enlightenment.
• Gouki (豪鬼) – Strong ogre (Careful, this is intense).
• Jou (丈) – Durable.
• Kaikyou (海峡) – Strait.
• Kanko (敢行) – Decisive action.
• Katsuro (勝郎) – Victorious son.
• Kazuya (和也) – Harmonious.
• Keisuke (慶介) – Celebrate.
• Ken (健) – Health.
• Kenichi (健一) – Strong first son.
• Kensuke (健介) – Healthy assistant.
• Kentaro (健太郎) – Healthy big boy.
• Kyou (強) – Strength.
• Masaki (昌樹) – Prosperous tree.
• Masato (正人) – Righteous man.
• Naoto (直人) – Straight person.
• Nobu (信) – Faith.
• Norio (法男) – Man of law.
• Osamu (修) – Discipline.
• Rai (雷) – Thunder.
• Rikuto (陸人) – Land person.
• Ryuusei (流星) – Meteor.
• Saburo (三郎) – Third son.
• Sadao (貞雄) – Righteous hero.
• Seiji (誠治) – Sincere rule.
• Shigeru (茂) – Flourish.
• Shinji (真司) – True ruler.
• Shou (翔) – Soar.
• Shuhei (修平) – Disciplined peace.
• Shun (駿) – Fast horse.
• Susumu (進) – Advance.
• Tadao (忠) – Loyal.
• Tadashi (正) – Correct.
• Takahiro (貴大) – Noble and Great.
• Takashi (隆) – Prosperous.
• Takehiko (武彦) – Warrior Prince.
• Tamotsu (保) – Keeper.
• Tarou (太郎) – Eldest son.
• Tatsu (竜) – Dragon.
• Teru (輝) – Shine.
• Toshi (敏) – Agile.
• Toshiro (敏郎) – Agile son.
• Yasushi (靖) – Quiet strength.
• Yoichi (陽一) – Sun first.
• Yoshi (義) – Righteousness.
• Yoshihiro (義弘) – Widespread righteousness.
• Yoshikazu (義和) – Righteous harmony.
• Yoshinori (義則) – Righteous rule.
• Yoshio (義男) – Righteous man.
• Yuichi (勇一) – Brave first son.
• Yuji (勇二) – Brave second son.
• Yukio (幸雄) – Happy hero.
• Yusuke (勇介) – Brave assistant.
• Yutaka (豊) – Abundant.
• Zenji (禅次) – Zen second son.
• Jinpei (甚平) – Great peace.
• Joutarou (丈太郎) – Robust eldest son.
• Kage (影) – Shadow.
• Ryuunosuke (龍之介) – Dragon’s assistant.

Nature names: Connecting to the elements

Japan is obsessed with the seasons. Like, obsessed. Naming your kid after the season they were born in is one of the oldest traditions in the book. It grounds them.

A boy born in August might be Natsuki (Summer Tree). A boy born in January might be Touya (Winter Night). These names have a temperature. They have a smell.

I have a buddy who named his son Kaito (Sea and Soar) just because he was born near the beach in Kamakura. Every time he introduces his kid, he gets to tell that story.

