70 beautiful Japanese girl names

Japanese names are a beautiful option for so many reasons. They're thoughtful and intentional, often inspired by nature, emotion or strong values, and sound just as lovely as they are meaningful.

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One of the things that makes Japanese names unique is how they’re written. Using kanji characters (Japanese characters), the same name can hold multiple meanings depending on which characters are chosen.

So a name might mean “light” and “love”, or “beautiful flower” and “wisdom”, all at once. It gives parents a chance to choose not just a name, but a deeper message they want to carry into their child’s life.

We’ve rounded up 70 Japanese girl names we love, with meanings and context to help you find the right one.

Popular Japanese girl names

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Some names stand the test of time—and with good reason. These Japanese girl names are well-loved across generations and continue to top baby name lists year after year. They’re elegant, sweet, and full of gentle strength.

1. Sakura (桜)

• Meaning: Cherry blossom
• Why it’s perfect: Probably one of the most iconic Japanese names out there, Sakura captures the fleeting beauty of cherry blossom season. A poetic and gentle name that carries the essence of spring.

2. Aiko (愛子)

• Meaning: Child of love
• Why it’s perfect: A name that radiates warmth and tenderness. Aiko is timeless and filled with loving energy – perfect for a baby girl who’s already captured your whole heart.

3. Hina (陽菜 / 日奈)

• Meaning: Sun and greens or light and vegetables (yes, seriously)
• Why it’s perfect: Hina is a sweet, sunny name often associated with happiness and freshness. It’s bright, cheerful, and beautifully short.

4. Yui (結衣)

• Meaning: Tie; bind together
• Why it’s perfect: Short and melodic, Yui represents unity, harmony and connection. It’s a soft-sounding name with powerful undertones.

5. Miyu (美優)

• Meaning: Beautiful gentleness
• Why it’s perfect: A gorgeous blend of beauty and kindness, Miyu has a gentle grace that feels delicate and strong at the same time.

6. Riko (莉子)

• Meaning: Child of jasmine
• Why it’s perfect: Floral and feminine, Riko is popular for its fresh, fragrant vibe. A subtle nod to nature lovers out there.

7. Emi (恵美)

• Meaning: Blessed beauty
• Why it’s perfect: Emi sounds modern, but has deep traditional roots. It’s a name that combines gratitude and grace into one sweet little package.

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Rare Japanese girl names

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Love the idea of your little girl standing out from the crowd (in the best way possible)? These unique Japanese girl names are rare finds – gorgeous, unexpected, and packed with personality.

8. Tsukiko (月子)

• Meaning: Child of the moon
• Why it’s perfect: Dreamy, mysterious, and a little magical. Tsukiko feels straight out of a fairytale.

9. Koharu (小春)

• Meaning: Little spring
• Why it’s perfect: This one has a beautiful floral energy It’s light, breezy, and quietly joyful.

10. Suzu (鈴)

• Meaning: Bell
• Why it’s perfect: Simple and elegant, Suzu gives off a soft and charming ring – pun totally intended.

11. Rumi (瑠美)

• Meaning: Lapis lazuli beauty
• Why it’s perfect: Rumi feels poetic and wise. With roots in both Japanese culture and the famous Sufi poet, it’s got depth and style.

Fuyuko (冬子)

• Meaning: Winter child
• Why we love it: Fuyuko feels calm, pure and strong – like a quiet winter morning. It’s a beautiful choice for a baby born in the colder months or for parents who love the serenity of winter.

13. Nozomi (望)

• Meaning: Hope; wish
• Why it’s perfect: Nozomi is a beautifully rare name with a strong, uplifting feel. It’s perfect for a child who represents new beginnings.

14. Kohana (小花)

• Meaning: Little flower
• Why it’s perfect: Sweet and dainty, Kohana is as lovely as it sounds. It feels gentle, nurturing, and quietly graceful.

15. Amane (天音)

• Meaning: Heavenly sound
• Why it’s perfect: If you’re after a name that feels like music, Amane ticks all the boxes. Ethereal, rare, and full of poetic charm.

16. Misora (美空)

• Meaning: Beautiful sky
• Why it’s perfect: For parents who want a name that’s both grounded and free, Misora has a modern sound with nature-based roots.

17. Renka (蓮花)

• Meaning: Lotus flower
• Why it’s perfect: The lotus symbolises purity, rebirth, and beauty rising through adversity. Renka is a strong yet graceful name.

18. Tsubaki (椿)

• Meaning: Camellia flower
• Why it’s perfect: A less common flower name that’s perfect for someone who wants something floral, but not overdone.

19. Kiria (希里愛)

• Meaning: Hope, village, love
• Why it’s perfect: With layered meanings and soft phonetics, Kiria is modern, romantic, and full of intentionality.

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Cute and pretty Japanese girl names

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You know the kind of names that make you go “aww” immediately? These names are pretty, soft, and have a lovely ring to them. Perfect for a sweet baby girl with a kind soul (and a killer smile).

