In the enchanting world of baby names, we often find ourselves drawn to those that sparkle with light, exude joy, embody beauty, or resonate with strength.
It’s a natural inclination to choose names that illuminate our lives, creating a sense of warmth and positivity. But what about names associated with dark meanings? Why would parents opt for Japanese names with dark meanings?
We are all wonderfully unique, and while I won’t embark on a journey through the labyrinth of your thoughts, I can certainly appreciate the allure.
Perhaps you’re someone who cherishes the quiet elegance that the night brings, finding solace and tranquility in its stillness.
For those who aren’t early risers, the night might hold a special charm. Maybe the profound depth of the color black speaks to your soul, symbolizing not only mystery but also strength and power. It’s fascinating how the darkness can be a canvas for the imagination, inviting us to explore the unknown.
So, whether you’re captivated by the serenity of the night, find strength in the color black, or are simply drawn to the enigma of the shadows, choosing a name associated with Japanese darkness can be a poetic and meaningful decision for your little one.
Join me on this journey as we unravel the beauty and significance behind Japanese names with dark meanings that gracefully dance in the shadows.
Table of Contents
ToggleJapanese names with dark meanings
- Yami (闇)
- Meaning: Japanese word for Darkness
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee
- Kurayami (暗闇)
- Meaning: Darkness
- Pronunciation: Koo-rah-yah-mee
- Ankoku (暗黒)
- Meaning: Darkness
- Pronunciation: Ahn-koh-koo
- Kuragari (暗がり)
- Meaning: Darkness, shadow
- Pronunciation: Koo-rah-gah-ree
- Yamio (闇夫)
- Meaning: Man of darkness
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-oh
- Kokumo (黒雲)
- Meaning: Black cloud
- Pronunciation: Koh-koo-moh
- Kageyama (影山)
- Meaning: Shadow mountain
- Pronunciation: Kah-geh-yah-mah
- Yamitora (闇虎)
- Meaning: Dark tiger
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-toh-rah
- Kurogane (黒鉄)
- Meaning: Black iron
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-gah-neh
- Yamikaze (闇風)
- Meaning: Dark wind
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-kah-zeh
- Ankokuji (暗黒寺)
- Meaning: Dark temple
- Pronunciation: Ahn-koh-koo-jee
- Kuraihikari (暗い光)
- Meaning: Dark light
- Pronunciation: Koo-rye-hee-kah-ree
- Kagetora (影虎)
- Meaning: Shadow tiger
- Pronunciation: Kah-geh-toh-rah
- Kuroyami (黒闇)
- Meaning: Black darkness
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-yah-mee
- Yamizuru (闇鶴)
- Meaning: Dark crane
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-zoo-roo
- Kuronami (黒波)
- Meaning: Black wave
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-nah-mee
- Kumori (曇り)
- Meaning: Cloudy, gloomy
- Pronunciation: Koo-moh-ree
- Yamikumo (闇雲)
- Meaning: Dark cloud
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-koo-moh
- Kageaki (影秋)
- Meaning: Shadow of autumn
- Pronunciation: Kah-geh-ah-kee
- Kurayami (暗闇)
- Meaning: Darkness
- Pronunciation: Koo-rah-yah-mee
- Kuroshiro (黒白)
- Meaning: Black and white
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-shee-roh
- Ankoku (暗黒)
- Meaning: Darkness
- Pronunciation: Ahn-koh-koo
- Kuraihana (暗い花)
- Meaning: Dark flower
- Pronunciation: Koo-rye-hah-nah
- Yamizora (闇空)
- Meaning: Dark sky