100 Nature-Inspired Japanese Boy Names

• Haru (春) – Spring.
• Natsu (夏) – Summer.
• Aki (秋) – Autumn.
• Fuyu (冬) – Winter.
• Kaede (楓) – Maple.
• Ren (蓮) – Lotus.
• Kiku (菊) – Chrysanthemum.
• Mori (森) – Forest.
• Hayashi (林) – Grove.
• Kai (海) – Sea.
• Nagisa (渚) – Beach.
• Minato (湊) – Harbor.
• Riku (陸) – Land.
• Gaku (岳) – Peak.
• Yama (山) – Mountain.
• Tani (谷) – Valley.
• Kawa (川) – River.
• Iwa (岩) – Rock.
• Ishi (石) – Stone.
• Sora (空) – Sky.
• Kumo (雲) – Cloud.
• Ame (雨) – Rain.
• Yuki (雪) – Snow.
• Kaze (風) – Wind.
• Taiyou (太陽) – Sun.
• Tsuki (月) – Moon.
• Hoshi (星) – Star.
• Hikari (光) – Light.
• Kage (影) – Shadow.
• Hi (火) – Fire.
• Mizu (水) – Water.
• Tsuchi (土) – Earth.
• Kin (金) – Gold.
• Gin (銀) – Silver.
• Dou (銅) – Copper.
• Tetsu (鉄) – Iron.
• Ko (木) – Tree.
• Hana (花) – Flower.
• Kusa (草) – Grass.
• Take (竹) – Bamboo.
• Matsu (松) – Pine.
• Ume (梅) – Plum.
• Sakura (桜) – Cherry blossom.
• Fuji (藤) – Wisteria.
• Yanagi (柳) – Willow.
• Kiri (桐) – Paulownia.
• Kashi (柏) – Oak.
• Sugi (杉) – Cedar.
• Hinoki (檜) – Cypress.
• Tsubaki (椿) – Camellia.
• Ran (蘭) – Orchid.
• Yuri (百合) – Lily.
• Bara (薔薇) – Rose.
• Sumire (菫) – Violet.
• Momo (桃) – Peach.
• Nashi (梨) – Pear.
• Ringo (林檎) – Apple.
• Mikan (蜜柑) – Mandarin orange.
• Yuzu (柚) – Citron.
• Kaki (柿) – Persimmon.
• Kuri (栗) – Chestnut.
• Ichigo (苺) – Strawberry (usually girls, but works for boys with right Kanji).
• Suzume (雀) – Sparrow.
• Taka (鷹) – Hawk.
• Washi (鷲) – Eagle.
• Tobi (鳶) – Kite (bird).
• Karasu (烏) – Crow.
• Tsuru (鶴) – Crane.
• Kame (亀) – Turtle.
• Koi (鯉) – Carp.
• Uma (馬) – Horse.
• Shika (鹿) – Deer.
• Inoshishi (猪) – Boar.
• Kuma (熊) – Bear.
• Ookami (狼) – Wolf.
• Kitsune (狐) – Fox.
• Tanuki (狸) – Raccoon dog.
• Nezumi (鼠) – Mouse.
• Ushi (牛) – Ox.
• Tora (虎) – Tiger.
• Usagi (兎) – Rabbit.
• Hebi (蛇) – Snake.
• Saru (猿) – Monkey.
• Niwatori (鶏) – Rooster.
• Inu (犬) – Dog.
• Raion (雷音) – Lion.
• Hyou (豹) – Leopard.
• Zou (象) – Elephant.
• Kujira (鯨) – Whale.
• Same (鮫) – Shark.
• Iruka (海豚) – Dolphin.
• Hotaru (蛍) – Firefly.
• Tonbo (蜻蛉) – Dragonfly.
• Semi (蝉) – Cicada.
• Chou (蝶) – Butterfly.
• Hachi (蜂) – Bee.
• Kumo (蜘蛛) – Spider.
• Asahi (朝日) – Morning sun.
• Yuuhi (夕日) – Setting sun.
• Akatsuki (暁) – Dawn.

Personal Story: That time I almost named my son ‘Trash’

I have to tell you this story, because it shows just how dangerous this whole process can be if you don’t speak fluent Japanese.

When we found out we were having a boy, I was dead set on the name “Taiga.”

In my head, it was perfect. In English, it sounds like “Tiger.” Strong, fierce, classic. In Japanese, Taiga (大雅) means “Big Elegance” or “Large River.” I was strutting around telling everyone, “Yeah, my boy is gonna be named Taiga.”

Then, I was talking to my father-in-law, and I mentioned a backup name I liked. I thought “Gomi” sounded punchy. Short. Cool.

The blood drained from his face. He looked at me like I had just insulted his ancestors.

“Gomi” (ゴミ) means trash. Literal garbage. I was about to name my son “Rubbish.”

We laughed about it later (much later), but then he warned me about “Taiga,” too. Not the meaning, but the Kanji. He told me that if we chose the wrong combination, it wouldn’t look “cool”—it would look like a cheap gangster name from a bad movie.

We eventually settled on a different name, but the lesson stuck: Check the dictionary. Then check with a native speaker. Then check again.

How to find a name that works in English AND Japanese?

This is the holy grail for international families. You want a name that Grandma in Ohio can pronounce without butchering it, but one that also sounds respectable in a Tokyo boardroom.

