Love is one of the most beautiful emotions that transcends words — and in Japan, it’s often expressed through the art of naming. Japanese names that mean “love” carry deep emotional value, representing affection, connection, and inner beauty. Whether you’re choosing a baby name or simply exploring their meanings, each name reflects the heart and culture of Japan.
Explore the Mysterious Side of Japanese Names
Every Japanese name tells a story — and when it comes to names meaning love, that story often intertwines emotion with nature and aesthetics. The name Ai (愛) directly translates to “love,” but when paired with other kanji, like Aimi (愛美) meaning “beautiful love” or Airi (愛莉) meaning “love jasmine,” it transforms into something deeply poetic.
Japanese parents often select kanji based on the energy and emotional symbolism they want their child to carry, making every name a heartfelt wish.
Symbolic Themes of Love in Japanese Culture
In Japanese culture, love extends beyond romance. It symbolizes kindness, harmony, and peaceful connection — whether between family, friends, or lovers. Many Japanese names are inspired by natural elements like flowers, seasons, or the moon, all of which mirror feelings of affection and emotional balance.
These names not only sound beautiful but also carry centuries of tradition, expressing how love and life are deeply connected in Japanese philosophy.
Japanese Girl Names Meaning Love
Japanese girl names that mean “love” often express beauty, warmth, and kindness. They blend delicate kanji with heartfelt meanings, creating names that sound graceful and feel emotionally rich. Each of these names carries deep affection — whether it’s romantic love, family love, or love for nature and peace.
1. Ai
• Meaning: Love
• Pronunciation: Ah-ee
• Kanji: (愛)
2. Aiko
• Meaning: Child of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-koh
• Kanji: (愛子)
3. Aimi
• Meaning: Beautiful Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-mee
• Kanji: (愛美)
4. Airi
• Meaning: Love Jasmine
• Pronunciation: Eye-ree
• Kanji: (愛莉)
5. Aina
• Meaning: Love and Affection
• Pronunciation: Eye-nah
• Kanji: (愛菜)
6. Manami
• Meaning: Loving and Beautiful
• Pronunciation: Mah-nah-mee
• Kanji: (愛美)
7. Megumi
• Meaning: Blessing, Love
• Pronunciation: Meh-goo-mee
• Kanji: (恵)
8. Suki
• Meaning: Beloved
• Pronunciation: Soo-kee
• Kanji: (好き)
9. Emiko
• Meaning: Blessed with Love and Beauty
• Pronunciation: Eh-mee-koh
• Kanji: (恵美子)
10. Mio
• Meaning: Cherry Blossom Love
• Pronunciation: Mee-oh
• Kanji: (美桜)
11. Rena
• Meaning: Wise Love
• Pronunciation: Reh-nah
• Kanji: (怜愛)
12. Sayaka
• Meaning: Clear, Lovable
• Pronunciation: Sah-yah-kah
• Kanji: (清香)
13. Haruka
• Meaning: Distant Love
• Pronunciation: Hah-roo-kah
• Kanji: (遥香)
14. Renna
• Meaning: Pure Lotus Love
• Pronunciation: Rehn-nah
• Kanji: (蓮愛)
15. Ayaka
• Meaning: Colorful Love Flower
• Pronunciation: Ah-yah-kah
• Kanji: (彩香)
16. Yua
• Meaning: Binding Love
• Pronunciation: Yoo-ah
• Kanji: (結愛)
17. Miyu
• Meaning: Gentle Love and Kindness
• Pronunciation: Mee-yoo
• Kanji: (美優)
18. Airiha
• Meaning: Affectionate Flower
• Pronunciation: Eye-ree-hah
• Kanji: (愛花)
19. Nozomi
• Meaning: Hope and Affection
• Pronunciation: Noh-zoh-mee
• Kanji: (希美)
20. Amane
• Meaning: Heavenly Love
• Pronunciation: Ah-mah-neh
• Kanji: (天音)
21. Kanae
• Meaning: Love and Blessing
• Pronunciation: Kah-nah-eh
• Kanji: (叶愛)
22. Misaki
• Meaning: Blooming Love
• Pronunciation: Mee-sah-kee
• Kanji: (美咲)
23. Reina
• Meaning: Pure and Loving
• Pronunciation: Ray-nah
• Kanji: (麗愛)
24. Asami