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-zoh-rah
- Kurotane (黒種)
- Meaning: Black seed
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-tah-neh
- Kurogami (黒神)
- Meaning: Black god
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-gah-mee
- Kagehoshi (影星)
- Meaning: Shadow star
- Pronunciation: Kah-geh-hoh-shee
- Kurokawa (黒川)
- Meaning: Black river
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-kah-wah
- Yamirei (闇霊)
- Meaning: Dark spirit
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-ray
- Kuroniwa (暗庭)
- Meaning: Dark garden
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-nee-wah
- Kuroishi (黒石)
- Meaning: Black rock
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-eee-shee
Japanese names with dark meanings for little boy:
- Yami (闇)
- Meaning: Darkness
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee
- Ankoku (暗黒)
- Meaning: Darkness, gloom
- Pronunciation: Ahn-koh-koo
- Kurayami (暗闇)
- Meaning: Darkness, pitch darkness
- Pronunciation: Koo-rah-yah-mee
- Yoru (夜)
- Meaning: Night (associated with darkness)
- Pronunciation: Yoh-roo
- Kurai (暗い)
- Meaning: Dark, gloomy
- Pronunciation: Koo-rye
- Kokushoku (黒色)
- Meaning: Black color
- Pronunciation: Koh-koo-shoh-koo
- Shin’ya (深夜)
- Meaning: Late at night, deep night
- Pronunciation: Sheen-yah
- Shikkoku (漆黒)
- Meaning: Jet black
- Pronunciation: Sheek-koh-koo
- Kage (影)
- Meaning: Shadow
- Pronunciation: Kah-geh
- Ankoku no Tenshi (暗黒の天使)
- Meaning: Dark Angel
- Pronunciation: Ahn-koh-koo no Ten-shee
Japanese names with dark meanings for little girl:
- Yami (闇)
- Meaning: Darkness
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee
- Kurayami (暗闇)
- Meaning: Darkness, pitch darkness
- Pronunciation: Koo-rah-yah-mee
- Yoru (夜)
- Meaning: Night (associated with darkness)
- Pronunciation: Yoh-roo
- Ankoku (暗黒)
- Meaning: Darkness, gloom
- Pronunciation: Ahn-koh-koo
- Kurai (暗い)
- Meaning: Dark, gloomy
- Pronunciation: Koo-rye
- Kokushoku (黒色)
- Meaning: Black color
- Pronunciation: Koh-koo-shoh-koo
- Yamiko (闇子)
- Meaning: Child of darkness
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-koh
- Kageboshi (影星)
- Meaning: Shadow star
- Pronunciation: Kah-geh-boh-shee
- Yomigaeri (蘇り)
- Meaning: Resurrection, revival (can be associated with emerging from darkness)
- Pronunciation: Yoh-mee-gah-eh-ree
- Yamisen (闇線)
- Meaning: Dark line
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-sen
Japanese names with dark meanings Neutral or Unisex:
- Kumori (曇り)
- Meaning: Cloudiness (can be associated with dimness or darkness)
- Pronunciation: Koo-moh-ree
- Yamirin (闇凛)
- Meaning: Cold darkness
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-reen
- Yamika (闇華)
- Meaning: Dark flower
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-kah
- Kuragari (暗がり)
- Meaning: Darkness, dark place
- Pronunciation: Koo-rah-gah-ree
- Yamiko (闇子)
- Meaning: Child of darkness
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-koh
- Kageri (陰り)
- Meaning: Shade, shadow
- Pronunciation: Kah-geh-ree
- Yamiyo (闇夜)
- Meaning: Dark night
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-yoh
- Ankoku no Hikari (暗黒の光)
- Meaning: Dark Light
- Pronunciation: Ahn-koh-koo no Hee-kah-ree
- Kokuyō (黒夜)
- Meaning: Black night
- Pronunciation: Koh-koo-yoh
- Yamitsuki (闇付き)
- Meaning: Affiliated with darkness
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-tskee