The trick? Avoid the “R” sounds (because the Japanese “R” is a weird mix of L, D, and R). Avoid “Th” or “V” or “J” sounds that are hard to swap. Stick to pure vowels.

50 Best Bilingual Japanese/English Names

These are the survivors. The ones that work everywhere.

1. Ken (Health / Handsome) – Easy. Works as Kenneth.
2. Joe (Enduring) – Works as Joseph.
3. Kai (Ocean) – This is everywhere right now.
4. Ray / Rei (Bell / Spirit) – Classic.
5. Leo / Reo (Lion / Wise) – Leo is a global top 10 name.
6. Dan (Steps) – Works as Daniel.
7. George / Jouji (Accept) – A bit old school, but it works.
8. Ben (Effort) – Works as Benjamin.
9. Riki (Strength) – Sounds like Ricky.
10. Toma (Iron / Truth) – Works as Thomas.
11. Rui (Base) – Sounds like Louis.
12. Gene / Jin (Benevolence) – Works as Gene.
13. Sho (Soar) – Sounds like “Show” or “Shawn” if you squint.
14. Noa (Hope) – Works as Noah.
15. Alan / Aran (Orchid) – Works as Alan.
16. Ian / Ion (Sound) – Works as Ian.
17. Luke / Ruka (Bright) – Works as Luke or Luca.
18. Niko (Benevolence) – Works as Nico.
19. Sen (Hermit) – Sounds like Zen/Ben.
20. Maron (Chestnut) – Works as Marlon (stretch).
21. Rio (Village Center) – Rio de Janeiro vibes.
22. Kei (Blessing) – Sounds like Kay.
23. Rin (Cold / Dignified) – Sounds like Lynn.
24. Zen (Meditation) – Recognizable everywhere.
25. Hugo / Hyuugo (Protect) – Works as Hugo.
26. Simon / Shimon (Gate) – Works as Simon.
27. Arthur / Asa (Morning) – Asa is biblical, too.
28. Sascha / Sacha (Help) – Works as Sasha.
29. Miki (Tree) – Sounds like Mickey.
30. Ron (Discussion) – Works as Ron.
31. Roy (Reason) – Works as Roy.
32. Mon (Gate) – Sounds like “Mon.”
33. Gou (Australia) – Sounds like “Go”.
34. Jun (Obedient) – Sounds like June.
35. An (Hermitage) – Sounds like Ann.
36. Eiji (Prosperity) – Sounds like “AG”.
37. Hiro (Broad) – Like the character from Heroes.
38. Koji (Cultivate) – Sounds like “Cody” (stretch).
39. Sami (Sand) – Works as Sammy.
40. Tomi (Rich) – Works as Tommy.
41. Yuri (Lily) – Russian name as well.
42. Eren (Love/Lotus) – Like Attack on Titan, works as Aaron.
43. Riku (Land) – Sounds like Rick.
44. Ten (Heaven) – English word.
45. Ban (Companion) – English word.
46. Gaku (Learn) – Sounds like “Gack” (maybe avoid).
47. Dai (Big) – Sounds like “Die” (Avoid in English!).
48. You (Sun) – Sounds like “You”.
49. Key (Key) – English word.
50. Omi (Ocean) – Sounds like Omy.

Wisdom and Intellect: For the smart kids

If you value brains over brawn, Japanese has a ton of names for that. Look for Kanji like Chi (知) (Wisdom), Sato (聡) (Clever), or Mei (明) (Bright/Clear).