20. Aya (彩 / 綾)

• Meaning: Colour or design
• Why it’s perfect: Simple, bright, and easy to say – Aya feels like a breath of fresh air.

21. Himari (陽葵)

• Meaning: Sunflower
• Why it’s perfect: Bright, cheerful, and symbolic of positivity, Himari is a seriously adorable pick with lots of sunny energy.

22. Nanami (七海)

• Meaning: Seven seas
• Why it’s perfect: Ocean lovers, this one’s for you. Nanami is cute, adventurous and totally charming.

23. Kanna (栞奈)

• Meaning: Guiding tree
• Why it’s perfect: Kanna has a soft sound and grounding feel, ideal for a baby girl who brings calm and clarity wherever she goes.

24. Momo (桃)

• Meaning: Peach
• Why it’s perfect: Sweet and short, Momo is as cute as they come. It’s fruity, fun, and easy to love.

25. Ichika (一花)

• Meaning: One flower
• Why it’s perfect: Delicate and unique, Ichika is full of understated beauty. A perfect mix of minimalism and elegance.

26. Maika (舞花)

• Meaning: Dancing flower
• Why it’s perfect: Light, lyrical and full of life. Maika is like a breeze on a spring morning. Perfect for baby girl with a big personality and joyful energy.

27. Sayaka (沙耶香)

• Meaning: Clear fragrance
• Why it’s perfect: Feminine and elegant, Sayaka is refined without being fussy. It’s soft but strong—a beautiful balance.

28. Yumiko (由美子)

• Meaning: Child of beauty and reason
• Why it’s perfect: Classic and sweet, Yumiko feels both traditional and heartfelt. It’s a lovely name for a thoughtful, curious baby girl.

29. Hinata (陽向)

• Meaning: Sunny place
• Why it’s perfect: Hinata has become more popular in recent years, thanks to anime culture, but still feels delightfully fresh and sunny. It radiates optimism.

30. Minami (南)

• Meaning: South
• Why it’s perfect: For those who love directional or travel-inspired names, Minami is a gentle nod to the idea of always moving forward (and toward the warmth!).

Cool Japanese girl names

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31. Rei (玲 / 礼)

• Meaning: Spirit; gratitude; lovely sound
• Why it’s perfect: Rei is chic, gender-neutral, and effortlessly cool. Plus, it’s easy to pronounce in almost any language.

32. Mio (美桜 / 美緒)

• Meaning: Beautiful cherry blossom or beautiful thread
• Why we love it: Mio is short, sweet and full of quiet beauty. It feels fresh but timeless, with a soft, elegant sound that’s easy to love.

33. Akira (明 / 亮)

• Meaning: Bright; clear
• Why it’s perfect: While traditionally a male name, Akira has become a gender-neutral favourite. It’s sharp, futuristic, and full of clarity.

34. Akari (明莉 / 明里)

• Meaning: Bright child
• Why we love it: Light, fresh and full of positivity, Akari has a soft brightness to it that feels both strong and hopeful.
• 35. Ami (亜美)
• Meaning: Second beauty
• Why it’s perfect: Stylish and short, Ami has a soft sophistication that feels cool and classic.

36. Nao (尚 / 直)

• Meaning: Esteem; honesty
• Why it’s perfect: Simple, sleek, and gender-neutral. Nao is the kind of name that will age gracefully, from baby to boss.

37. Ren (蓮)

• Meaning: Lotus
• Why it’s perfect: Short and snappy, Ren feels strong, peaceful and effortlessly cool. A great option if you love minimalist names.

38. Juna (樹奈)

• Meaning: Tree; harmony
• Why it’s perfect: Earthy and artistic, Juna brings nature and elegance together in a name that’s soft yet modern.

39. Mika (美香)

• Meaning: Beautiful fragrance
• Why it’s perfect: It’s no surprise the name Mika is gaining global attention – it’s stylish, feminine, and easy to say in almost any language.

40. Tomi (富美)

• Meaning: Wealth and beauty
• Why it’s perfect: For parents who want a little good fortune baked into the name. Tomi is charming, stylish, and totally underrated.

Japanese girl names connected to nature

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Japanese culture has a deep reverence for nature, and that’s beautifully reflected in baby names. These names draw inspiration from the seasons, landscapes, and celestial elements.

41. Natsuki (夏希)

• Meaning: Summer hope
• Why it’s perfect: Natsuki is a warm, vibrant name that feels like beach days and sunshine.

42. Yuki (雪)

• Meaning: Snow
• Why it’s perfect: A name that feels fresh, calm, and pure. Yuki is a wintery dream come true.

43. Hoshiko (星子)

• Meaning: Child of the stars
• Why it’s perfect: Ethereal and twinkly, Hoshiko is perfect for a celestial-loving family.

44. Aki (秋)

• Meaning: Autumn
• Why it’s perfect: Rich, warm, and grounded. Aki is just like the season it’s named after.

45. Umi (海)

• Meaning: Ocean
• Why it’s perfect: Umi is peaceful and powerful all at once. A short and strong name for a baby born near the sea, or simply destined to explore it.

