Akira Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

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At a Glance

Meaning
Bright, clear-minded (meaning depends on the kanji used)
Origin
Japanese
Gender
Neutral
Pronunciation
ah-KEER-uh

Akira is a Japanese name given to both boys and girls, pronounced ah-KEER-uh. Depending on the kanji used to write it, it can carry the meaning bright, clear-minded. It's a modern pick with a worldly feel for parents drawn to names that work across genders and borders.

Meaning & Origin of Akira

Meaning: Bright, clear-minded (meaning depends on the kanji used).

Origin: Japanese.

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Akira

ah-KEER-uhIPA /ɑːˈkɪərə/

Popularity of Akira

Akira hit its U.S. high point in 2008, ranking #707 with 424 babies given the name that year; by 2024 it had cooled to #955, with 272 babies named Akira.

Names Like Akira

These names share Akira’s style, era or origin.

FAQ

What does the name Akira mean?

Bright, clear-minded (meaning depends on the kanji used). (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Akira?

Akira is pronounced ah-KEER-uh (IPA: /ɑːˈkɪərə/).

Is Akira a popular name right now?

Akira peaked at #707 in 2008 and is ranked #955 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1913–2024.)

Make Akira Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Akira, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.

📊 How popular is Akira Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.

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