List of 50 Wisdom and Intellect Names

1. Akira (明) – Bright/Clear.
2. Satoshi (聡) – Wise. (Yes, like the Bitcoin guy).
3. Kenji (賢) – Wise second son.
4. Kei (慧) – Insightful.
5. Tomohiro (智広) – Widespread wisdom.
6. Michio (道夫) – Man on a path.
7. Manabu (学) – To learn.
8. Fumio (文雄) – Scholarly hero.
9. Hideki (秀樹) – Excellent timber (high quality).
10. Kazuo (一雄) – Peaceful man.
11. Kiyoshi (清) – Pure mind.
12. Masahiro (正広) – Justice flows wide.
13. Nobu (信) – Trust.
14. Satoru (悟) – To understand.
15. Seiji (精治) – Refined governance.
16. Shin (真) – Truth.
17. Toshio (敏夫) – Clever man.
18. Yasushi (安) – Calm mind.
19. Yoshinori (吉則) – Good law.
20. Yukio (行夫) – Decisive man.
21. Akihiko (明彦) – Bright prince.
22. Akihiro (明大) – Great brightness.
23. Chikao (智雄) – Wise hero.
24. Daichi (大智) – Great wisdom.
25. Eiji (英治) – Excellent rule.
26. Fumiya (文也) – To be literary.
27. Haruaki (春明) – Spring brightness.
28. Hideaki (秀明) – Excellent brightness.
29. Hiroki (博樹) – Wisdom/Abundant wood.
30. Hiroshi (博) – Broad knowledge.
31. Katsumi (克己) – Self-control.
32. Kazuhiko (和彦) – Harmonious prince.
33. Keigo (圭悟) – Realization.
34. Ken (賢) – Intelligence.
35. Kenichi (賢一) – Wise first son.
36. Kenshin (賢信) – Wise trust.
37. Masaki (真咲) – True talent blooming.
38. Masayuki (正幸) – Correct happiness.
39. Michihiro (道弘) – Broad path.
40. Motohiro (元博) – Foundation of wisdom.
41. Naohiro (直博) – Honest wisdom.
42. Nobuhiro (信博) – Trust and wisdom.
43. Noritaka (法貴) – Precious law.
44. Reiji (怜治) – Wise rule.
45. Ryoji (良治) – Good rule.
46. Shigeki (茂樹) – Luxuriant growth.
47. Shougo (省吾) – Reflect on oneself.
48. Takahiro (孝宏) – Filial and broad.
49. Tomoya (智也) – To be wise.
50. Yoshihiro (良博) – Good wisdom.

Wait, what are ‘Kirakira’ names?

You might hear this term thrown around. Kirakira means “glittery.”

These are names where parents go a little nuts. They pick Kanji for the meaning but force a weird pronunciation on it. Like naming a kid “Pikachu” or using the Kanji for “Yellow Bear” and pronouncing it “Pooh.”

It’s creative, sure. But in Japan, it’s controversial. A lot of people think it makes job hunting harder later in life. My advice? Stick to the classics unless you really know what you’re doing. You don’t want your kid having to explain his name every single time he meets someone.

The Massive A-Z Collection (The rest of the 500+)

We’ve covered the hits, but maybe you want something specific. Here is the rest of the list, broken down by sound.

A-Line (Bright)

• Aguri – Agricultural.
• Ai – Indigo/Love.
• Aiji – Affectionate second son.
• Aiki – Love and spirit.
• Akane – Deep red.
• Akifumi – Bright writings.
• Akimitsu – Bright light.
• Akinori – Bright rule.
• Akio – Bright man.
• Akisada – Bright determination.
• Akiyoshi – Bright justice.
• Amato – Sweet person.
• Anji – Peaceful second son.
• Aoto – Blue constellation.
• Arao – Rough man.
• Arinori – Existing rule.
• Aritomo – Possessing wisdom.
• Asa – Morning.
• Asao – Morning man.
• Asato – Morning person.
• Atsuhiko – Kind prince.
• Atsushi – Industrious.
• Atsuto – Kind person.
• Ayumu – Walk/Dream.
• Azuma – East.

B-Line (Bold)

• Banri – Thousands of miles.
• Bunji – Literary second son.
• Bunta – Literary big boy.
• Bunzō – Literary storehouse.

C-Line (Clever)

• Chikara – Strength.
• Chikashi – Nearby.
• Chikayoshi – Good wisdom.
• Chouji – Butterfly second son.
• Chuuichi – Middle first son.
• Chuya – Middle of the night.

D-Line (Grand)

• Dai – Big.
• Daigo – Great enlightenment.
• Daiji – Great second son.
• Daiju – Great tree.
• Daikichi – Great luck.
• Daisuke – Great help.
• Daizen – Great good.
• Dan – Steps.
• Doi – Earth well.

E-Line (Regal)

• Eiichi – Prosperous first son.
• Eiichiro – Prosperous first son.
• Eiji – Prosperous second son.
• Eisuke – Prosperous help.
• Eita – Prosperous big boy.
• Emon – Guard.
• En – Circle.
• Etsuo – Joyful man.