JAPANESE names THAT MEAN BLACK:
Boys' Name:
- Kuro (黒)
- Meaning: Black
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh
- Kurosuke (黒助)
- Meaning: Black helper
- Pronunciation: Koo-roo-skeh
- Kurou (九郎)
- Meaning: Ninth son
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh
- Kokuto (黒兎)
- Meaning: Black rabbit
- Pronunciation: Koh-koo-toh
- Kuroki (黒木)
- Meaning: Black tree
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-kee
- Kurono (黒野)
- Meaning: Black field
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-noh
- Kumori (曇り)
- Meaning: Cloudy, gloomy (can also be associated with blackness)
- Pronunciation: Koo-moh-ree
- Kuruma (車)
- Meaning: Car, vehicle (can be associated with a black car)
- Pronunciation: Koo-roo-mah
- Kuruma (玖瑠磨)
- Meaning: Black jade
- Pronunciation: Koo-roo-mah
- Kokushoku (黒色)
- Meaning: Black color
- Pronunciation: Koh-koo-shoh-koo
- Kuransu (クランス)
- Meaning: Black lily
- Pronunciation: Koo-rahn-soo
- Kuromu (クロム)
- Meaning: Black mist
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-moo
- Kuroudo (九郎太)
- Meaning: Big and black
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-doh
- Kuroguro (黒黒)
- Meaning: Very black
- Pronunciation: Koo-roo-goo-roh
- Kuronami (黒波)
- Meaning: Black wave
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-nah-mee
- Kurayami (暗闇)
- Meaning: Darkness (can be associated with blackness)
- Pronunciation: Koo-rah-yah-mee
- Kuroishi (黒石)
- Meaning: Black stone
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-ee-shee
- Kurouta (九郎太)
- Meaning: Big and black
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-oo-tah
- Kurosora (黒空)
- Meaning: Black sky
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-soh-rah
- Kuroniwa (暗庭)
- Meaning: Dark garden (can be associated with blackness)
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-nee-wah
Girls' Name:
- Kurohana (黒花)
- Meaning: Black flower
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-hah-nah
- Kuroume (九郎芽)
- Meaning: Sprout of the ninth son
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-oo-meh
- Kurumi (胡桃)
- Meaning: Walnut (can be associated with a dark color)
- Pronunciation: Koo-roo-mee
- Kurona (黒菜)
- Meaning: Black vegetable
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-nah
- Kurotsume (黒爪)
- Meaning: Black claw
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-tsoo-meh
- Kurumi (くるみ)
- Meaning: Walnut (can be associated with a dark color)
- Pronunciation: Koo-roo-mee
- Kokuryuu (黒龍)
- Meaning: Black dragon
- Pronunciation: Koh-koo-ryoo
- Kumokiri (雲霧)
- Meaning: Cloud and mist (can be associated with a dark atmosphere)
- Pronunciation: Koo-moh-kee-ree
- Kurojishi (黒獅子)
- Meaning: Black lion
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-jee-shee
- Kurenai (紅蓮)
- Meaning: Crimson (can be associated with a dark or deep red color)
- Pronunciation: Koo-reh-nai
Japanese Names that Mean Night FOR BOYS
- Yoru (夜)
- Meaning: Night
- Pronunciation: Yoh-roo
- Yami (闇)
- Meaning: Darkness (can also be associated with night)
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee
- Koya (夜矢)
- Meaning: Night arrow
- Pronunciation: Koh-yah
- Yozora (夜空)
- Meaning: Night sky
- Pronunciation: Yoh-zoh-rah
- Yakai (夜怪)
- Meaning: Night spirit
- Pronunciation: Yah-kai
- Yasashi (夜叉子)
- Meaning: Night demon
- Pronunciation: Yah-sah-shee
- Yoruaki (夜秋)
- Meaning: Autumn night