• Meaning: Morning Beauty and Love
• Pronunciation: Ah-sah-mee
• Kanji: (朝美)
25. Arisa
• Meaning: Lovely Flower
• Pronunciation: Ah-ree-sah
• Kanji: (愛里沙)
26. Mei
• Meaning: Sprouting Love
• Pronunciation: Meh-ee
• Kanji: (芽依)
27. Koharu
• Meaning: Gentle Spring Love
• Pronunciation: Koh-hah-roo
• Kanji: (小春)
28. Riko
• Meaning: Child of Truth and Love
• Pronunciation: Ree-koh
• Kanji: (莉子)
29. Nami
• Meaning: Wave of Love
• Pronunciation: Nah-mee
• Kanji: (波)
30. Akemi
• Meaning: Bright and Beautiful Love
• Pronunciation: Ah-keh-mee
• Kanji: (明美)
31. Fumika
• Meaning: Graceful and Loving
• Pronunciation: Foo-mee-kah
• Kanji: (文香)
32. Yume (see also Japanese Names That Start With “Y” With Meanings)
• Meaning: Dream of Love
• Pronunciation: Yoo-meh
• Kanji: (夢)
33. Emina
• Meaning: Blessed with Kind Love
• Pronunciation: Eh-mee-nah
• Kanji: (恵美菜)
34. Ayane
• Meaning: Sound of Love
• Pronunciation: Ah-yah-neh
• Kanji: (彩音)
35. Rina
• Meaning: Jasmine and Love
• Pronunciation: Ree-nah
• Kanji: (里菜)
36. Hikari
• Meaning: Light of Love
• Pronunciation: Hee-kah-ree
• Kanji: (光)
37. Yumi
• Meaning: Arch of Beauty and Love
• Pronunciation: Yoo-mee
• Kanji: (由美)
38. Aino
• Meaning: Beloved Child
• Pronunciation: Eye-noh
• Kanji: (愛乃)
39. Sakura
• Meaning: Cherry Blossom of Love
• Pronunciation: Sah-koo-rah
• Kanji: (桜)
40. Amika
• Meaning: Friend of Love
• Pronunciation: Ah-mee-kah
• Kanji: (愛美香)
See Also: 110+ Cool Japanese Names With Meanings
Japanese Boy Names Meaning Love
Japanese boy names that mean “love” carry strength, kindness, and emotional depth. They often reflect noble values like loyalty, protection, and peace — qualities deeply tied to love in Japanese culture. These names combine kanji representing love, heart, and compassion, making them ideal for parents who wish to give their son a name full of meaning and warmth.
1. Ren
• Meaning: Lotus, Love
• Pronunciation: Rehn
• Kanji: (蓮)
2. Aito
• Meaning: Sea of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-toh
• Kanji: (愛翔)
3. Arata
• Meaning: Fresh Love or New Beginning
• Pronunciation: Ah-rah-tah
• Kanji: (新)
4. Reo
• Meaning: Heart of Love
• Pronunciation: Reh-oh
• Kanji: (怜央)
5. Itsuki
• Meaning: Tree of Affection
• Pronunciation: Eet-skee
• Kanji: (樹)
6. Hiroto
• Meaning: Big Heart, Love and Kindness
• Pronunciation: Hee-roh-toh
• Kanji: (大翔)
7. Tomoya
• Meaning: Wise Love
• Pronunciation: Toh-moh-yah
• Kanji: (智也)
8. Kairi
• Meaning: Ocean Village of Love
• Pronunciation: Kye-ree
• Kanji: (海里)
9. Haruto
• Meaning: Sunlight and Affection
• Pronunciation: Hah-roo-toh
• Kanji: (陽翔)
10. Yuuma
• Meaning: Gentle Truth and Love
• Pronunciation: Yoo-mah
• Kanji: (優真)
11. Minato
• Meaning: Harbor of Love
• Pronunciation: Mee-nah-toh
• Kanji: (湊)
12. Kaito
• Meaning: Soaring Ocean Love
• Pronunciation: Kye-toh
• Kanji: (海翔)
13. Riku
• Meaning: Land of Affection
• Pronunciation: Ree-koo
• Kanji: (陸)
14. Tsubasa
• Meaning: Wings of Love
• Pronunciation: Tsoo-bah-sah
• Kanji: (翼)
15. Yuto
• Meaning: Kindhearted and Loving
• Pronunciation: Yoo-toh
• Kanji: (優翔)
16. Airiya
• Meaning: Blessed Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-ree-yah
• Kanji: (愛理也)
17. Naoki
• Meaning: Honest and Loving Tree
• Pronunciation: Nah-oh-kee
• Kanji: (直樹)
18. Taiki
• Meaning: Radiant Hope and Love
• Pronunciation: Tie-kee
• Kanji: (大輝)
19. Akihiro
• Meaning: Bright and Generous Love
• Pronunciation: Ah-kee-hee-roh
• Kanji: (明宏)
20. Kensei
• Meaning: Pure Hearted Love
• Pronunciation: Kehn-say
• Kanji: (健誠)
21. Reiji
• Meaning: Respectful Love and Order
• Pronunciation: Ray-jee
