50 Japanese Baby Names That Mean “Light” (2024)

Did you know that the Japanese language has over 50 names that mean ‘light’? One of them may just be the perfect name for your baby.

Light is a powerful symbol in Japanese culture, representing hope, positivity, and spiritual enlightenment.

From traditional to modern names, we’ve compiled a list of 50 Japanese names that embody this symbol, along with their different meanings,  cultural significance, and japanese characters.

Plus, we’ve included names for a baby boy, a baby girl, and unisex options if you’re looking for a gender-neutral name.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own name, or simply interested in the beauty and meaning behind Japanese names, this blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to some of the most beautiful Japanese names. 

So, let’s dive in and discover the light within Japanese names!

---

Girls Names

Akari (あかり)

Akari is a beautiful Japanese girl’s name that means “light” or “brightness.” It is a popular name in Japan and has been used for many years.

The name Akari is often associated with warm and comforting light, such as the light of a warm candle or a cozy fire. In traditional Japanese culture, light is often used as a symbol of hope, purity, and enlightenment, which makes Akari a meaningful and powerful name choice.

The name Akari is also associated with the art of traditional Japanese paper lantern making, where paper is folded and shaped into intricate designs to create beautiful lanterns that emit a soft and warm light. The lanterns are often used to decorate homes and streets during festivals, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Overall, Akari is a name that embodies the qualities of warmth, hope, and purity, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a name with a beautiful and positive meaning.

Hikari (光)

Hikari means “light” or “radiance.” It is a simple and elegant name that symbolizes hope, purity, and brightness. 

The name can be written with different kanji characters, but the most common one used for Hikari is 光, which means “light.”

The name Hikari is often associated with positive qualities such as hope, inspiration, and joy. In Japanese culture, light is often used as a symbol of hope, and it is believed to have a purifying effect on the mind and body.

Hikari is a simple and elegant name that has gained popularity in recent years. It is often used for characters in manga, anime, and video games, and is sometimes used as a nickname for people who have a bright and cheerful personality.

Overall, Hikari is a beautiful and meaningful name that carries with it a sense of warmth, hope, and radiance. It is a popular choice for parents seeking a name with a positive and uplifting meaning.

Hotaru (蛍)

Hotaru is a Japanese girl’s name that means “firefly” in Japanese. The name is written with two kanji characters, “蛍” (hotaru), which means “firefly” or “lightning bug.”

In Japan, fireflies are a symbol of summer and are often associated with the beauty of nature. They are known for their magical and enchanting glow, which is why the name Hotaru carries a sense of wonder and charm.

Hotaru is a unique and poetic name that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is often used in manga, anime, and other Japanese media, and is a popular choice for parents seeking a name that is both beautiful and meaningful.

The name Hotaru can also be used for boys in some cases, but it is more commonly used for girls. The name has a soft and gentle sound to it, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a name with a calming and peaceful feel.

Kirara (きらら)

Kirara is a Japanese girl’s name that is composed of two kanji characters, “雲” (kira) which means “sparkling” or “glittering”, and “羅” (ra) which means “gauze” or “thin silk cloth”. Together, the name Kirara can be interpreted to mean “sparkling silk” or “glittering gauze”.

The name Kirara has a soft and delicate sound to it, and it is often associated with light and beauty. It is a popular name in Japan and is often used in anime, manga, and other Japanese media.

The name Kirara can also be written using different kanji characters with different meanings, but the pronunciation remains the same. For example, Kirara can be written with the characters “きらら”, which means “shimmering” or “twinkling”. Another common variation is “キラリ” which means “sparkle” or “twinkle”.

Overall, the name Kirara is a good choice for parents seeking a name that evokes a sense of brightness, elegance, and beauty.

Chiaki (千灯)

When the name Chiaki is written with the kanji character “千” (chi) which means “thousand”, and “灯” (akari) which means “light”, the name takes on a different meaning. In this case, the name Chiaki can be interpreted to mean “a thousand lights”.

The name Chiaki with the meaning “a thousand lights” can represent the idea of many lights shining brightly together, symbolizing hope, guidance, and positivity. This interpretation of the name Chiaki can also convey the idea of a person who brings light and warmth into the lives of others.