- Pronunciation: Yoh-roo-ah-kee
- Yobu (夜舞)
- Meaning: Night dance
- Pronunciation: Yoh-boo
- Yoake (夜明け)
- Meaning: Dawn (but can be associated with the end of the night)
- Pronunciation: Yoh-ah-keh
- Yofune (夜船)
- Meaning: Night boat
- Pronunciation: Yoh-foo-neh
- Yoruha (夜羽)
- Meaning: Night feather
- Pronunciation: Yoh-roo-hah
- Yomichi (夜道)
- Meaning: Night road
- Pronunciation: Yoh-mee-chee
- Yodomi (夜寝)
- Meaning: Sleeping at night
- Pronunciation: Yoh-doh-mee
- Yofuke (夜更け)
- Meaning: Late at night
- Pronunciation: Yoh-foo-keh
- Yogiri (夜霧)
- Meaning: Night fog
- Pronunciation: Yoh-gee-ree
Japanese Names that Mean Night FOR GIRLS
- Yoruha (夜羽)
- Meaning: Night feather
- Pronunciation: Yoh-roo-hah
- Ahma:
- Meaning: Black rain
- Pronunciation: Ah-ma
- Yomogi (夜茂木)
- Meaning: Night grass
- Pronunciation: Yoh-moh-gee
- Yoruame (夜雨)
- Meaning: Night rain
- Pronunciation: Yoh-roo-ah-meh
- Yomichi (夜道)
- Meaning: Night road
- Pronunciation: Yoh-mee-chee
- Yonaka (夜中)
- Meaning: Midnight
- Pronunciation: Yoh-nah-kah
- Yukari (夜香里)
- Meaning: Fragrance of the night
- Pronunciation: Yoo-kah-ree
- Yoruno (夜野)
- Meaning: Night field
- Pronunciation: Yoh-roo-noh
- Yobun (夜文)
- Meaning: Night pattern
- Pronunciation: Yoh-boon
- Yukiai (夜会)
- Meaning: Night meeting
- Pronunciation: Yoo-kee-ah-ee
- Yoruhana (夜花)
- Meaning: Night flower
- Pronunciation: Yoh-roo-hah-nah
- Yozakura (夜桜)
- Meaning: Night cherry blossom
- Pronunciation: Yoh-zah-koo-rah
- Yuruyaka (夜柔)
- Meaning: Gentle night
- Pronunciation: Yoo-roo-yah-kah
- Yukine (夜妖音)
- Meaning: Night enchanting sound
- Pronunciation: Yoo-kee-neh
- Yomichi (夜道)
- Meaning: Night road
- Pronunciation: Yoh-mee-chee
- Yomogi (夜茂木)
- Meaning: Night grass
- Pronunciation: Yoh-moh-gee
Japanese Names that mean Bad FOR BOYS
- Akumu (悪夢)
- Meaning: Nightmare
- Pronunciation: Ah-koo-moo
- Akuryo (悪霊)
- Meaning: Evil spirit
- Pronunciation: Ah-koo-ryoh
- Akuji (悪事)
- Meaning: Evil deed
- Pronunciation: Ah-koo-jee
- Kuraaku (暗悪)
- Meaning: Dark and evil
- Pronunciation: Koo-rah-koo
- Jaaku (邪悪)
- Meaning: Wickedness
- Pronunciation: Jah-ah-koo
- Yamikumo (闇雲)
- Meaning: Dark cloud
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-koo-moh
- Kuroaku (黒悪)
- Meaning: Black evil
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-ah-koo
- Makoto (誠)
- While not explicitly negative, it can be associated with sincerity, and it’s a common name for villains in Japanese media.
- Pronunciation: Mah-koh-toh
- Kuraitsuki (暗月)
- Meaning: Dark moon
- Pronunciation: Koo-rye-tskee
- Mujitsu (無実)
- Meaning: Innocence (ironically, as it contains “mujitsu,” meaning nothingness)
- Pronunciation: Moo-jee-tsoo
- Akuun (悪運)
- Meaninng: Bad luck
- Pronunciation: Ah-koo-oon
Japanese Names that mean Bad FOR GIRLS
- Akumetsu (悪滅)
- Meaning: Destruction of evil
- Pronunciation: Ah-koo-meh-tsoo
- Jaakuna (邪悪な)
- Meaning: Wicked
- Pronunciation: Jah-ah-koo-nah
- Yamikawa (闇川)
- Meaning: Dark river
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-kah-wah
- Kurayami (暗闇)
- Meaning: Darkness
- Pronunciation: Koo-rah-yah-mee
- Yamionna (闇女)
- Meaning: Dark woman
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-on-nah
- Kurobara (黒薔薇)
- Meaning: Black rose
- Pronunciation: Koo-roh-bah-rah
- Maaku (魔悪)
- Meaning: Devilish evil
- Pronunciation: Mah-ah-koo
- Jama (邪魔)
- While not explicitly negative, it means “obstacle” or “nuisance.”