F-Line (Soft)

• Fujio – Wisteria man.
• Fukashi – Deep.
• Fumihiro – Wide writings.
• Fumito – Literary person.
• Fumiya – To be literary.
• Fuu – Wind.
• Fuuta – Big wind.
• Fuyuki – Winter tree.

G-Line (Resilient)

• Gaku – Peak.
• Gen – Source.
• Genji – Two beginnings.
• Genki – Energy.
• Genta – Thick source.
• Giichi – Righteous first son.
• Ginji – Silver second son.
• Ginou – Skill.
• Goichi – Five/Enlightened.
• Goro – Fifth son.

H-Line (Breath)

• Hachiro – Eighth son.
• Hajime – Beginning.
• Hakaru – To measure.
• Hansuke – Helpful friend.
• Haru – Spring.
• Haruhiko – Spring prince.
• Haruhiro – Spring abundance.
• Haruichi – Spring first son.
• Harumichi – Spring path.
• Harunobu – Spring trust.
• Haruomi – Spring minister.
• Hayato – Falcon person.
• Heihachi – Peaceful eight.
• Heisuke – Peaceful assistant.
• Hibiki – Echo.
• Hide – Excellent.
• Hideo – Excellent man.
• Hidetaka – Excellent noble.
• Hideto – Excellent person.
• Hidetoshi – Excellent genius.
• Hiro – Broad.
• Hirofumi – Broad writings.
• Hiromasa – Broad justice.
• Hiromi – Broad beauty.
• Hiromu – To dream big.
• Hironori – Broad rule.
• Hiroyuki – Broad happiness.
• Hisao – Long-lived man.
• Hisashi – Long time.
• Hisato – Long-lived person.
• Hitoshi – Equal.
• Hozumi – Gathered grain.
• Hyousuke – Soldier assistant.

I-Line (Will)

• Ichiro – First son.
• Ikkou – First light.
• Ikuo – Conquest man.
• Ikuto – Conquest person.
• Isao – Merit.
• Isas – Merit.
• Issei – One life.
• Itaru – To arrive.
• Ittetsu – Stubborn.
• Iwao – Rock man.
• Izumi – Fountain.

J-Line (Pure)

• Jiro – Second son.
• Joben – Enjoying loveliness.
• Jomei – Spreading light.
• Jou – Castle.
• Jun – Pure.
• Junichi – Pure first son.
• Junji – Pure second son.
• Junpei – Pure peace.
• Junta – Pure thick.
• Junya – To be pure.
• Juuro – Tenth son.

K-Line (Structure)

• Kagehisa – Long shadow.
• Kagetora – Shadow tiger.
• Kaiji – Sea second son.
• Kakeru – To run.
• Kakou – Fragrance.
• Kan – Feeling.
• Kaname – Pivot point.
• Kanji – Generous second son.
• Kankuro – Barrier ninth son.
• Kanta – Generous big boy.
• Kaoru – Fragrance.
• Katashi – Firm.
• Katsuhiro – Victorious broad.
• Katsuhisa – Victorious forever.
• Katsumi – Victorious beauty.
• Katsunori – Victorious rule.
• Katsuyuki – Victorious happiness.
• Kazugu – Harmony.
• Kazuhiro – Harmonious broad.
• Kazuki – Harmonious hope.
• Kazumasa – Harmonious justice.
• Kazunori – Harmonious rule.
• Kazuto – Harmonious person.
• Kazuyoshi – Harmonious good.
• Keiichi – Blessed first son.
• Keiji – Respectful second son.
• Keita – Blessed big boy.
• Keitaro – Blessed big son.
• Kenjiro – Healthy second son.
• Kenshi – Swordsman.
• Kent – Healthy.
• Kichirou – Lucky son.
• Kiichi – Joyful first.
• Kimiya – Noble house.
• Kinji – Gold second.
• Kinjirou – Gold second son.
• Kiyohiro – Pure broad.
• Kiyomasa – Pure justice.
• Kiyoshi – Pure.
• Kiyoto – Pure person.
• Kohaku – Amber.
• Koichi – Light one.
• Koji – Light second.
• Kojiro – Small second son.
• Koki – Light hope.
• Kosuke – Rising sun.
• Kotaro – Small big son.
• Kou – Light.
• Kouichi – Happiness one.
• Kouji – Happiness two.
• Kousei – Light star.
• Kouta – Peace thick.
• Kozue – Tree branches.
• Kunio – Country man.
• Kurama – Nine lamas.
• Kuro – Black.
• Kyouhei – Respectful peace.
• Kyousuke – Respectful help.

