Choosing the right name for a baby girl is a moment filled with meaning and care. In Japan, names go far beyond simple labels—they are works of art created through kanji characters that reflect beauty, strength, and personality. Each name tells a story, often inspired by nature, virtues, or poetic imagery that gives it a timeless charm.
Japanese girls’ names are admired not only by parents in Japan but also by people around the world who appreciate their elegance and depth. Whether you are naming your daughter, writing a character for a novel, or looking for a unique identity in the online world, these names offer an incredible mix of tradition and creativity.
In this collection, we’ve gathered Japanese girls’ names with meanings, covering everything from traditional and graceful names to modern, playful, and rare ones. With their lyrical sounds and symbolic roots, these names are sure to inspire you and help you find one that feels just right.
Traditional & Elegant Japanese Girls’ Names
Japanese tradition treasures names that carry grace, charm, and timeless beauty. Many of these elegant names have been passed down through generations, often inspired by poetry, noble families, or classical literature. If you’re searching for a name that feels refined yet meaningful, this list of traditional Japanese girls’ names is a wonderful starting point.
Aiko
Meaning: Beloved child
Pronunciation: ah-ee-koh
Kanji: 愛子
Chiyo
Meaning: Thousand generations
Pronunciation: chee-yoh
Kanji: 千代
Haruko
Meaning: Spring child
Pronunciation: hah-roo-koh
Kanji: 春子
Kazumi
Meaning: Harmonious beauty
Pronunciation: kah-zoo-mee
Kanji: 和美
Miyako
Meaning: Beautiful night child / Capital city
Pronunciation: mee-yah-koh
Kanji: 都子
Sachiko
Meaning: Joyful child
Pronunciation: sah-chee-koh
Kanji: 幸子
Takako
Meaning: Noble child
Pronunciation: tah-kah-koh
Kanji: 貴子
Yoshiko (see also Japanese Names That Start With “Y” With Meanings)
Meaning: Good, virtuous child
Pronunciation: yoh-shee-koh
Kanji: 良子
Reiko
Meaning: Grateful child
Pronunciation: ray-koh
Kanji: 礼子
Tomoko
Meaning: Friendly child
Pronunciation: toh-moh-koh
Kanji: 友子
Keiko
Meaning: Blessed child
Pronunciation: kay-koh
Kanji: 恵子
Shizuko
Meaning: Quiet child
Pronunciation: shee-zoo-koh
Kanji: 静子
Masako
Meaning: Elegant, proper child
Pronunciation: mah-sah-koh
Kanji: 雅子
Ayako
Meaning: Design / Colorful child
Pronunciation: ah-yah-koh
Kanji: 彩子
Fumiko
Meaning: Child of abundant beauty/literature
Pronunciation: foo-mee-koh
Kanji: 文子
Kikuko
Meaning: Child of chrysanthemum
Pronunciation: kee-koo-koh
Kanji: 菊子
Noriko
Meaning: Lawful child
Pronunciation: noh-ree-koh
Kanji: 法子
Akemi
Meaning: Bright beauty
Pronunciation: ah-keh-mee
Kanji: 明美
Hatsuko
Meaning: First-born child
Pronunciation: hah-tsoo-koh
Kanji: 初子
Junko
Meaning: Obedient child / Pure child
Pronunciation: joon-koh
Kanji: 順子
Miyuki
Meaning: Beautiful happiness / Deep snow
Pronunciation: mee-yoo-kee
Kanji: 美幸
Yuriko
Meaning: Lily child
Pronunciation: yoo-ree-koh
Kanji: 百合子
Etsuko
Meaning: Joyful child
Pronunciation: eht-soo-koh
Kanji: 悦子
Sumiko
Meaning: Clear, refined child
Pronunciation: soo-mee-koh
Kanji: 澄子
Takemi
Meaning: Brave beauty
Pronunciation: tah-keh-mee
Kanji: 武美
Chisato
Meaning: Thousand villages / Wisdom
Pronunciation: chee-sah-toh
Kanji: 千里
Kumiko
Meaning: Child of eternal beauty
Pronunciation: koo-mee-koh
Kanji: 久美子
Teruko
Meaning: Shining child
Pronunciation: teh-roo-koh
Kanji: 照子
Naoko
Meaning: Honest child
Pronunciation: nah-oh-koh
Kanji: 直子
Ritsuko
Meaning: Child of law and order
Pronunciation: ree-tsoo-koh
Kanji: 律子
Yoshimi
Meaning: Good beauty
Pronunciation: yoh-shee-mee
Kanji: 良美
Nature-Inspired Japanese Girls’ Names
Nature is deeply woven into Japanese culture, poetry, and art—and this love for the natural world often finds its way into names. From delicate blossoms to the shifting seasons, these names reflect beauty, growth, and harmony with nature. Here are some of the most graceful nature-inspired Japanese girls’ names with meanings.
