150 Japanese boy names and their meanings

Some names appear in more than one category — and that’s no mistake. In Japanese, a single name can embody multiple qualities.

For instance, a name like Hinata can be both widely used and irresistibly cute, while Kaito feels both popular and undeniably cool.

These intentional overlaps reflect the rich versatility and depth of Japanese naming traditions.

Jump to:
Most common Japanese boy names | Unique and rare Japanese boy names | Old Japanese boy names | Cool Japanese boy names | Cute Japanese boy names

Japanese naming traditions

Japanese names often carry deep meanings tied to nature, virtues, and heritage. Traditionally, Japanese boy names are formed using one or two kanji characters, each with their own significance — such as hikari (light), taka (noble), or katsu (victory). These kanji are chosen not just for sound, but for meaning, aesthetics, and even auspicious symbolism.

Many names also follow generational customs — with elements like “ro” (meaning son) or birth order indicators such as “ichi” (first), “ji” (second), or “saburo” (third son) appearing frequently in traditional names.

While modern Japanese male names may blend creativity and trendiness, parents often still seek a balance of tradition and individuality — choosing names that honour cultural roots while giving their child a unique identity.

Most common Japanese boys names

These are some of the most well-known and widely used Japanese male first names — great choices if you’re wondering what is a good boy name in Japanese?

1. Haruto – Sun flying
2. Sota – Big and peaceful
3. Yuto – Gentle person
4. Ren – Lotus
5. Hiroto – Great flight
6. Riku – Land
7. Daiki – Great radiance
8. Takumi – Artisan
9. Kaito – Ocean flying
10. Ryusei – Shooting star
11. Shota – Big flying
12. Kenta – Healthy and strong
13. Yuki – Happiness / snow
14. Ryota – Refreshing and strong
15. Taiga – Big river
16. Koki – Bright and joyful
17. Sho – Soar or fly
18. Toma – Top of the circle
19. Itsuki – Tree
20. Reo – Brave man
21. Keita – Blessed and large
22. Minato – Harbour
23. Sora – Sky
24. Hayato – Falcon person
25. Hinata – Sunflower / sunny place
26. Ryo – Clear or refreshing
27. Haruki – Spring tree
28. Aoi – Hollyhock / blue
29. Yuma – Gentle truth
30. Subaru – Unite (also a constellation)

Unique and rare Japanese boy names

These Japanese male names are far less common but beautifully distinctive — ideal if you’re after something meaningful and unusual.

31. Naoya – Honest and straightforward
32. Isamu – Courage
33. Jiro – Second son
34. Arata – New, fresh
35. Masaki – True hope
36. Kiyoshi – Pure
37. Yoru – Night
38. Souta – Smooth big
39. Kazuki – Peaceful tree
40. Takeru – Warrior
41. Kaito – Sea and soar
42. Rento – Polished lotus
43. Akihiro – Bright and vast
44. Shuji – Disciplined rule
45. Nagi – Calm or lull
46. Aoiro – Blue colour
47. Michio – Man on a journey
48. Eita – Eternally thick
49. Makoto – Sincere
50. Saku – Blossom
51. Soma – Smooth truth
52. Ichiro – First son
53. Fumito – Scholarly person
54. Reiji – Courteous child
55. Masaru – Victory
56. Kaoru – Fragrance
57. Rihito – Person of principles
58. Tsukasa – Manager / ruler
59. Ayumu – Walk or progress
60. Akito – Bright person

Unique and rare Japanese boy names

These Japanese male names are far less common but beautifully distinctive — ideal if you’re after something meaningful and unusual.