M-Line (True)

• Machi – Town.
• Mahiro – True broad.
• Makio – Shepherd man.
• Mamoru – Protect.
• Manato – Loved person.
• Mareo – Rare man.
• Masa – Correct.
• Masaaki – Correct brightness.
• Masachika – Correct near.
• Masafumi – Correct writings.
• Masaharu – Correct spring.
• Masahiko – Correct prince.
• Masahiro – Correct broad.
• Masakazu – Correct harmony.
• Masaki – Correct tree.
• Masami – Correct beauty.
• Masamichi – Correct path.
• Masanori – Correct rule.
• Masao – Correct man.
• Masashi – Ambition.
• Masatake – Correct warrior.
• Masayoshi – Correct justice.
• Masayuki – Correct happiness.
• Masumi – True clarity.
• Michi – Path.
• Michio – Man on a path.
• Mikio – Tree trunk man.
• Minoru – Truth.
• Mitsuo – Shining man.
• Mitsuru – Satisfy.
• Mochizuki – Full moon.
• Moto – Origin.
• Motoki – Foundation tree.
• Motomu – Seek.
• Mune – Chest.
• Muneo – Core man.
• Mutsuo – Six man.

N-Line (Gentle)

• Nagato – Long gate.
• Nao – Honest.
• Naofumi – Honest writings.
• Naohisa – Honest forever.
• Naoki – Honest tree.
• Naomichi – Honest path.
• Naosuke – Honest help.
• Naoya – To be honest.
• Naoyuki – Honest happiness.
• Naru – Become.
• Naruhito – Becoming a person.
• Noboru – Ascend.
• Nobuaki – Trust bright.
• Nobuhiko – Trust prince.
• Nobukazu – Trust harmony.
• Nobuo – Trust man.
• Nobuyuki – Trust happiness.
• Nori – Rule.
• Noriaki – Rule bright.
• Norihisa – Rule forever.
• Norio – Rule man.
• Noriyuki – Rule happiness.

O-Line (Royal)

• Ogai – Big outside.
• Okakura – Hill storehouse.
• Oki – Ocean breath.
• Osamu – Discipline.
• Ousuke – Cherry blossom help.

R-Line (Reason)

• Rai – Trust.
• Raidon – Thunder god.
• Rei – Beautiful.
• Reiji – Courteous rule.
• Renji – Lotus second son.
• Rensuke – Lotus help.
• Riichi – Benefit one.
• Rikiya – Strength and arrows.
• Rinji – Forest two.
• Rintaro – Dignified big son.
• Rokuro – Sixth son.
• Ryo – Refreshing.
• Ryohei – Refreshing peace.
• Ryoichi – Good one.
• Ryota – Good thick.
• Ryu – Dragon.
• Ryuji – Dragon second son.
• Ryunosuke – Dragon assistant.
• Ryusuke – Dragon help.

S-Line (Clear)

• Saburo – Third son.
• Sachio – Happy man.
• Sadao – Decisive man.
• Sadaharu – Decisive spring.
• Sai – Talent.
• Sakae – Prosperity.
• Sakutaro – Making big son.
• Sanji – Third son.
• Sasuke – Help.
• Satoshi – Wise.
• Sei – Spirit.
• Seiichi – Sincere one.
• Seiji – Sincere rule.
• Seiya – Holy night.
• Setsuo – Moral man.
• Shichirou – Seventh son.
• Shigeo – Luxuriant man.
• Shigeru – Flourish.
• Shin – New.
• Shinichi – True one.
• Shinji – True two.
• Shinnosuke – True assistant.
• Shinobu – Endure.
• Shintaro – True big son.
• Shinya – True night.
• Shirou – Fourth son.
• Sho – Soar.
• Shoji – Soaring second son.
• Shouhei – Soaring peace.
• Shouta – Soaring big boy.
• Shu – Discipline.
• Shuichi – Disciplined one.
• Shuji – Disciplined two.
• Shun – Speed.
• Shunsuke – Fast help.
• Shunta – Fast big boy.
• Shuya – To be fast.
• So – Creation.
• Soichi – Creative one.
• Sojiro – Creative second son.
• Sorato – Sky person.
• Sosuke – Clever help.
• Sotaro – Big smooth son.
• Subaru – Pleiades.
• Suguru – Excellent.
• Sumio – Pure man.
• Susumu – Advance.
• Suzu – Bell.