Hana
Meaning: Flower
Pronunciation: hah-nah
Kanji: 花
Sakura
Meaning: Cherry blossom
Pronunciation: sah-koo-rah
Kanji: 桜
Ume
Meaning: Plum blossom
Pronunciation: oo-meh
Kanji: 梅
Ayame
Meaning: Iris flower
Pronunciation: ah-yah-meh
Kanji: 菖蒲
Sumire
Meaning: Violet
Pronunciation: soo-mee-reh
Kanji: 菫
Kaede
Meaning: Maple tree
Pronunciation: kah-eh-deh
Kanji: 楓
Hinata
Meaning: Sunny place / sunflower
Pronunciation: hee-nah-tah
Kanji: 日向
Natsuki
Meaning: Summer hope / summer tree
Pronunciation: naht-soo-kee
Kanji: 夏希
Mizuki
Meaning: Beautiful moon/water tree
Pronunciation: mee-zoo-kee
Kanji: 瑞希
Haruna
Meaning: Spring vegetables / spring greens
Pronunciation: hah-roo-nah
Kanji: 春菜
Aozora
Meaning: Blue sky
Pronunciation: ah-oh-zoh-rah
Kanji: 青空
Nozomi
Meaning: Hope, wish (inspired by spring breezes)
Pronunciation: noh-zoh-mee
Kanji: 希
Hotaru
Meaning: Firefly
Pronunciation: hoh-tah-roo
Kanji: 蛍
Yuki
Meaning: Snow
Pronunciation: yoo-kee
Kanji: 雪
Koharu
Meaning: Little spring / late spring
Pronunciation: koh-hah-roo
Kanji: 小春
Asahi
Meaning: Morning sun
Pronunciation: ah-sah-hee
Kanji: 朝日
Suzu
Meaning: Bell / coolness of wind
Pronunciation: soo-zoo
Kanji: 鈴
Momiji
Meaning: Autumn leaves
Pronunciation: moh-mee-jee
Kanji: 紅葉
Akari
Meaning: Light, brightness
Pronunciation: ah-kah-ree
Kanji: 明里
Nanami
Meaning: Seven seas
Pronunciation: nah-nah-mee
Kanji: 七海
Shion
Meaning: Aster flower
Pronunciation: shee-on
Kanji: 紫苑
Wakana
Meaning: Fresh greens
Pronunciation: wah-kah-nah
Kanji: 若菜
Airi
Meaning: Love jasmine
Pronunciation: eye-ree
Kanji: 愛莉
Sayaka
Meaning: Clear, fresh air
Pronunciation: sah-yah-kah
Kanji: 清香
Midori
Meaning: Green, verdant
Pronunciation: mee-doh-ree
Kanji: 緑
Renka
Meaning: Lotus flower
Pronunciation: ren-kah
Kanji: 蓮花
Satsuki
Meaning: Fifth month / early summer
Pronunciation: saht-soo-kee
Kanji: 皐月
Ichika
Meaning: One thousand flowers
Pronunciation: ee-chee-kah
Kanji: 一花
Ame
Meaning: Rain
Pronunciation: ah-meh
Kanji: 雨
Suzume
Meaning: Sparrow
Pronunciation: soo-zoo-meh
Kanji: 雀
Tsubaki
Meaning: Camellia flower
Pronunciation: tsoo-bah-kee
Kanji: 椿
Ruri
Meaning: Lapis lazuli / gemstone sky
Pronunciation: roo-ree
Kanji: 瑠璃
Kohaku
Meaning: Amber
Pronunciation: koh-hah-koo
Kanji: 琥珀
Mio
Meaning: Beautiful cherry blossom thread/waterway
Pronunciation: mee-oh
Kanji: 美桜
Hinagiku
Meaning: Daisy
Pronunciation: hee-nah-gee-koo
Kanji: 雛菊
Aozorae
Meaning: Endless blue sky
Pronunciation: ah-oh-zoh-rah-eh
Kanji: 青空絵
Strong & Empowering Japanese Girls’ Names
Japanese names often carry meanings of power, bravery, and determination. These strong and empowering names are perfect for girls who are destined to stand tall with confidence. Rooted in virtues, nature, and symbolism, each of these names reflects qualities that inspire strength of spirit and leadership.