- Pronunciation: Jah-mah
- Yamikawa (闇河)
- Meaning: Dark river
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-kah-wah
- Yamitsuki (闇憑き)
- Meaning: Possessed by darkness
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-tsoo-kee
Japanese Names that mean Bad (Unisex)
- Jyaku (邪駆)
- Meaning: Evil drive
- Pronunciation: Jah-koo
- Yamikaze (闇風)
- Meaning: Dark wind
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-kah-zeh
- Koku (黒)
- Meaning: Black
- Pronunciation: Koh-koo
- Akuma (悪魔)
- Meaning: Devil or evil spirits
- Pronunciation: Ah-koo-mah
- Kurai (暗い)
- Meaning: Dark
- Pronunciation: Koo-rye
- Jaakuto (邪悪徒)
- Meaning: Wicked person
- Pronunciation: Jah-ah-koo-toh
- Yamiyo (闇夜)
- Meaning: Dark night
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-yoh
- Kurayami (暗闇)
- Meaning: Darkness
- Pronunciation: Koo-rah-yah-mee
- Yamiko (闇子)
- Meaning: Child of darkness
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee-koh
- Kuraihana (暗い花)
- Meaning: Dark flower
- Pronunciation: Koo-rye-hah-nah
Japanese names that mean mystery For Boys
- Fushigi (不思議)
- Meaning: Mystery, wonder
- Pronunciation: Foo-shee-gee
- Nazo (謎)
- Meaning: Enigma, mystery
- Pronunciation: Nah-zoh
- Kaijin (怪人)
- Meaning: Mysterious person
- Pronunciation: Kai-jeen
- Ayumu (歩夢)
- Meaning: Walking dream (can suggest a mysterious journey)
- Pronunciation: Ah-yoo-moo
- Kimyō (奇妙)
- Meaning: Strange, mysterious
- Pronunciation: Kee-myoh
- Shinpi (神秘)
- Meaning: Mystery, mystique
- Pronunciation: Shin-pee
- Yugen (幽玄)
- Meaning: Profound mystery
- Pronunciation: Yoo-gen
- Fūin (封印)
- Meaning: Seal, mystery
- Pronunciation: Foo-een
- Kai (怪)
- Meaning: Mystery, strange
- Pronunciation: Kai
- Kirisame (霧雨)
- Meaning: Misty rain (suggesting a mysterious atmosphere)
- Pronunciation: Kee-ree-sah-meh
Japanese names that mean mystery For GIRLS
- Fushigi (不思議)
- Meaning: Mystery, wonder
- Pronunciation: Foo-shee-gee
- Nazo (謎)
- Meaning: Enigma, mystery
- Pronunciation: Nah-zoh
- Kimika (奇未加)
- Meaning: Mysterious future
- Pronunciation: Kee-mee-kah
- Kurumiko (車子)
- Meaning: Mysterious child
- Pronunciation: Koo-roo-mee-koh
- Ayumu (歩夢)
- Meaning: Walking dream (can suggest a mysterious journey)
- Pronunciation: Ah-yoo-moo
- Kage (影)
- Meaning: Shadow
- Pronunciation: Kah-geh
- Kasumi (霞)
- Meaning: Mist, haze (suggesting mystery)
- Pronunciation: Kah-soo-mee
- Mikoto (神秘)
- Meaning: Mystery, noble
- Pronunciation: Mee-koh-toh
- Shizuka (静)
- Meaning: Quiet, mysterious
- Pronunciation: Shee-zoo-kah
- Yumiko (夢子)
- Meaning: Dream child (suggesting a mysterious presence)
- Pronunciation: Yoo-mee-koh
Japanese names that mean mystery (Neutral)
- Kaiji (怪事)
- Meaning: Mysterious event
- Pronunciation: Kai-jee
- Mika (謎花)
- Meaning: Mysterious flower
- Pronunciation: Mee-kah
- Reiko (零子)
- Meaning: Mysterious child
- Pronunciation: Ray-koh
- Akira (謙)
- While not explicitly mysterious, it can convey a sense of mystery or ambiguity.
