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Looking for the perfect anime baby name inspired by your favorite series? This list is full of beautiful Japanese names from beloved anime, Studio Ghibli films, and manga – each with authentic meanings and origins.
Here’s what’s in store –
Anime has gone from niche to mainstream – and so have the gorgeous Japanese names we’ve fallen in love with through our favorite series. Whether you grew up watching Studio Ghibli films, binge-watched Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia, or discovered anime through Netflix’s incredible lineup, there’s something magical about these names.
Japanese names carry deep meaning in every syllable. They’re often inspired by nature, virtues, or beautiful imagery – making them perfect for parents who want a name with real substance behind it.
Anime Girl Names
These beautiful feminine names come from beloved anime heroines, each carrying grace, strength, and gorgeous meanings.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: cherry blossom
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: sunny place; toward the sun
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: snow; happiness
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: lovely; beautiful
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: three bamboo hats
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: tomorrow; rope
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: wave
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: light
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: woven bamboo pattern
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: snowball flower child
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: true hope
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: endurance; stealth
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: tea child
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: flower
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: beautiful help
- Origin: Japanese (created)
- Meaning: derived from Elza/Elsa
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: peach
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: bellflower
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: four seasons
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: radiant night
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: beautiful friend
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: beauty; flow
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: dignified; cold
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: dance
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: beloved
Anime Boy Names
From determined heroes to mysterious anti-heroes, these names carry strength and depth.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: lotus; love
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: spring; clear weather
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: sea; ocean
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: dragon
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: high-valued second son
- Origin: Hebrew (used in anime)
- Meaning: joined; attached
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: burning; freezing
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: strong and healthy
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: bright; clear
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: ocean flying
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: help; assistance
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: maelstrom; fish cake spiral
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: strawberry; one guardian
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: gentleness; superiority
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: sky
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: artisan; skilled
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: generous; prosperous
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: strong; vigorous
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: to fly; soar
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: meditation; peaceful
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: sparkle; glitter
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: great glory; great tree
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: spring child; shining brightly
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: wise; quick-witted
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: snow; happiness; courage
Studio Ghibli Names
Hayao Miyazaki’s magical films have given us some of the most enchanting names in animation.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: a thousand fathoms; profound
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: white; master
- Origin: Japanese (created)
- Meaning: derived from troll
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: May (the month)
- Origin: Japanese/Chinese
- Meaning: beautiful; sprout
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: double joy
- Origin: Japanese (created)
- Meaning: soft; bouncy
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: burner of ships
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: rising; advancing
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: three
- Origin: English
- Meaning: to cry out
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: wisdom
- Origin: Latin (created)
- Meaning: fire bearer
- Origin: Sanskrit-inspired
- Meaning: pure; white
- Origin: Japanese (created)
- Meaning: unknown; possibly from bazoo
Gender-Neutral Anime Names
These names work beautifully for any child and are common unisex choices in Japan.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: bright; intelligent
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: snow; happiness
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: sky
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: spring; sunlight
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: light; radiance
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: honest; straight
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: morning; hemp
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: spring; fountain
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: maple leaf
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: sincerity; truth
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: summer hope
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: true; genuine
Anime Names by Beautiful Meaning
Sometimes the meaning matters most. Here are names grouped by the imagery they evoke.
Haruka – distant, far away
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: spring flower; faraway
Kohana – little flower
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: small flower
Minato – harbor
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: harbor; port
Tsuki – moon
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: moon
Kaze – wind
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: wind
Hotaru – firefly
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: firefly
Yume – dream
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: dream
Aoi – blue
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: blue; hollyhock
Tsubasa – wing
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: wing
Mitsuki – beautiful moon
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: beautiful moon; light moon
Choosing the Perfect Anime Name
Japanese names often work beautifully in English-speaking countries because of their simple pronunciation and lovely sounds. But there are a few things to consider:
Practice the pronunciation. Names like Chihiro (chee-HEE-roh) and Nausicaä (now-SIK-ah) are beautiful but might need gentle correction throughout your child’s life. Make sure you’re comfortable with that.
Consider the cultural connection. If you don’t have Japanese heritage, that’s okay – many Japanese names have become internationally beloved. Just be prepared to share the story behind your choice.
Check the kanji meanings. Many Japanese names have multiple possible kanji (character) spellings, each with different meanings. Sakura written with different kanji could mean “cherry blossom” or something entirely different.
Final Thoughts
Anime baby names offer something truly special – they’re melodic, meaningful, and connected to stories we love. Whether you choose the fierce determination of Mikasa, the gentle magic of Chihiro, or the timeless simplicity of Haru, you’re giving your child a name that carries beauty in every syllable.
The best name is one that feels right when you say it – one that captures something about the person you hope your child will become.
