The soft “mmm” sound a baby makes can make parents smile and wonder about the perfect name starting with “M.” Japanese names that start with “M” are not only pleasant to hear, but they also carry deep meanings and cultural significance, making them a favorite for many families looking for something special.

These names aren’t just for girls—boys’ names are equally thoughtful and strong. Many M names in Japan are chosen for their beautiful kanji, positive meanings, and melodic sound, giving each child a name that’s both unique and meaningful. Whether you want a name that evokes nature, happiness, or virtues, there’s an M name for every personality.

From classic options to modern favorites, Japanese Names That Start With M offer a rich collection of possibilities. Parents can find cute, elegant, or powerful names with kanji meanings that resonate, making the process of choosing a name both fun and meaningful. Let’s dive into this marvelous list of Japanese M names and discover the perfect one for your little one.

Female Japanese Names That Start With M

Japanese female names that start with the letter “M” are among the most beautiful and meaningful Japanese names. Parents often choose these names for their deep cultural significance, lovely meanings, and charming pronunciations. From traditional names to modern favorites, M names are popular in Japan, anime culture, and among baby names enthusiasts.

Many of these names are based on kanji characters, which can alter the meaning depending on the combination. If you are looking for unique Japanese girl names, or cute Japanese names starting with M, this list will help you find the perfect choice.