- Pronunciation: Ah-kee-rah
- Kuroi (黒い)
- Meaning: Black (can suggest a mysterious aura)
- Pronunciation: Koo-roy
- Mikumo (謎雲)
- Meaning: Mysterious cloud
- Pronunciation: Mee-koo-moh
- Tōku (遠く)
- Meaning: Distant (can suggest mystery or the unknown)
- Pronunciation: Toh-koo
- Mizuki (瑞月)
- Meaning: Beautiful moon (suggesting mystery)
- Pronunciation: Mee-zoo-kee
- Shin (心)
- Meaning: Heart, spirit (can suggest inner mystery)
- Pronunciation: Sheen
- Yurei (幽霊)
- Meaning: Ghost, spirit (conveying a sense of mystery)
- Pronunciation: Yoo-ray
Japanese Names that mean Sad For Girls
- Kanashimi (悲)
- Meaning: Sorrow, sadness
- Pronunciation: Kah-nah-shee-mee
- Namida (涙)
- Meaning: Tear
- Pronunciation: Nah-mee-dah
- Urei (憂い)
- Meaning: Grief, sorrow
- Pronunciation: Oo-ray
- Setsunai (切ない)
- Meaning: Heartrending, painful
- Pronunciation: Seh-tsu-nai
- Kurai (暗い)
- Meaning: Dark, gloomy
- Pronunciation: Koo-rye
- Kanashii (悲しい)
- Meaning: Sad
- Pronunciation: Kah-nah-shee
- Shizuka (静)
- Meaning: Quiet, calm (can be associated with a somber mood)
- Pronunciation: Shee-zoo-kah
- Shirushii (しるしい)
- Meaning: Sorrowful
- Pronunciation: Shee-roo-shee
- Ai (哀)
- Meaning: Sorrow, grief
- Pronunciation: Ah-ee
- Itoshii (愛しい)
- While it generally means “dear” or “beloved,” it can carry a melancholic tone in certain contexts.
- Pronunciation: Ee-toh-shee
JAPANESE NAMES THAT MEAN SAD FOR BOYS
- Uruwashii (憂鬱)
- Meaning: Melancholy
- Pronunciation: Oo-roo-wah-shee
- Sabishii (寂しい)
- Meaning: Lonely, sad
- Pronunciation: Sah-bee-shee
- Kurai (暗い)
- Meaning: Dark, gloomy
- Pronunciation: Koo-rye
- Yami (闇)
- Meaning: Darkness (can be associated with a somber mood)
- Pronunciation: Yah-mee
- Kanashii (悲しい)
- Meaning: Sad
- Pronunciation: Kah-nah-shee
- Uso (嘘)
- Meaning: Lie (can carry a sense of deception or sadness)
- Pronunciation: Oo-soh
- Shizuka (静)
- Meaning: Quiet, calm (can be associated with a somber mood)
- Pronunciation: Shee-zoo-kah
- Shuu (愁)
- Meaning: Sorrow, distress
- Pronunciation: Shoo
- Yūutsu (憂鬱)
- Meaning: Melancholy, depression
- Pronunciation: Yoo-oo-tsoo
- Kanashimi (悲)
- Meaning: Sorrow, sadness
- Pronunciation: Kah-nah-shee-mee
JAPANESE NAMES THAT MEAN SAD FOR (Gender-neutral name or Unisex name:)
- Nageki (嘆き)
- Meaning: Grief, lamentation
- Pronunciation: Nah-geh-kee
- Setsuna (刹那)
- Meaning: Moment (can convey the fleeting nature of happiness, bringing a sense of sadness)
- Pronunciation: Seh-tsoo-nah
- Nagai (悲しい)
- Meaning: Longing, sad
- Pronunciation: Nah-gah-ee
- Sabishi (淋しい)
- Meaning: Lonely, sad
- Pronunciation: Sah-bee-shee
- Kanashiki (悲しき)
- Meaning: Sorrowful
- Pronunciation: Kah-nah-shee-kee
- Uruoi (潤い)
- Meaning: Moisture (can be associated with tears or a melancholic atmosphere)
- Pronunciation: Oo-roh-ee
- Iruka (悲るか)
- Meaning: To grieve
- Pronunciation: Ee-roo-kah
- Namida (涙)
- Meaning: Tear
- Pronunciation: Nah-mee-dah
- Akubi (嘆き)
- Meaning: Sigh, lament
- Pronunciation: Ah-koo-bee
- Aishū (哀愁)
- Meaning: Sorrow, grief
- Pronunciation: Ah-ee-shoo
Japanese names that mean Moon For Girls
- Tsuki (月)
- Meaning: Moon
- Pronunciation: Tsoo-kee
- Mitsuki (美月)
- Meaning: Beautiful moon
- Pronunciation: Mee-tsoo-kee
- Haruka (遥か)
- Meaning: Distant, far (can be associated with the moon in a poetic sense)