• Kanji: (礼司)
22. Daichi
• Meaning: Great Earth and Love
• Pronunciation: Dye-chee
• Kanji: (大地)
23. Satoru
• Meaning: Enlightened Love
• Pronunciation: Sah-toh-roo
• Kanji: (悟)
24. Haruma
• Meaning: Spring and True Love
• Pronunciation: Hah-roo-mah
• Kanji: (春真)
25. Souta
• Meaning: Calm and Loving
• Pronunciation: Soh-tah
• Kanji: (奏汰)
26. Yuuto
• Meaning: Brave and Kind Love
• Pronunciation: Yoo-toh
• Kanji: (悠翔)
27. Rento
• Meaning: Refined and Loving Heart
• Pronunciation: Rehn-toh
• Kanji: (蓮翔)
28. Masaki
• Meaning: True and Bright Love
• Pronunciation: Mah-sah-kee
• Kanji: (正輝)
29. Ayato
• Meaning: Design of Love
• Pronunciation: Ah-yah-toh
• Kanji: (綾翔)
30. Kenji
• Meaning: Intelligent Love
• Pronunciation: Kehn-jee
• Kanji: (健二)
31. Hinata
• Meaning: Place in the Sun, Loving Warmth
• Pronunciation: Hee-nah-tah
• Kanji: (陽向)
32. Shion
• Meaning: Aster Flower, Eternal Love
• Pronunciation: Shee-ohn
• Kanji: (紫苑)
33. Yuusuke
• Meaning: Helpful and Loving
• Pronunciation: Yoo-soo-keh
• Kanji: (佑介)
34. Haruki
• Meaning: Radiant Love and Spring
• Pronunciation: Hah-roo-kee
• Kanji: (陽輝)
35. Arashi
• Meaning: Storm of Passionate Love
• Pronunciation: Ah-rah-shee
• Kanji: (嵐)
See Also: 115+ Japanese Names That Mean Hope For Boys & Girls
Unisex Japanese Names That Mean Love
Unisex Japanese names that mean “love” beautifully capture emotional balance — not too strong, not too delicate. They reflect harmony, unity, and the shared human experience of love. Whether for a boy or girl, these names express warmth, peace, and deep connection, often blending kanji of affection, nature, and light.
1. Ai
• Meaning: Love, Affection
• Pronunciation: Ah-ee
• Kanji: (愛)
2. Ren
• Meaning: Lotus, Pure Love
• Pronunciation: Rehn
• Kanji: (蓮)
3. Yua
• Meaning: Binding Love
• Pronunciation: Yoo-ah
• Kanji: (結愛)
4. Haru
• Meaning: Spring, Love and Warmth
• Pronunciation: Hah-roo
• Kanji: (春)
5. Airi
• Meaning: Love Jasmine
• Pronunciation: Eye-ree
• Kanji: (愛莉)
6. Michi
• Meaning: Path of Love
• Pronunciation: Mee-chee
• Kanji: (道)
7. Sora
• Meaning: Sky of Love
• Pronunciation: Soh-rah
• Kanji: (空)
8. Akira
• Meaning: Bright Love and Light
• Pronunciation: Ah-kee-rah
• Kanji: (明)
9. Kaoru
• Meaning: Fragrance of Love
• Pronunciation: Kah-oh-roo
• Kanji: (薫)
10. Ritsu
• Meaning: Law, Harmony, and Love
• Pronunciation: Reet-soo
• Kanji: (律)
11. Nao
• Meaning: Honest Love
• Pronunciation: Nah-oh
• Kanji: (直)
12. Aimi
• Meaning: Beautiful Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-mee
• Kanji: (愛美)
13. Rei
• Meaning: Lovely Spirit
• Pronunciation: Ray
• Kanji: (玲)
14. Makoto
• Meaning: Sincere and True Love
• Pronunciation: Mah-koh-toh
• Kanji: (誠)
15. Hikaru
• Meaning: Radiant Light of Love
• Pronunciation: Hee-kah-roo
• Kanji: (光)
16. Asa
• Meaning: Morning Love
• Pronunciation: Ah-sah
• Kanji: (朝)
17. Hinata
• Meaning: Sunny Place of Love
• Pronunciation: Hee-nah-tah
• Kanji: (陽向)
18. Eri
• Meaning: Blessed with Love
• Pronunciation: Eh-ree
• Kanji: (恵理)
19. Noa
• Meaning: My Love, Affectionate One
• Pronunciation: Noh-ah
• Kanji: (乃愛)
20. Aito
• Meaning: Ocean of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-toh
• Kanji: (愛翔)
21. Kimi
• Meaning: Noble Love
• Pronunciation: Kee-mee
• Kanji: (君)
22. Yuuki
• Meaning: Courage and Love
• Pronunciation: Yoo-kee
• Kanji: (優希)
23. Fumi
• Meaning: History of Love
• Pronunciation: Foo-mee
• Kanji: (文)
24. Rumi
• Meaning: Flow of Love and Beauty
• Pronunciation: Roo-mee
• Kanji: (瑠美)
25. Shion
• Meaning: Aster Flower, Eternal Love
• Pronunciation: Shee-ohn
• Kanji: (紫苑)
26. Kei