Hina (陽菜)

The name Hina is a Japanese girl’s name that has multiple meanings and can be written with different kanji characters. One of the most common ways to write Hina is with the kanji character “陽菜”, which can be interpreted to mean “sunlight” or “sunshine greens”.

The first kanji character “陽” (yo) means “sun” or “sunlight”, while the second kanji character “菜” (na) means “greens” or “vegetables”. Together, the name Hina with these kanji characters can be interpreted to mean “sunlight greens” or “sunshine greens”, which can symbolize a bright and fresh spirit.

The name Hina can also be written with other kanji characters, such as “日南” which means “sunlit south” or “日菜” which means “sunshine greens”, emphasizing the connection to light.

Overall, the name Hina has a strong connection to light, specifically sunlight and the warmth and positivity it brings. It is a beautiful name for a little girl that is often chosen by parents seeking a name that is both elegant and meaningful.

Kira (キラ)

This feminine Japanese name means “shining” or “glittering.” It is one of the most popular japanese girl names that mean light, and is often associated with brightness, radiance, and beauty.

The name Kira has been used in different forms and contexts throughout Japanese history. In the Heian period, it was a term used to describe a noblewoman’s bright, shining aura or “kira-kira.”

In modern times, Kira has become a popular name for girls due to its association with light and brightness. It is often given to baby girls born in spring or summer, as it represents the warmth and radiance of the season. 

The name has also become well-known in Western culture, thanks to the popularity of the Death Note anime series, which features a character named Kira.

Kaguya (かぐや)

Kaguya is a sweet name rooted in Japanese folklore and has a connection to the moon and light. It is also the name of a character in the ancient Japanese folktale called “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter”.

In the tale, Kaguya is a celestial princess who is sent to Earth as a baby and raised by a bamboo cutter and his wife. Kaguya grows up to be a beautiful and mysterious woman, and many suitors seek her hand in marriage. However, Kaguya reveals that she is actually from the moon and must return to her true home.

The name Kaguya is composed of two kanji characters: “輝” (kagu) which means “shine” or “radiance”, and “夜” (ya) which means “night”. Together, the name Kaguya can be interpreted to mean “radiant night” or “shining night”, emphasizing the connection to light.

In Japanese culture, the moon is often associated with beauty, mystery, and illumination, and the name Kaguya embodies these qualities. It is the perfect choice for parents seeking a name that is both traditional and meaningful.

Okimi (沖美)

Okimi is a girl’s name of Japanese origin that can be written with different kanji characters, each of which gives the name a slightly different meaning. However, one of the most common ways to write Okimi is with the kanji characters “沖” (oki), meaning “open sea,” and “美” (mi), meaning “beauty.”

Together, the name Okimi can be interpreted to mean “beautiful sea” or “beautiful open sea.” This name carries with it a sense of freedom, adventure, and beauty, and is often associated with the natural beauty of the ocean.

The name Okimi is not very common in Japan, but it is a popular choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their daughter. It can also be used as a surname in some cases.

Hisayo (久代)

Hisayo is a Japanese girl’s name composed of two kanji characters, “寿” (Hisashi) meaning “longevity” or “congratulations”, and “代” (yo) meaning “generation” or “era”. Together, the name Hisayo can be interpreted to mean “congratulations on a long life” or “long-lived generation.”

The name Hisayo is not commonly used in Japan but it has a beautiful and meaningful message that symbolizes longevity, good health, and well-being. It is a great option for parents seeking a name with a positive and inspiring meaning.

While the name Hisayo doesn’t directly translate to “eternal light,” the characters in the name can be associated with light and brightness. For example, “寿” (Hisashi) can also mean “sunshine” or “bright light”, while “代” (yo) can mean “to shine” or “illumination”. So, while the name Hisayo may not specifically mean “eternal light”, it can still be associated with the qualities of light and brightness.

Asuka (明日香)

Asuka is make up of “asu” meaning “tomorrow” and “ka” meaning “fragrance.” It symbolizes the light of a new day and a bright future. It has a variety of meanings depending on the kanji characters used to write it.

One of the most common meanings of Asuka is “tomorrow’s fragrance.” This meaning suggests a sense of hope and optimism for the future, and is often associated with the idea of new beginnings and fresh starts.

