Japan’s top baby names for 2019 are Rin for girls and Ren for boys, according to a new list released by Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co.
Himari — A nature name, Himari means “sunflower.” Omamori Himari is a Japanese manga series in which Himari, a cat spirit in human girl form, is one of the main characters.
Yua — Means “to bind with affection”, Yua is also a genus of plant related to the grapevine.
An — Derived from the Chinese ?n, meaning “peace” or “quiet”, An is also used in China and Vietnam.
Tsubaki — A Japanese surname name, Tsubaki means “camellia flower.” In the West, the plant is called Japanese Camellia.
Haruto — Haruto has many kanji combinations. One possible meaning is “a person born in the Spring“. Haruto is also related to a Chinese constellation, making it a celestial name. Haruto K? was a 20th century Japanese poet.
Arata — Means “new” or “fresh.” It’s also a surname in both Italy and Japan, where the kanji used often give it the meaning “uncultivated field.”
Minato — The Japanese word for “harbor.” As such, it’s used in many Japanese place names. Minato City is a neighborhood in Tokyo.
Aoi — Unisex name meaning “hollyhock” or “blue” based on the kanji used. Aoi is the name of a Japanese rock singer of the band Bounty with Kazuya.
Below are 28 Japanese names that easily translate for a child growing up in Western culture. None of these are currently common in the US. But be warned: Choices like Mika, Rumi, and Zen are heating up.
Aiko
Akira
Aneko
Chiyo
Emi
Gen
Haruki
Hiro
Ishi
Issey
Keiko
Kenji
Jiro
Makoto
Mei
Mika
Naoko
Nomi
Nori
Rumi
Sakura
Suki
Sumi
Takeo
Umeko
Yuki
Yuna
Zen
What do you think of the top names in Japan? Would or did you ever consider a Japanese name for your child?