- Pronunciation: Hah-roo-kah
- Selen (セレン)
- Meaning: Moonlight
- Pronunciation: Seh-ren
- Koharu (小春)
- Meaning: Small spring (often associated with the moon in Japanese poetry)
- Pronunciation: Koh-hah-roo
- Tsukiko (月子)
- Meaning: Moon child
- Pronunciation: Tsoo-kee-koh
- Aya (彩)
- Meaning: Color, design (associated with the moon’s changing phases)
- Pronunciation: Ah-yah
- Ayaka (彩花)
- Meaning: Colorful flower (linked with the moon’s beauty)
- Pronunciation: Ah-yah-kah
- Akari (明かり)
- Meaning: Light (as in moonlight)
- Pronunciation: Ah-kah-ree
- Mahina (まひな)
- Meaning: Moonlight
- Pronunciation: Mah-hee-nah
JAPANESE NAMES THAT MEAN MOON FOR BOYS
- Tsukasa (司)
- Meaning: Administration, master (used poetically to refer to the moon)
- Pronunciation: Tsoo-kah-sah
- Michiru (満ちる)
- Meaning: To be filled (as in the full moon)
- Pronunciation: Mee-chee-roo
- Daisuke (大輔)
- Meaning: Great help (associated with the moon’s guidance)
- Pronunciation: Die-soo-kay
- Yoru (夜)
- Meaning: Night (often connected with the moon)
- Pronunciation: Yoh-roo
- Tsukasa (つかさ)
- Meaning: Moonlight
- Pronunciation: Tsoo-kah-sah
- Haruki (春樹)
- Meaning: Spring tree (symbolic of the moon’s connection with nature)
- Pronunciation: Hah-roo-kee
- Kaito (海斗)
- Meaning: Ocean, big dipper (associated with the moon’s influence on tides)
- Pronunciation: Kai-toh
- Teruko (照子)
- Meaning: Shining child (related to the moon’s radiance)
- Pronunciation: Teh-roo-koh
- Akihiro (明宏)
- Meaning: Bright and large (linked with the moon’s luminosity)
- Pronunciation: Ah-kee-hee-roh
- Yasuo (康夫)
- Meaning: Peaceful man (connected with the calmness of the moon)
- Pronunciation: Yah-soo-oh
JAPANESE NAMES THAT MEAN MOON FOR Neutral or Unisex name
- Mizuki (美月)
- Meaning: Beautiful moon
- Pronunciation: Mee-zoo-kee
- Ren (蓮)
- Meaning: Lotus flower (symbolizing the moon’s reflection)
- Pronunciation: Rehn
- Yuzuki (柚希)
- Meaning: Citrus fruit and hope (associated with the moon’s positive influence)
- Pronunciation: Yoo-zoo-kee
- Hikaru (光)
- Meaning: Light (often used in the context of moonlight)
- Pronunciation: Hee-kah-roo
- Koizumi (小泉)
- Meaning: Small fountain (symbolizing the moon’s reflection)
- Pronunciation: Koh-ee-zoo-mee
- Kiran (奇蘭)
- Meaning: Strange orchid (connected with the moon’s beauty)
- Pronunciation: Kee-rahn
- Minato (湊)
- Meaning: Harbor (associated with the moon’s reflection on water)
- Pronunciation: Mee-nah-toh
- Sora (空)
- Meaning: Sky (often linked with the moon)
- Pronunciation: Soh-rah
- Ruka (流星)
- Meaning: Shooting star (associated with celestial bodies like the moon)
- Pronunciation: Roo-kah
- Nozomi (望)
- Meaning: Hope, desire (reflective of the moon’s symbolism)
- Pronunciation: Noh-zoh-mee
Names in Japanese Folklore / Japanese Mythology
- Yūrei (幽霊)
- Meaning: Ghost
- Pronunciation: Yoo-ray
- Onryō (怨霊)
- Meaning: Vengeful spirit
- Pronunciation: On-ree-oh
- Kuchisake-onna (口裂け女)
- Meaning: Slit-mouthed woman
- Pronunciation: Koo-chee-sah-keh oh-nah
- Tengu (天狗)
- Meaning: A supernatural creature with human and bird-like traits
- Pronunciation: Ten-goo
- Kappa (河童)
- Meaning: Water imp
- Pronunciation: Kah-pah
- Rokurokubi (轆轤首)
- Meaning: Long-necked woman
- Pronunciation: Roh-koo-roh-koo-bee
- Noppera-bō (のっぺらぼう)
- Meaning: Faceless ghost
- Pronunciation: Noh-peh-rah-boh