T-Line (Valuable)

• Tachi – Sword.
• Tadaaki – Loyal brightness.
• Tadahiro – Loyal broad.
• Tadashi – Correct.
• Taichi – Large first son.
• Taiga – Large river.
• Taiki – Large radiance.
• Taishi – Ambition.
• Taji – Silver and yellow color.
• Taka – Tall.
• Takaaki – Noble brightness.
• Takafumi – Noble writings.
• Takahiro – Noble broad.
• Takao – Noble man.
• Takashi – Prosperous.
• Takayuki – Noble happiness.
• Take – Bamboo.
• Takehiro – Warrior broad.
• Takeo – Warrior man.
• Takeru – Warrior.
• Takeshi – Warrior.
• Takumi – Artisan.
• Takuya – Cultivate.
• Tamots – Defender.
• Taro – Big son.
• Tasuku – Help.
• Tatsu – Dragon.
• Tatsuo – Dragon man.
• Tatsuya – To be a dragon.
• Tei – Righteous.
• Teijo – Righteous.
• Tepei – Iron peace.
• Teru – Shine.
• Teruo – Shining man.
• Teruyuki – Shining happiness.
• Tetsu – Iron.
• Tetsuo – Iron man.
• Tetsuya – Iron arrow.
• Tokio – Time man.
• Tomio – Wealthy man.
• Tomo – Friend.
• Tomoaki – Wise brightness.
• Tomohiro – Wise broad.
• Tomokazu – Wise harmony.
• Tomonori – Wise rule.
• Tomoya – To be wise.
• Tomoyuki – Wise happiness.
• Toraru – Tiger.
• Toru – Penetrate.
• Toshi – Alert.
• Toshiaki – Alert brightness.
• Toshihiro – Alert broad.
• Toshio – Alert man.
• Toshiyuki – Alert happiness.
• Touji – Winter solstice.
• Toya – Door.
• Tsubasa – Wing.
• Tsukasa – Director.
• Tsutomu – Worker.
• Tsuyoshi – Strong.

U-Z Line (Final)

• Ukyo – Right city.
• Uta – Song.
• Waku – Spring forth.
• Wataru – Cross over.
• Ya – Arrow.
• Yamato – Japan.
• Yasuhiko – Peaceful prince.
• Yasuhiro – Peaceful broad.
• Yasuo – Peaceful man.
• Yasushi – Peaceful.
• Yasuyuki – Peaceful happiness.
• Yo – Positive.
• Yoichi – Positive one.
• Yoji – Positive two.
• Yoshi – Good.
• Yoshiaki – Good brightness.
• Yoshihiko – Good prince.
• Yoshihiro – Good broad.
• Yoshikazu – Good harmony.
• Yoshinori – Good rule.
• Yoshio – Good man.
• Yoshiro – Good son.
• Yoshito – Good person.
• Yoshiyuki – Good happiness.
• Yosuke – Good help.
• Youichi – Sun one.
• Yousei – Fairy.
• Yousuke – Sun help.
• Yu – Superior.
• Yudai – Big hero.
• Yuichi – Superior one.
• Yuji – Superior two.
• Yukio – Snow man.
• Yutaka – Abundant.
• Yuudai – Grand hero.
• Yuuki – Courage.
• Yuuma – Gentle truth.
• Yuuta – Gentle big.
• Yuuto – Gentle person.
• Yuzuru – Humble.
• Zen – Good.
• Zensuke – Zen help.
• Zentarou – Zen big son.

When you’re ready to make it official (or just want to double-check that you aren’t naming your kid “Onion”), you should definitely look at the official rules. Japan Guide’s article on Japanese Names is a lifesaver for the legal stuff.

Naming a kid is an art form. In Japan, it’s a painting where every single stroke counts. Whether you go with the powerful Takeshi, the gentle Ren, or the international Kai, just remember: you’re giving your son a story he’s going to tell for the rest of his life. Make it a good one.

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