31. Naoya – Honest and straightforward
32. Isamu – Courage
33. Jiro – Second son
34. Arata – New, fresh
35. Masaki – True hope
36. Kiyoshi – Pure
37. Yoru – Night
38. Souta – Smooth big
39. Kazuki – Peaceful tree
40. Takeru – Warrior
41. Kaito – Sea and soar
42. Rento – Polished lotus
43. Akihiro – Bright and vast
44. Shuji – Disciplined rule
45. Nagi – Calm or lull
46. Aoiro – Blue colour
47. Michio – Man on a journey
48. Eita – Eternally thick
49. Makoto – Sincere
50. Saku – Blossom
51. Soma – Smooth truth
52. Ichiro – First son
53. Fumito – Scholarly person
54. Reiji – Courteous child
55. Masaru – Victory
56. Kaoru – Fragrance
57. Rihito – Person of principles
58. Tsukasa – Manager / ruler
59. Ayumu – Walk or progress
60. Akito – Bright person

Old Japanese boy names

These male names have vintage roots and traditional flair — often seen in historical texts or used by older generations. If you’re looking for something steeped in Japanese tradition, these are wonderful picks.

61. Saburo – Third son
62. Goro – Fifth son
63. Shigeru – Luxuriant
64. Tadashi – Loyal or faithful
65. Masao – Righteous man
66. Noboru – Ascend
67. Yoshio – Joyful man
68. Kinji – Golden rule
69. Toru – Persistent or penetrate
70. Katsu – Victory
71. Ichiro – Firstborn son
72. Hideo – Excellent man
73. Junnosuke – Pure help
74. Fumio – Literature man
75. Yutaka – Abundant
76. Akira – Bright / intelligent
77. Hideki – Excellent tree
78. Masashi – Righteous aspiration
79. Takeo – Brave man
80. Katsuro – Victorious son
81. Shinsuke – Faithful help
82. Tsutomu – Diligence
83. Yasuo – Peaceful man
84. Naoki – Honest tree
85. Ryoichi – Good first son
86. Keiji – Respectful second son
87. Satoshi – Wise
88. Hiroshi – Generous
89. Tetsuya – Philosophy or iron man
90. Nobuyuki – Faithful happiness

Cool Japanese boy names

If you’re wondering what is a cool male Japanese name? — this section has you covered. These names combine stylish sounds, modern vibes, and bold meanings that feel effortlessly cool and confident.

91. Renji – Lotus second son
92. Kaito – Ocean fly
93. Shion – Aster flower or sound of poem
94. Jin – Samurai / benevolence
95. Takao – Noble hero
96. Hikaru – Radiance
97. Daigo – Great enlightenment
98. Raito – Light (Japanese form of \"Light\")
99. Zen – Meditation or calm
100. Kuro – Black
101. Haru – Spring / clear weather
102. Raiden – Thunder and lightning
103. Ryuki – Dragon radiance
104. Kazuya – Harmony and peace
105. Tatsuya – Dragon and to be
106. Shoma – Soaring truth
107. Gaku – Learning
108. Taishi – Ambitious
109. Kazuma – Peaceful truth
110. Rui – Kind or tear (dual meanings)
111. Shiro – Fourth son / white
112. Hikari – Light
113. Aoshi – Blue leader
114. Kyo – Cooperation / capital city
115. Senzai – Thousand talents
116. Yukiya – Happy arrow
117. Rikuo – Land hero
118. Rei – Spirit / gratitude
119. Kairi – Ocean village
120. Toma – Twin truth

Cute Japanese boy names

These names sound soft, playful, or have adorably sweet meanings — perfect if you're after something gentle, joyful or simply heartwarming for your little boy.

121. Kota – Peaceful and great
122. Haruma – Sun and real truth
123. Yuki – Happiness / snow
124. Aoi – Blue / hollyhock
125. Sota – Big and peaceful
126. Hinata – Sunny place / sunflower
127. Yuma – Calm truth
128. Riku – Land
129. Niko – Smile / sunlight
130. Koma – Little pony
131. Amane – Heavenly sound
132. Hina – Sunlight
133. Rinto – Gentle lotus
134. Kosei – Radiant star
135. Miki – Beautiful tree
136. Sosuke – Helping assistant
137. Taiki – Big shine
138. Yuto – Gentle person
139. Aoto – Blue soar
140. Tsubasa – Wings
141. Mahiro – True wide
142. Haruki – Spring tree
143. Nari – Chime
144. Ayato – Colourful person
145. Mirai – Future
146. Eiji – Eternity and second son
147. Reikao – Lovely fragrance boy
148. Shun – Speedy / talented
149. Aki – Autumn / bright
150. Yori – Reliable

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