- Shōkera (生け贄)
- Meaning: Child-sacrificing ghost
- Pronunciation: Show-keh-rah
- Kawa-no-kami (川の神)
- Meaning: River deity
- Pronunciation: Kah-wah-noh-kah-mee
- Kijo (鬼女)
- Meaning: Demon woman
- Pronunciation: Kee-joh
- Jikininki (食人鬼)
- Meaning: Man-eating ghost
- Pronunciation: Jee-keen-een-kee
- Yōkai (妖怪)
- Meaning: A class of supernatural creatures
- Pronunciation: Yoh-kai
- Shōjō (猩々)
- Meaning: Red-faced sea spirit
- Pronunciation: Show-joh
- Nurarihyon (ぬらりひょん)
- Meaning: A youkai who appears in human homes uninvited
- Pronunciation: Noo-rah-ree-hyohn
- Ubume (産女)
- Meaning: Ghost of a woman who died during childbirth
- Pronunciation: Oo-boo-meh
- Hitotsume-kozō (一つ目小僧)
- Meaning: One-eyed child monk
- Pronunciation: Hee-toh-tsoo-meh-koh-zoh
- Raijū (雷獣)
- Meaning: Thunder beast
- Pronunciation: Rai-joo
- Tenome (手の目)
- Meaning: Eyes on hands ghost
- Pronunciation: Teh-no-meh
- Yama-uba (山姥)
- Meaning: Mountain witch
- Pronunciation: Yah-mah-oo-bah
- Funayūrei (船幽霊)
- Meaning: Ghost of a shipwreck victim
- Pronunciation: Foo-nah-yoo-ray
- Shōki (鍾馗)
- Meaning: Demon queller
- Pronunciation: Show-kee
- Gashadokuro (がしゃどくろ)
- Meaning: Giant skeleton
- Pronunciation: Gah-shah-doh-koo-roh
- Yamata-no-Orochi (八岐の大蛇)
- Meaning: Eight-headed serpent
- Pronunciation: Yah-mah-tah-noh-oh-roh-chee
- Yuki-onna (雪女)
- Meaning: Snow woman
- Pronunciation: Yoo-kee-oh-nah
- Jorōgumo (絡新婦)
- Meaning: Binding bride
- Pronunciation: Joh-roh-goo-moh
- Amanojaku (天邪鬼)
- Meaning: Mischievous demon
- Pronunciation: Ah-mah-noh-jah-koo
- Yamachichi (山地乳)
- Meaning: Mountain spirit
- Pronunciation: Yah-mah-chee-chee
- Iso-onna (磯女)
- Meaning: Coastal woman
- Pronunciation: Ee-soh-oh-nah
- Satori (覚)
- Meaning: Mind reader
- Pronunciation: Sah-toh-ree
- Hone-onna (骨女)
- Meaning: Bone woman
- Pronunciation: Hoh-neh-oh-nah
Popular Japanese Names that means dark with positive meanings / interesting meanings
Mikage (美影)
- Meaning: Beautiful Shadow / Dark Beauty
- Pronunciation: Mee-Kah-geh
Eiko(影湖)
- Meaning: Shadow Lake
- Pronunciation: Ay-Koh
Kuraimori (暗い森)
- Meaning: Dark Forest
- Pronunciation: Ku-rai-mo-ri
Kagemi (影美)
- Meaning: Beautiful Shadow
- Pronunciation: Kah-geh-mee
Final Thoughts
In recent years, Japanese names have been a popular choice in western culture.
As a mom who simply loves anime and is enchanted by the beauty of the Japanese language and culture, when we were on the delightful journey of picking the perfect name for our little one, the name RECCA found a special spot on our list.
RECCA is a such cool and unique name meaning “raging fire”. In popular culture, he is the protagonist of the anime, Flame of Recca.
Japanese words have this lovely poetic rhythm that gives them a beautiful, almost musical, sound. I get why so many folks are drawn to giving their little ones names that carry this enchanting quality.
Cheers to the magic of Japanese names and the heartfelt process of choosing one that feels just right for your family. Keep in mind that pronunciation might dance a little differently, and the meanings can vary based on those fancy kanji characters.
If you’re curious about the authentic pronunciation and cultural context, chatting with native speakers or experts is a thoughtful idea. Remember to do your own research. Happy naming!