46. Seina (星那)

• Meaning: Star field
• Why it’s perfect: This celestial name captures the vastness of the universe and the wonder of new life. It’s dreamy and bright.

47. Haru (春)

• Meaning: Spring
• Why it’s perfect: Light, breezy, and hopeful. Haru is a soft name that feels like a fresh start and new beginnings.

48. Hinoki (檜)

• Meaning: Cypress tree
• Why it’s perfect: Grounded and graceful, Hinoki is strong without being harsh. A beautiful name inspired by Japanese forests.

49. Kisara (妃更)

• Meaning: Royal harmony
• Why it’s perfect: With a name like this, your little one is sure to feel like a queen in the making. Kisara feels elegant and balanced – perfect for a grounded dreamer.

50. Amaya (雨夜)

• Meaning: Night rain
• Why it’s perfect: Poetic and moody (in the best way), Amaya is a name that feels peaceful and introspective. Ideal for a soulful little girl.

Japanese girl names with strong meanings

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Want a name that embodies strength, resilience or power? These ones aren’t just pretty. They’re powerful.

51. Kiko (希子)

• Meaning: Hopeful child
• Why it’s perfect: Kiko radiates optimism and strength. It’s quietly confident and full of purpose.

52. Tomoe (巴)

• Meaning: Wisdom and strength
• Why it’s perfect: A historic name tied to female samurai legend, Tomoe is for the fierce-hearted.

53. Misaki (美咲)

• Meaning: Beautiful blossom
• Why it’s perfect: Beauty and strength in one. The name Misaki suggests blooming even in tough conditions.

54. Ayaka (彩香)

• Meaning: Coloured fragrance
• Why it’s perfect: Ayaka is artistic, fragrant and bold. It stands out with its poeticism.

55. Chiyo (千代)

• Meaning: A thousand generations
• Why it’s perfect: It symbolises longevity, legacy and deep-rooted strength.

56. Megumi (恵)

• Meaning: Blessing or grace
• Why it’s perfect: Megumi is a lovely reminder that your child is a blessing. Plus, it has a gentle and flowing sound.

57. Chihiro (千尋)

• Meaning: Thousand questions or deep knowledge
• Why it’s perfect: For the inquisitive, curious soul who always wants to know more. Chihiro is for the lifelong learner.

58. Takako (貴子)

• Meaning: Noble child
• Why it’s perfect: Classic and full of quiet strength. Takako feels noble in every sense of the word.

59. Ayano (彩乃)

• Meaning: Colourful world
• Why it’s perfect: Ayano is a beautifully hopeful name, perfect for a little girl who brings light and creativity into every space.

60. Kanae (叶)

• Meaning: To fulfil a dream
• Why it’s perfect: What more could you want for your child? Kanae is soft, inspiring, and full of potential.

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Other Japanese girl names we love

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Still looking? Here’s a bonus list of other beautiful Japanese girl names that are full of meaning and charm. Short and sweet, they might just be your perfect match.

61. Haruka (遥)

• Meaning: Distant, far-reaching
• Why it’s perfect: A serene name that symbolises a far-reaching spirit. Haruka is ideal for a child with big dreams.

62. Mei (芽依)

• Meaning: Sprout; reliant
• Why it’s perfect: Mei is gentle, feminine and symbolises new beginnings and growth. It’s simple, sweet and full of hope.

63. Sayuri (小百合)

• Meaning: Little lily
• Why it’s perfect: Floral and delicate, Sayuri is perfect for a soft, graceful soul with an old-soul charm.

64. Kaede (楓)

• Meaning: Maple
• Why it’s perfect: Kaede is an autumn-inspired name that is earthy and warm. We love it for a little girl who feels grounded and wise beyond her years.

65. Naoko (直子)

• Meaning: Honest child
• Why it’s perfect: Naoko reflects integrity and kindness. It’s a beautiful reminder to live with truth and compassion.

66. Ayumi (歩美)

• Meaning: Progress; walk with beauty
• Why it’s perfect: A name full of movement and grace. Ayumi represents a journey through life with kindness and elegance.

67. Rina (里奈)

• Meaning: Village; apple tree
• Why it’s perfect: Rina is sweet and simple, yet holds earthy, traditional symbolism. A perfect mix of nature and heritage.

68. Nana (奈々)

• Meaning: Seven
• Why it’s perfect: Soft, rhythmic and charming, Nana is a lucky name in Japanese culture. Plus, it’s just so cute.

69. Takara (宝)

• Meaning: Treasure
• Why it’s perfect: What better way to express how precious your baby girl is? Takara is full of love, value, and joy.

70. Yuriko (百合子)

• Meaning: Lily child
• Why it’s perfect: Timeless and elegant, Yuriko combines floral beauty with tradition. It’s graceful, soft and full of heart.

Wrapping it up

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Choosing a name is such a personal, beautiful journey. And when it comes to Japanese baby names, there’s no shortage of options that are rich in meaning, elegant in sound, and full of heart.

Take your time, say them out loud, write them down, pair them with a surname – feel how they land.

Their name is the start of their journey.