1. Mizuka

Meaning: Beautiful flower
Pronunciation: Mee-zoo-kah
Kanji: 美花

2. Maki

Meaning: True tree
Pronunciation: Mah-kee
Kanji: 真木

3. Mei

Meaning: Bright, beautiful
Pronunciation: May
Kanji: 芽依

4. Miko

Meaning: Shrine maiden, child of beauty
Pronunciation: Mee-ko
Kanji: 美子

5. Miyuki

Meaning: Beautiful happiness
Pronunciation: Mee-yoo-kee
Kanji: 美幸

6. Misaki

Meaning: Beautiful blossom, cape
Pronunciation: Mee-sah-kee
Kanji: 美咲

7. Megumi

Meaning: Blessing, grace
Pronunciation: Meh-goo-mee
Kanji: 恵

8. Minami

Meaning: South
Pronunciation: Mee-nah-mee
Kanji: 南

9. Mao

Meaning: True center
Pronunciation: Mah-oh
Kanji: 真央

10. Miori

Meaning: Beautiful weaving
Pronunciation: Mee-oh-ree
Kanji: 美織

11. Mana

Meaning: Love, affection
Pronunciation: Mah-nah
Kanji: 愛

12. Mirai

Meaning: Future, hope
Pronunciation: Mee-rah-ee
Kanji: 未来

13. Mika

Meaning: Beautiful fragrance
Pronunciation: Mee-kah
Kanji: 美香

14. Mizuki

Meaning: Beautiful moon
Pronunciation: Mee-zoo-kee
Kanji: 美月

15. Minori

Meaning: Truth, harvest
Pronunciation: Mee-no-ree
Kanji: 実

16. Mayu

Meaning: True kindness
Pronunciation: Mah-yoo
Kanji: 真優

17. Mahiro

Meaning: Great truth
Pronunciation: Mah-hee-roh
Kanji: 真宏

18. Miu

Meaning: Beautiful feather, gentle
Pronunciation: Mee-oo
Kanji: 美羽

19. Mari

Meaning: Truth, reason
Pronunciation: Mah-ree
Kanji: 真理

20. Misato

Meaning: Beautiful village
Pronunciation: Mee-sah-toh
Kanji: 美里

21. Mahina

Meaning: Moonlight
Pronunciation: Mah-hee-nah
Kanji: 真姫奈

22. Minako

Meaning: Beautiful child
Pronunciation: Mee-nah-koh
Kanji: 美奈子

23. Mai

Meaning: Dance, brightness
Pronunciation: Mai
Kanji: 舞

24. Manami

Meaning: Love and beauty
Pronunciation: Mah-nah-mee
Kanji: 愛美

25. Mikako

Meaning: Beautiful child
Pronunciation: Mee-kah-koh
Kanji: 美佳子

26. Miyo

Meaning: Beautiful generation
Pronunciation: Mee-yoh
Kanji: 美世

27. Maika

Meaning: True fragrance
Pronunciation: Mai-kah
Kanji: 真佳

28. Marika

Meaning: Jasmine flower
Pronunciation: Mah-ree-kah
Kanji: 真理花

29. Miharu

Meaning: Beautiful spring
Pronunciation: Mee-hah-roo
Kanji: 美晴

30. Mizuno

Meaning: Water field
Pronunciation: Mee-zoo-no
Kanji: 水野

31. Minu

Meaning: Beautiful, gentle
Pronunciation: Mee-noo
Kanji: 美優

32. Miki

Meaning: Beautiful tree, hope
Pronunciation: Mee-kee
Kanji: 美樹

33. Mahiroka

Meaning: Great beauty
Pronunciation: Mah-hee-roh-kah
Kanji: 真裕香

34. Momoka

Meaning: Peach blossom
Pronunciation: Moh-moh-kah
Kanji: 桃花

35. Misuzu

Meaning: Beautiful bell
Pronunciation: Mee-soo-zoo
Kanji: 美鈴

36. Mikoto

Meaning: Respect, truth
Pronunciation: Mee-koh-toh
Kanji: 命

37. Momomi

Meaning: Peach, beauty
Pronunciation: Moh-moh-mee
Kanji: 桃美

38. Mizuna

Meaning: Water greens
Pronunciation: Mee-zoo-nah
Kanji: 水菜

39. Mayumi

Meaning: True bow, reason
Pronunciation: Mah-yoo-mee
Kanji: 真弓

40. Mifuyu

Meaning: Beautiful winter
Pronunciation: Mee-foo-yoo
Kanji:

See Also: 400+Japanese Names That Mean “Blood” For Boys & Girls

Male Japanese Names That Start With M

Japanese male names that start with “M” are known for their strength, positive meanings, and cultural significance. Many of these names are popular in Japan, anime, and baby naming culture. Parents often choose M names for boys because they symbolize truth, courage, prosperity, and nature.

Most Japanese male names are written in kanji, and the meaning may change depending on the characters chosen.

1. Makoto

Meaning: Truth, sincerity
Pronunciation: Mah-koh-toh
Kanji: 誠

2. Masato

Meaning: True person
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-toh
Kanji: 真人

3. Minato

Meaning: Harbor, port
Pronunciation: Mee-nah-toh
Kanji: 湊

4. Masaki

Meaning: True tree
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-kee
Kanji: 正樹

5. Michio

Meaning: Man of the way
Pronunciation: Mee-chee-oh
Kanji: 道夫

6. Mutsuki

Meaning: Sixth month
Pronunciation: Moo-tsu-kee
Kanji: 睦月

7. Masaru

Meaning: Victory
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-roo
Kanji: 勝

8. Morio

Meaning: Forest man
Pronunciation: Moh-ree-oh
Kanji: 森夫

9. Mitsuru

Meaning: Full, satisfy
Pronunciation: Mee-tsu-roo
Kanji: 満

10. Michiru

Meaning: Full, complete
Pronunciation: Mee-chee-roo
Kanji: 満

11. Minoru

Meaning: To bear fruit, success
Pronunciation: Mee-noh-roo
Kanji: 実

12. Masahiro

Meaning: True prosperity
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-hee-roh
Kanji: 正宏

13. Makihiro

Meaning: True wide tree
Pronunciation: Mah-kee-hee-roh
Kanji: 真樹宏

14. Motoki

Meaning: Foundation tree
Pronunciation: Moh-toh-kee
Kanji: 基樹

15. Masayuki

Meaning: True happiness
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-yoo-kee
Kanji: 正幸

16. Masamune

Meaning: True blessing, faithful
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-moo-neh
Kanji: 正宗

17. Mitsuhiko

Meaning: Shining prince
Pronunciation: Mee-tsu-hee-koh
Kanji: 光彦

18. Mamoru

Meaning: Protector, guardian
Pronunciation: Mah-moh-roo
Kanji: 守

19. Michitaka

Meaning: Noble path
Pronunciation: Mee-chee-tah-kah
Kanji: 道隆

20. Masanori

Meaning: True rule
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-noh-ree
Kanji: 正則

21. Masakiro

Meaning: True prosperous tree
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-kee-roh
Kanji: 正樹朗

22. Mitsuo

Meaning: Shining man
Pronunciation: Mee-tsoo-oh
Kanji: 光雄

23. Masatomo

Meaning: True friend
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-toh-moh
Kanji: 正友

24. Masahide

Meaning: True excellence
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-hee-deh
Kanji: 正秀

25. Munetaka

Meaning: Honorable, loyal
Pronunciation: Moo-neh-tah-kah
Kanji: 宗尊

26. Morihiro

Meaning: Forest prosperity
Pronunciation: Moh-ree-hee-roh
Kanji: 森宏

27. Mitsunori

Meaning: Shining law, rule
Pronunciation: Mee-tsu-noh-ree
Kanji: 光則

28. Masataka

Meaning: True, noble
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-tah-kah
Kanji: 正隆

29. Mikio

Meaning: Tree man, foundation
Pronunciation: Mee-kee-oh
Kanji: 幹夫

30. Masahumi

Meaning: True history, culture
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-hoo-mee
Kanji: 正文