Atsuko
Meaning: Warm, sincere child
Pronunciation: aht-soo-koh
Kanji: 淳子
Chikara
Meaning: Power, strength
Pronunciation: chee-kah-rah
Kanji: 力
Isamu
Meaning: Courage, bravery
Pronunciation: ee-sah-moo
Kanji: 勇
Katsumi
Meaning: Victorious beauty
Pronunciation: kaht-soo-mee
Kanji: 勝美
Naomi
Meaning: Honest, upright beauty
Pronunciation: nah-oh-mee
Kanji: 直美
Takara
Meaning: Treasure, precious
Pronunciation: tah-kah-rah
Kanji: 宝
Mikasa
Meaning: Three bamboo hats (symbol of resilience)
Pronunciation: mee-kah-sah
Kanji: 三笠
Rin
Meaning: Dignified, severe
Pronunciation: reen
Kanji: 凛
Tsubasa
Meaning: Wings
Pronunciation: tsoo-bah-sah
Kanji: 翼
Hikari
Meaning: Light, radiance
Pronunciation: hee-kah-ree
Kanji: 光
Tomomi
Meaning: Wise beauty, intellect
Pronunciation: toh-moh-mee
Kanji: 知美
Kiyomi
Meaning: Pure beauty
Pronunciation: kee-yoh-mee
Kanji: 清美
Saori
Meaning: Quick-witted weaving
Pronunciation: sah-oh-ree
Kanji: 沙織
Manami
Meaning: Loving, truthful
Pronunciation: mah-nah-mee
Kanji: 愛美
Chieko
Meaning: Child of wisdom
Pronunciation: chee-eh-koh
Kanji: 智恵子
Masumi
Meaning: True clarity
Pronunciation: mah-soo-mee
Kanji: 真澄
Rika
Meaning: Strong fragrance / true power
Pronunciation: ree-kah
Kanji: 理香
Shizue
Meaning: Quiet strength
Pronunciation: shee-zoo-eh
Kanji: 静江
Takane
Meaning: High peak, noble
Pronunciation: tah-kah-neh
Kanji: 高嶺
Harumi
Meaning: Spring beauty, sunny strength
Pronunciation: hah-roo-mee
Kanji: 晴美
Yoshimi
Meaning: Righteous beauty
Pronunciation: yoh-shee-mee
Kanji: 義美
Akiho
Meaning: Bright, hopeful harvest
Pronunciation: ah-kee-hoh
Kanji: 明穂
Seina
Meaning: Sacred, pure
Pronunciation: say-nah
Kanji: 聖奈
Ayaka
Meaning: Colorful flower, vibrant strength
Pronunciation: ah-yah-kah
Kanji: 彩花
Norimi
Meaning: Rule of beauty
Pronunciation: noh-ree-mee
Kanji: 規美
Yumiko
Meaning: Child of archery, bow, or dreams
Pronunciation: yoo-mee-koh
Kanji: 弓子
Fuyuko
Meaning: Winter child (resilient through hardship)
Pronunciation: foo-yoo-koh
Kanji: 冬子
Unique & Rare Japanese Girls’ Names
For parents and name-seekers who want something extraordinary, rare Japanese names offer individuality and charm. These names are not heard every day, yet they shine with originality and rich cultural depth. If you’re looking for a name that feels truly one-of-a-kind, this list of unique Japanese girls’ names is a great place to start.