Asuka is also the name of a famous historical site in Japan, located in the Nara Prefecture. This site was once the capital of Japan during the Asuka period, which lasted from 538 to 710 AD. During this time, Japan underwent a period of significant cultural and political change, and many of the country’s most famous landmarks and works of art were created.

As a name, Asuka is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, creativity, and determination. It’s an excellent choice for parents seeking a name with a strong cultural and historical significance, as well as a positive and uplifting meaning.

More Girl Names:

Saki: One common way to write Saki is with the kanji “咲”, which means “bloom” or “flowering”. This interpretation of the name Saki can be seen as having a connection to light, as flowers often symbolize beauty, growth, and the bright and colorful aspects of nature.

Ayaka (彩花): Ayaka means “colorful flower,” combining the characters for “color” and “flower.” It represents the beauty and radiance of light in nature.

Chihiro (千尋): Chihiro is a unique name that means “a thousand searches” or “thousand questions,” combining the characters for “thousand” and “search.” It embodies the idea of seeking light through knowledge and understanding.

Hitomi (瞳): Hitomi means “pupil of the eye” or “pupil of light.” It represents the clarity and focus of light, as well as the beauty of the eyes that reflect it.

Kagome (籠目): Kagome means “basket pattern,” combining the characters for “basket” and “pattern.” It represents the interweaving of light and shadow, and the beauty of balance and harmony.

Kurumi (胡桃): Kurumi means “walnut,” a fruit that has a bright and shiny surface. It symbolizes the radiance and beauty of natural light.

Megumi (恵): Megumi means “blessing” or “grace,” representing the gentle and nurturing quality of light.

Mei (芽依): Mei means “sprout” or “bud,” symbolizing the growth and potential of light, as well as the freshness and vitality of new beginnings.

Mika (美香): Mika means “beautiful fragrance,” combining the characters for “beauty” and “fragrance.” It represents the sweet and alluring quality of light.

Misaki (美咲): Misaki means “beautiful bloom,” combining the characters for “beauty” and “bloom.” It symbolizes the beauty and radiance of light in nature.

Rina (莉奈): Rina is the Japanese word for “jasmine” or “white jasmine,” a little flower that radiates a delicate and pure light. 

Sakura (さくら or 桜): This unique Japanese girl name is derived from the Japanese cherry blossom tree, which is a beloved symbol of Japanese culture and represents beauty, renewal, and the fleeting nature of life. The name Sakura is a popular choice for girls in Japan and is often associated with the arrival of spring and the beauty of the cherry blossom season.

Miyako (美耶子): This Japanese name means “beautiful night child”.

---

Boys Names

In Japanese culture, light is often associated with hope, clarity, and wisdom. If you’re looking for a meaningful name for your baby boy, a name that incorporates the concept of light could be a great choice.

In this section, we’ll explore some Japanese boys’ names that have a connection to light and their meanings. Whether you’re drawn to a traditional name, or a name with a more modern feel, you’re sure to find something here.

Here is a list of popular japanese names for boys that have light in their meaning:

1. Akimitsu (秋光) – This unisex name means “autumn light.” “Aki” means “autumn,” while “mitsu” means “light.”
2. Akio (昭夫) – This name means “bright man” or “man of brightness.” “Aki” means “bright” or “light,” while “o” means “man.”
3. Akira (明) – This name can be translated as “bright,” “clear,” or “intelligent.” It is a unisex name that is commonly given to boys.
4. Akito (暁人) – This name means “person of the dawn.” “Aki” means “dawn,” while “to” means “person.”
5. Dai (大) – This simple yet powerful name means “big” or “great.” It is a popular name for boys in Japan.
6. Daiki (大輝) – This name means “great radiance.” “Dai” means “big” or “great,” while “ki” means “radiance.”
7. Haruto (陽翔) – This name means “soaring in the sun.” “Haru” means “sun,” while “to” means “soar” or “fly.”
8. Hideaki (英明) – This unusual name means “excellent brightness.” “Hide” means “excellent” or “superior,” while “aki” means “brightness.”
9. Hiromitsu (広光) – This name means “broad light.” “Hiro” means “broad” or “wide,” while “mitsu” means “light.”
10. Kiyoshi (清) – This name means “pure” or “clean.” It is a popular unisex name in Japan.
11. Masaki (正樹) – This name means “righteous tree.” “Masa” means “righteous,” while “ki” means “tree.”
12. Mitsu (光) – This simple name means “light.”
13. Mitsunobu (光信) – This name means “faith in light.” “Mitsu” means “light,” while “nobu” means “faith.”
14. Rai (雷) – This modern name means “thunder god.” It is a unisex name that is often given to boys. It is associated with the Japanese god of thunder and lightning, and is sometimes used in reference to this figure from Japanese mythology.
15. Yoshiaki (芳明) – This name means “fragrant brightness.” “Yoshi” means “fragrant” or “pleasant,” while “aki” means “brightness.”