31. Munetoshi

Meaning: Loyal and long-lasting
Pronunciation: Moo-neh-toh-shee
Kanji: 宗俊

32. Masakazu

Meaning: True harmony
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-kah-zoo
Kanji: 正一

33. Mitsutaka

Meaning: Shining nobility
Pronunciation: Mee-tsu-tah-kah
Kanji: 光隆

34. Masahito

Meaning: True person, noble
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-hee-toh
Kanji: 正仁

35. Masayoshi

Meaning: True good fortune
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-yoh-shee
Kanji: 正義

36. Motohiro

Meaning: Foundation prosperity
Pronunciation: Moh-toh-hee-roh
Kanji: 基宏

37. Masanobu

Meaning: True faith
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-noh-boo
Kanji: 正信

38. Mitsuhiro

Meaning: Shining prosperity
Pronunciation: Mee-tsu-hee-roh
Kanji: 光宏

39. Masanaga

Meaning: True longevity
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-nah-gah
Kanji: 正長

40. Moritaka

Meaning: Forest noble
Pronunciation: Moh-ree-tah-kah
Kanji: 森隆

See Also:120+ Japanese Names Meaning “Snow” For Boys & Girls

Unisex Japanese Names That Start With M

Unisex Japanese names starting with “M” are versatile, modern, and meaningful, making them popular for both boys and girls. Many parents choose these names for their flexibility, elegant sound, and positive kanji meanings. These names are often used in anime, Japanese culture, and contemporary baby naming.

1. Mika

Meaning: Beautiful fragrance
Pronunciation: Mee-kah
Kanji: 美香

2. Michi

Meaning: Path, way
Pronunciation: Mee-chee
Kanji: 道

3. Mana

Meaning: Love, affection
Pronunciation: Mah-nah
Kanji: 愛

4. Minori

Meaning: Truth, harvest
Pronunciation: Mee-no-ree
Kanji: 実

5. Mizu

Meaning: Water
Pronunciation: Mee-zoo
Kanji: 水

6. Maki

Meaning: True, roll
Pronunciation: Mah-kee
Kanji: 真

7. Mitsu

Meaning: Light, honey
Pronunciation: Mee-tsu
Kanji: 光

8. Mahiro

Meaning: Great truth
Pronunciation: Mah-hee-roh
Kanji: 真宏

9. Miu

Meaning: Beautiful feather, gentle
Pronunciation: Mee-oo
Kanji: 美羽

10. Mizuki

Meaning: Beautiful moon
Pronunciation: Mee-zoo-kee
Kanji: 美月

11. Minu

Meaning: Beautiful, gentle
Pronunciation: Mee-noo
Kanji: 美優

12. Mayu

Meaning: True kindness
Pronunciation: Mah-yoo
Kanji: 真優

13. Mirai

Meaning: Future, hope
Pronunciation: Mee-rah-ee
Kanji: 未来

14. Maika

Meaning: True fragrance
Pronunciation: Mai-kah
Kanji: 真佳

15. Mahina

Meaning: Moonlight
Pronunciation: Mah-hee-nah
Kanji: 真姫奈

16. Mifuyu

Meaning: Beautiful winter
Pronunciation: Mee-foo-yoo
Kanji: 美冬

17. Mizuna

Meaning: Water greens
Pronunciation: Mee-zoo-nah
Kanji: 水菜

18. Minato

Meaning: Harbor, port
Pronunciation: Mee-nah-toh
Kanji: 湊

19. Michiru

Meaning: Full, complete
Pronunciation: Mee-chee-roo
Kanji: 満

20. Mitsuo

Meaning: Shining man
Pronunciation: Mee-tsoo-oh
Kanji: 光雄

21. Misuzu

Meaning: Beautiful bell
Pronunciation: Mee-soo-zoo
Kanji: 美鈴

22. Mikoto

Meaning: Respect, truth
Pronunciation: Mee-koh-toh
Kanji: 命

23. Momoka

Meaning: Peach blossom
Pronunciation: Moh-moh-kah
Kanji: 桃花

24. Momomi

Meaning: Peach, beauty
Pronunciation: Moh-moh-mee
Kanji: 桃美

25. Marika

Meaning: Jasmine flower
Pronunciation: Mah-ree-kah
Kanji: 真理花

26. Miyo

Meaning: Beautiful generation
Pronunciation: Mee-yoh
Kanji: 美世

27. Mahiroka

Meaning: Great beauty
Pronunciation: Mah-hee-roh-kah
Kanji: 真裕香

28. Masaki

Meaning: True tree
Pronunciation: Mah-sah-kee
Kanji: 正樹

29. Mitsunori

Meaning: Shining law, rule
Pronunciation: Mee-tsu-noh-ree
Kanji: 光則

30. Motoki

Meaning: Foundation tree
Pronunciation: Moh-toh-kee
Kanji: 基樹

See Also:140+ Japanese Names That Mean “Love” For Boys & Girls

Japanese Last Names That Start With M

Japanese last names that start with “M” are rich in history, nature-inspired, and culturally significant. These surnames often come from geography, landscapes, or natural features and are widely used throughout Japan. Knowing these names can be helpful for family heritage, writing characters in stories, or exploring Japanese culture.