Itsuko
Meaning: Child of serenity
Pronunciation: eet-soo-koh
Kanji: 逸子
Minori
Meaning: Truth, harvest
Pronunciation: mee-noh-ree
Kanji: 実乃里
Tokiko
Meaning: Time child
Pronunciation: toh-kee-koh
Kanji: 時子
Sayuri
Meaning: Small lily
Pronunciation: sah-yoo-ree
Kanji: 小百合
Hisayo
Meaning: Long-lasting world
Pronunciation: hee-sah-yoh
Kanji: 久世
Kohana
Meaning: Little flower
Pronunciation: koh-hah-nah
Kanji: 小花
Umeko
Meaning: Plum blossom child
Pronunciation: oo-meh-koh
Kanji: 梅子
Azami
Meaning: Thistle flower
Pronunciation: ah-zah-mee
Kanji: 薊
Mirei
Meaning: Beautiful, elegant spirit
Pronunciation: mee-ray
Kanji: 美玲
Orino
Meaning: Weaver’s field
Pronunciation: oh-ree-noh
Kanji: 織野
Kaname
Meaning: Vital point, essence
Pronunciation: kah-nah-meh
Kanji: 要
Satomi
Meaning: Village of beauty, clever
Pronunciation: sah-toh-mee
Kanji: 里美
Natsume
Meaning: Summer fruit / jujube
Pronunciation: naht-soo-meh
Kanji: 夏目
Emina
Meaning: Blessed, beautiful
Pronunciation: eh-mee-nah
Kanji: 恵美奈
Chinatsu
Meaning: Thousand summers
Pronunciation: chee-naht-soo
Kanji: 千夏
Iori
Meaning: Hermitage, cottage
Pronunciation: ee-oh-ree
Kanji: 庵
Takako
Meaning: Noble fragrance
Pronunciation: tah-kah-koh
Kanji: 貴香
Shiori
Meaning: Bookmark, poem, guide
Pronunciation: shee-oh-ree
Kanji: 栞
Reina
Meaning: Wise, pure
Pronunciation: ray-nah
Kanji: 怜奈
Meiko
Meaning: Sprout child
Pronunciation: may-koh
Kanji: 芽子
Honoka
Meaning: Harmony, flower
Pronunciation: hoh-noh-kah
Kanji: 穂花
Kureha
Meaning: Scarlet leaves
Pronunciation: koo-reh-hah
Kanji: 紅葉
Saeko
Meaning: Serene, prosperous child
Pronunciation: sah-eh-koh
Kanji: 冴子
Mafuyu
Meaning: True winter
Pronunciation: mah-foo-yoo
Kanji: 真冬
Anzu
Meaning: Apricot
Pronunciation: ahn-zoo
Kanji: 杏
Reiko
Meaning: Lovely child / gratitude child
Pronunciation: ray-koh
Kanji: 怜子
Ayumu
Meaning: Walk, dream
Pronunciation: ah-yoo-moo
Kanji: 歩夢
Tsukasa
Meaning: Director, rule
Pronunciation: tsoo-kah-sah
Kanji: 司
Michiru
Meaning: To be full, complete (like the moon)
Pronunciation: mee-chee-roo
Kanji: 満
Cute & Playful Japanese Girls’ Names
Some Japanese names have a naturally cute and cheerful vibe, making them perfect for girls with bright personalities. These playful names often use gentle sounds and adorable imagery like flowers, birds, or innocence, giving them a lighthearted charm. Parents, writers, or even gamers might love these names for their warm and friendly feel.
Emi
Meaning: Beautiful blessing
Pronunciation: eh-mee
Kanji: 恵美
Hina
Meaning: Sun, greens, or doll
Pronunciation: hee-nah
Kanji: 陽菜
Momo
Meaning: Peach
Pronunciation: moh-moh
Kanji: 桃
Riko
Meaning: Child of jasmine / truth child
Pronunciation: ree-koh
Kanji: 莉子
Yume
Meaning: Dream
Pronunciation: yoo-meh
Kanji: 夢
Kiko
Meaning: Chronicle child / rare child
Pronunciation: kee-koh
Kanji: 紀子
Nana
Meaning: Seven
Pronunciation: nah-nah
Kanji: 七
Hiyori
Meaning: Weather, sunny day
Pronunciation: hee-yoh-ree
Kanji: 日和
Ami
Meaning: Friend, beauty
Pronunciation: ah-mee
Kanji: 亜美
Runa
Meaning: Moon companion
Pronunciation: roo-nah
Kanji: 留奈
Miyu
Meaning: Gentle kindness / beautiful connection
Pronunciation: mee-yoo
Kanji: 美優
Aya
Meaning: Design, color
Pronunciation: ah-yah
Kanji: 彩
Kohana
Meaning: Little blossom
Pronunciation: koh-hah-nah
Kanji: 小花
Ichigo
Meaning: Strawberry
Pronunciation: ee-chee-goh
Kanji: 苺
Saki
Meaning: Blossom, hope
Pronunciation: sah-kee
Kanji: 咲
Noa
Meaning: My love, from affection
Pronunciation: noh-ah
Kanji: 乃愛
Ruriha
Meaning: Lapis lazuli leaf
Pronunciation: roo-ree-hah
Kanji: 瑠璃葉
Megu
Meaning: Affection, blessing
Pronunciation: meh-goo
Kanji: 恵
Haru
Meaning: Sun, spring
Pronunciation: hah-roo
Kanji: 春
Pikari
Meaning: Sparkle, twinkle
Pronunciation: pee-kah-ree
Kanji: ぴかり
Rikoha
Meaning: Jasmine leaf child
Pronunciation: ree-koh-hah
Kanji: 莉子葉
Modern & Trendy Japanese Girls’ Names
Japanese names are always evolving, with new generations choosing names that feel fresh, stylish, and easy to say. Many modern girl names use simple kanji, soft sounds, and trendy inspirations from pop culture or anime. If you’re looking for names that are fashionable today yet still meaningful, here are some great modern picks.