• Meaning: Blessing and Respectful Love
• Pronunciation: Kay
• Kanji: (恵)
27. Izumi
• Meaning: Fountain of Love
• Pronunciation: Ee-zoo-mee
• Kanji: (泉)
28. Naoki
• Meaning: Honest and Pure Love
• Pronunciation: Nah-oh-kee
• Kanji: (直樹)
29. Ruka
• Meaning: Bright Love
• Pronunciation: Roo-kah
• Kanji: (瑠花)
30. Harumi
• Meaning: Springtime Beauty and Love
• Pronunciation: Hah-roo-mee
• Kanji: (春美)
31. Ami
• Meaning: Friend and Love
• Pronunciation: Ah-mee
• Kanji: (亜美)
32. Shun
• Meaning: Speed and Passionate Love
• Pronunciation: Shoon
• Kanji: (俊)
33. Aiya
• Meaning: Loving Kindness
• Pronunciation: Eye-yah
• Kanji: (愛也)
34. Yuki
• Meaning: Happiness and Love
• Pronunciation: Yoo-kee
• Kanji: (優希)
35. Akemi
• Meaning: Bright and Beautiful Love
• Pronunciation: Ah-keh-mee
• Kanji: (明美)
See Also: 130+ Japanese Names That Mean “Water” For Boys & Girls
Japanese Last Names Meaning Love
Japanese last names that mean “love” often symbolize heritage, compassion, and family harmony. Many of these surnames include kanji such as 愛 (Ai) meaning “love” or 心 (Kokoro) meaning “heart.” These surnames not only carry emotional depth but also reflect a cultural legacy filled with grace, unity, and peaceful affection.
1. Aizawa
• Meaning: Stream of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-zah-wah
• Kanji: (愛沢)
2. Aikawa
• Meaning: River of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-kah-wah
• Kanji: (愛川)
3. Ainohara
• Meaning: Field of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-noh-hah-rah
• Kanji: (愛野原)
4. Aida
• Meaning: Between Love and Harmony
• Pronunciation: Eye-dah
• Kanji: (会田)
5. Aihara
• Meaning: Meadow of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-hah-rah
• Kanji: (愛原)
6. Aisaka
• Meaning: Hill of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-sah-kah
• Kanji: (愛坂)
7. Aino
• Meaning: Loving Field
• Pronunciation: Eye-noh
• Kanji: (愛野)
8. Aiba
• Meaning: Place of Affection
• Pronunciation: Eye-bah
• Kanji: (相場)
9. Kagawa
• Meaning: Fragrant River of Love
• Pronunciation: Kah-gah-wah
• Kanji: (香川)
10. Aisato
• Meaning: Village of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-sah-toh
• Kanji: (愛里)
11. Aiyama
• Meaning: Mountain of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-yah-mah
• Kanji: (愛山)
12. Kogawa
• Meaning: Little River of Love
• Pronunciation: Koh-gah-wah
• Kanji: (小川)
13. Aita
• Meaning: Peaceful Love Field
• Pronunciation: Eye-tah
• Kanji: (愛田)
14. Kokoro
• Meaning: Heart, Core of Love
• Pronunciation: Koh-koh-roh
• Kanji: (心)
15. Aizumi
• Meaning: Spring of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-zoo-mee
• Kanji: (愛泉)
16. Yamai
• Meaning: Mountain of Affection
• Pronunciation: Yah-my
• Kanji: (山愛)
17. Aizono
• Meaning: Garden of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-zoh-noh
• Kanji: (愛園)
18. Nishiai
• Meaning: Western Love
• Pronunciation: Nee-shee-eye
• Kanji: (西愛)
19. Aidaoka
• Meaning: Hill Between Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-dah-oh-kah
• Kanji: (会田丘)
20. Aizumiya
• Meaning: House of Love Springs
• Pronunciation: Eye-zoo-mee-yah
• Kanji: (愛泉屋)
21. Fukai
• Meaning: Deep Love
• Pronunciation: Foo-kye
• Kanji: (深愛)
22. Aizato
• Meaning: Village of Pure Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-zah-toh
• Kanji: (愛郷)
23. Yamaihara
• Meaning: Mountain Plain of Love
• Pronunciation: Yah-my-hah-rah
• Kanji: (山愛原)
24. Aishi
• Meaning: Loving Will
• Pronunciation: Eye-shee
• Kanji: (愛志)
25. Aiwaki
• Meaning: Blooming Love Tree
• Pronunciation: Eye-wah-kee
• Kanji: (愛脇)
26. Aisakae