1. Matsumoto

Meaning: Base of the pine tree
Pronunciation: Mah-tsu-moh-toh
Kanji: 松本

2. Mori

Meaning: Forest
Pronunciation: Moh-ree
Kanji: 森

3. Mizuno

Meaning: Water field
Pronunciation: Mee-zoo-no
Kanji: 水野

4. Maeda

Meaning: Front rice field
Pronunciation: Mah-eh-dah
Kanji: 前田

5. Miyamoto

Meaning: Base of the shrine
Pronunciation: Mee-yah-moh-toh
Kanji: 宮本

6. Matsuda

Meaning: Pine rice field
Pronunciation: Mah-tsu-dah
Kanji: 松田

7. Minami

Meaning: South
Pronunciation: Mee-nah-mee
Kanji: 南

8. Mochizuki

Meaning: Full moon
Pronunciation: Moh-chee-zoo-kee
Kanji: 望月

9. Morikawa

Meaning: Forest river
Pronunciation: Moh-ree-kah-wah
Kanji: 森川

10. Makino

Meaning: True field
Pronunciation: Mah-kee-noh
Kanji: 牧野

11. Masuda

Meaning: Increase rice field
Pronunciation: Mah-sue-dah
Kanji: 増田

12. Miyazaki

Meaning: Shrine cape
Pronunciation: Mee-yah-zah-kee
Kanji: 宮崎

13. Matsui

Meaning: Pine well
Pronunciation: Mah-tsu-ee
Kanji: 松井

14. Minamoto

Meaning: Root, origin
Pronunciation: Mee-nah-moh-toh
Kanji: 源

15. Morimoto

Meaning: Base of the forest
Pronunciation: Moh-ree-moh-toh
Kanji: 森本

16. Machida

Meaning: True field
Pronunciation: Mah-chee-dah
Kanji: 町田

17. Makita

Meaning: True rice field
Pronunciation: Mah-kee-tah
Kanji: 牧田

18. Matsumura

Meaning: Pine village
Pronunciation: Mah-tsu-moo-rah
Kanji: 松村

19. Mihara

Meaning: Three plains
Pronunciation: Mee-hah-rah
Kanji: 三原

20. Munakata

Meaning: Religious site, shrine
Pronunciation: Moo-nah-kah-tah
Kanji: 宗像

Things You Must Know About Japanese Names Starting With “M”

Japanese names that start with the letter “M” are beautiful, meaningful, and culturally significant. Whether you are choosing a name for your child, writing a story, or exploring Japanese culture, there are some key points to know:

1. Meaning Depends on Kanji

Japanese names often have multiple meanings depending on the kanji characters used. For example, “Mizuki” can mean “beautiful moon” (美月) or “water tree” (瑞樹) depending on the kanji. Always check the kanji to know the intended meaning.

2. Gender Can Be Flexible

Some M names are unisex, like Mika, Mirai, or Minori. These names are suitable for both boys and girls, making them popular choices for modern families.

3. Popularity in Japan

Names starting with “M” are very popular in Japan because they often convey positive traits like beauty, truth, love, and nature. For example:

• Megumi = Blessing
• Masaru = Victory
• Mizuka = Beautiful flower

4. Cultural and Historical Significance

Many “M” names are inspired by nature, virtues, or historical references. For instance:

• Mitsuo = Shining man
• Minato = Harbor, port

5. Pronunciation Matters

Japanese names are usually pronounced phonetically, but the tone can slightly change the meaning. Always learn the correct pronunciation to respect the name’s original intent.

6. Kanji Variations

A single name can have multiple kanji options, each giving a slightly different nuance. Parents often choose kanji based on the meaning they wish to convey, e.g.,

• Miyuki (美幸) = Beautiful happiness
• Miyuki (深雪) = Deep snow

Conclusion

Japanese names starting with “M” are not only beautiful and elegant, but they also carry deep meanings and cultural significance. From female names like Mizuka and Megumi, to male names like Makoto and Masaru, to unisex and family names, M names reflect virtues, nature, and tradition.

Choosing a name that starts with “M” allows parents to give their child a name that is memorable, meaningful, and culturally rich. Whether you prefer cute, unique, or traditional Japanese names, this list provides a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect M name.