Aoi
Meaning: Hollyhock, blue
Pronunciation: ah-oh-ee
Kanji: 葵
Rio
Meaning: Village cherry blossom
Pronunciation: ree-oh
Kanji: 梨桜
Hikari
Meaning: Light, shine
Pronunciation: hee-kah-ree
Kanji: 光
Mei
Meaning: Brightness, bud
Pronunciation: meh-ee
Kanji: 芽依
Rei
Meaning: Lovely, bell, gratitude
Pronunciation: ray
Kanji: 怜
Mao
Meaning: True center, dance cherry blossom
Pronunciation: mah-oh
Kanji: 真央
Yuna
Meaning: Gentle, kind
Pronunciation: yoo-nah
Kanji: 優奈
Saya
Meaning: Swift arrow / graceful
Pronunciation: sah-yah
Kanji: 沙耶
Rin
Meaning: Dignified, pure
Pronunciation: reen
Kanji: 凛
Akira
Meaning: Bright, clear
Pronunciation: ah-kee-rah
Kanji: 明
Miu
Meaning: Beautiful feather
Pronunciation: mee-oo
Kanji: 美羽
Ema
Meaning: Blessed truth
Pronunciation: eh-mah
Kanji: 恵真
Nozomi
Meaning: Hope, wish
Pronunciation: noh-zoh-mee
Kanji: 希
Sena
Meaning: Star sound
Pronunciation: seh-nah
Kanji: 星奈
Ririka
Meaning: Jasmine village fragrance
Pronunciation: ree-ree-kah
Kanji: 莉々香
Aina
Meaning: Love, vegetables / affectionate greens
Pronunciation: eye-nah
Kanji: 愛菜
Hinami
Meaning: Sun beauty, lovely greens
Pronunciation: hee-nah-mee
Kanji: 陽美
Mirei
Meaning: Beautiful spirit, elegant order
Pronunciation: mee-ray
Kanji: 美怜
Ayae
Meaning: Colorful blessing
Pronunciation: ah-yah-eh
Kanji: 彩恵
Nico
Meaning: Smile, child
Pronunciation: nee-koh
Kanji: 笑子
Arisa
Meaning: Clear sand / fresh truth
Pronunciation: ah-ree-sah
Kanji: 有沙
Hiyu
Meaning: Gentle morning sunlight
Pronunciation: hee-yoo
Kanji: 日優
Kanon
Meaning: Sound of the bell, flower sound
Pronunciation: kah-nohn
Kanji: 花音
Conclusion
Choosing the right name for a baby girl is more than just picking pretty sounds—it’s about finding a meaning, a feeling, and a cultural connection that will stay with her for life. Japanese names are rich with beauty, carrying layers of history, nature, tradition, and modern creativity. Whether you loved the classic and traditional names, admired the nature-inspired picks, or felt drawn to the modern and trendy styles, each name carries a story worth celebrating.
With Japanese girls’ names and meanings, this list is here to inspire you—whether you’re a parent looking for the perfect name, a writer searching for authentic characters, or simply someone who loves the elegance of Japanese culture. Every name here is like a piece of art, written in kanji, sounding lyrical, and holding deep meaning.
At the end of the day, the “best” name is the one that speaks to you personally. It could reflect hope, beauty, strength, light, or even mystery. By choosing a Japanese name, you’re not just giving a word—you’re giving a legacy of meaning, tradition, and timeless beauty.
“As founder of Namezroot, Muhammed Serum blends passion and creativity to bring readers content on names, lifestyle, travel, and more.”