• Meaning: Blossom of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-sah-keh
• Kanji: (愛栄)
27. Ainozuka
• Meaning: Mound of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-noh-zoo-kah
• Kanji: (愛塚)
28. Aishima
• Meaning: Island of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-shee-mah
• Kanji: (愛島)
29. Aizaki
• Meaning: Blooming Love Blossom
• Pronunciation: Eye-zah-kee
• Kanji: (愛咲)
30. Ainohara
• Meaning: Meadow of Love and Beauty
• Pronunciation: Eye-no-hah-rah
• Kanji: (愛乃原)
31. Aitani
• Meaning: Valley of Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-tah-nee
• Kanji: (愛谷)
32. Aizumiya
• Meaning: House of Gentle Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-zoo-mee-yah
• Kanji: (愛澄屋)
33. Ainoshima
• Meaning: Island Filled with Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-no-shee-mah
• Kanji: (愛之島)
34. Koyama
• Meaning: Small Mountain of Love
• Pronunciation: Koh-yah-mah
• Kanji: (小山)
35. Aizumioka
• Meaning: Hill of Pure Love
• Pronunciation: Eye-zoo-mee-oh-kah
• Kanji: (愛泉丘)
See Also: 115+ Japanese Names That Mean “Fire” For Boys & Girls
Things You Must Know About Japanese Names Meaning Love
Japanese names that mean love are not just charming—they carry emotional and spiritual depth. In Japan, love is seen as more than romance; it’s a reflection of respect, harmony, and human connection. That’s why many parents choose kanji that express gentle feelings, inner peace, and kindness for their children.
Each name blends sound and symbolism beautifully. The kanji for “love” (愛, Ai) is often combined with characters representing beauty, hope, or purity, giving every name a unique emotional story. Whether it’s Aiko, Ren, or Yua, these names go beyond labels—they represent heartfelt emotions meant to guide the person through life.
If you’re inspired by Japanese culture, choosing a name with love as its meaning is a perfect way to express warmth and positivity. It reflects not just affection, but a life philosophy of compassion and togetherness—a message that never loses its beauty.
Our Suggestion: Before choosing any of these names for your baby, take a moment to explore their meanings and origins—it makes the choice even more special.”
Final Thought
Japanese names that mean love beautifully capture the emotions of the heart — from deep affection to spiritual harmony. Each name, whether gentle like Aiko, pure like Ai, or soulful like Ren, carries a timeless message of warmth and care. These names reflect not only the beauty of language but also the depth of feeling that Japanese culture holds so dear.
In Japan, love is seen as more than romance; it represents compassion, respect, and connection between people and nature. Choosing a name inspired by love is a way to share that gentle spirit with the world — a reminder that kindness, affection, and peace can shape a person’s destiny.
So, whether you’re drawn to traditional or modern Japanese names, let your choice speak the universal language of love — a language that never fades, no matter the era or place.
FAQS
What Japanese name means love?
Ai (愛) directly means “love” in Japanese and is one of the most popular names.
What does Aiko mean in Japanese?
Aiko (愛子) means “child of love” or “beloved child.”
Is Ai a boy or girl name in Japan?
Ai is mostly used for girls, symbolizing affection and warmth.
What Japanese boy name means love?
Aito (愛翔) means “love that soars” and is a beautiful boy’s name.
What is the kanji for love in Japanese names?
The kanji for love is 愛 (Ai), representing affection, compassion, and kindness.
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