---

Unisex Names

As society evolves, many people are embracing gender-neutral options for their child’s name. In Japan, unisex names have been a part of the culture for centuries, and there are many beautiful and meaningful options to choose from. 

In this section, we’ll explore some of the most popular unisex Japanese baby names and their meanings, so you can choose the perfect name for your little one.

Here is a list of Japanese names that can be used for a baby boys or girls. 

1. Niko (ニコ) – A unisex name meaning “daylight” or “sunlight.”
2. Kiran (キラン) – A unisex name meaning “beam of light” or “sunbeam” in Japanese. It is often associated with brightness, radiance, and hope.
3. Teru (テル) – A unisex name meaning “shining” or “bright” in Japanese. It can also be written with different characters to mean “to know” or “to illuminate.”
4. Hinata (ヒナタ) – A unisex name meaning “sunny place” or “facing the sun” in Japanese. It is often used to describe a warm and cheerful personality.
5. Haru (ハル) – A unisex name meaning “spring” or “clear weather.”
6. Akiara (アキアラ) – A unisex name meaning “bright autumn.”
7. Akina (アキナ) – A unisex name meaning “bright flower.”
8. Akio (アキオ) – A unisex name meaning “bright person” “bright boy” or “man of light.”
9. Haru (ハル) – A unisex name meaning “light” or “clear weather.”
10. Haruki (ハルキ) – A unisex name meaning “shining brightly” or “springtime and radiance.”
11. Hikari (ヒカリ) – A unisex name meaning “light” or “radiance.”
12. Hikaru (ヒカル) – A unisex name meaning “shining” or “radiant.”
13. Kiri (キリ) – A unisex name meaning “mist” or “fog,” which can also be associated with the idea of a “light veil.”
14. Kosuke (コスケ) – A unisex name meaning “rising sun.”
15. Maki (マキ) – A unisex name meaning “true light.”
16. Misaki (ミサキ) – A unisex name meaning “blossom by the light of the beautiful moon.”
17. Aki (秋) Aki is a Japanese unisex name that has multiple meanings and can be written with different kanji characters. One of the most common ways to write Aki is with the kanji character “秋”, which means “autumn” in Japanese. This is why Aki is often associated with the season of autumn and all the beauty that comes with it. However, Aki can also be written with other kanji characters, such as “明” which means “bright” or “clear”, “彬” which means “refined” or “elegant”, or “昭” which means “shining” or “bright”. In these cases, the name Aki takes on a different meaning and can be interpreted as “bright,” “refined,” or “shining.”

---

These unique Japanese names that mean light offer a beautiful option for parents searching for meaningful and symbolic names for their children. 

With over 50 names to choose from, there are options for girls, boys, and even unisex names, each with its own distinct history, meaning, and connection to light. 

From names inspired by nature, such as Akira and Hikari, to names with a connection to spirituality and mythology, such as Kaguya and Amaterasu, the range of options is vast. 

I’m so grateful you found this blog post, and I hope it was helpful in your search for the perfect Japanese name. I am sending my best wishes for you and your family as you welcome your beautiful child to the world.

Good luck!

---

Related Posts

50 Japanese Baby Names That Mean ‘Star’

50 Japanese Baby Names That Mean ‘Shadow’

25 Japanese Names That Mean “Flower”

100 Space Inspired Baby Names

100 Best Baby Names That Mean ‘Electric’

100 Baby Girl Names That Mean ‘New Beginning’

100 Baby Names That Mean “Smart”

100 Baby Names That Mean Gold

100 Radiant Baby Names That Mean ‘Light’