Epic Anime Boy Names for Your Little Hero (or Villain)

Anime is known for its complex and intricate storylines with deep character development, and covers a broad spectrum of genres – catering to a wide range of different age groups, interests, and personalities.

With that said, it’s no wonder why anime is so popular today – and not just in Japan, where it originated.

In fact, people all over the world – especially the United States – are opening up to the wonderful world of anime, and it’s exposing us to various elements of Japanese culture that we’ve been blind to for years. 

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As anime shows and movies become more and more popular, we’re starting to see a new trend with parents who want to honor their newfound obsession – and they’re doing it with anime boy names. 

Even parents who aren’t Japanese or don’t watch anime are intrigued by anime boy names today. 

Whether you identify with the culture or not, anime boy names are all the rage today – and they offer a wide range of unique names that you won’t see very often. So, if you like trendy names, this is for you!

Don’t worry – we’re going to list 40 of our favorite anime boy names from some of your favorite anime shows, including Dragon Ball Z, Pokémon, Naruto, Attack on Titan, One Piece, Demon Slayer, and more.

Anime Boy Names From Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z is a Japanese anime TV series produced by Toei Animation. It is the sequel to the original Dragon Ball series and adapts the latter 325 chapters of the 519-chapter manga by Akira Toriyama.

The show originally aired in Japan between 1989 to 1996. 

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While it was a popular manga and subsequent show in Japan, it wasn’t until 1996 that it started airing in the US. Now 30 years later, Dragon Ball Z is one of the most successful anime series of all time.

With that said, let’s take a look at some of our favorite anime boy names from Dragon Ball Z!

Honorable Mentions: Buu, Krillin, Vegeta, Pilaf, Bardock, Pan, Yamcha, Roshi, Trunks, and Goten

5. Piccolo

Origin: Italian

Meaning: Small, Little (a small flute that produces a high-pitched sound)

Relation to Dragon Ball: Piccolo is originally introduced as the offspring and reincarnation of King Piccolo, a villain in the original “Dragon Ball” series. He’s a Namekian (green-skinned species) who initially started as a villian, but later becomes one of the main protagonists and a close ally to Goku and his friends.

4. Gohan

Origin: Japanese (ご飯)

Meaning: Rice, Meal

Relation to Dragon Ball: Gohan is the first son of Goku, the series’ main protagonist, and Chi-Chi. He’s half-Saiyan and half-Human – inheriting Saiyan powers from his father and human traits from his mother. He shows an immense potential for power at a young age, and often surpasses his father in terms of ability.

3. Goku

Origin: Japanese (悟空)

Meaning: Awakened to Emptiness, Aware of Vacuity

Relation to Dragon Ball: Born as Kakarot, Goku is a Saiyan sent to Earth as an infant before the destruction of his home planet, Vegeta. He’s the central figure in the “Dragon Ball” series, known for his unwavering determination, strong sense of justice, and cheerful personality. His son is Gohan.

2. Tien

Origin: Chinese (derived from the name Tiān, 天)

Meaning: Heaven, Sky

Relation to Dragon Ball: Tien Shinhan is a disciplined martial artist known for his distinctive appearance and unique abilities – he’s a human, but has three eyes. He’s initially introduced as a rival to Goku but later becomes one of his allies and a dedicated protector of Earth.

1. Jaco

Origin: Hebrew, Italian (diminutive form of Jacob or Jacopo)

Meaning: Supplanter, Holder of the Heel

Relation to Dragon Ball: Jaco the Galactic Patrolman is a humanoid alien species and an elite member of the Galactic Patrol, an intergalactic police force responsible for maintaining peace and order across the universe. Despite his small stature and somewhat comical appearance, Jaco is a capable fighter.

Anime Boy Names From Pokémon 

Pokémon is a media franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori. It takes place in a shared universe in which humans co-exist with creatures with special powers – collectively known as Pokémon.

It was originally designed to target a younger audience, but is now beloved by people of all ages. 

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Pokémon is one of the most successful and influential media franchises in the world, and consists of  everything from video games to an animated TV series, movies, trading card games, and much more. 

With that said, let’s take a look at some of our favorite anime boy names from the Pokémon franchise. 

Honorable Mentions: Aron, Lucario, Golem, Onix, Riolu, Gary, Lance, Ethan, Red

5. Ash

Origin: English, Hebrew (Asher)

Meaning: Ash Tree, Happy, Blessed

Relation to Pokemon: Ash Ketchum (Japanese: Satoshi) is the main protagonist of the Pokémon anime series. He’s a Pokémon Trainer from Pallet Town whose goal is to become a Pokémon Master and is renowned for his never-give-up attitude and his ability to inspire others.

4. Brock

Origin: Old English, Celtic

Meaning: Badger, Young Deer

Relation to Pokemon: Brock is the Gym Leader of Pewter City and a Pokémon Breeder. He is one of Ash Ketchum’s closest friends and longest-running companions. As the Pewter City Gym Leader, Brock specializes in Rock-type Pokémon. His main Pokémon in the Gym are Onix and Geodude.

3. Oak

Origin: Old English

Meaning: Oak Tree

Relation to Pokemon: Professor Oak is a renowned Pokémon researcher and the Pokémon Professor of the Kanto region. He is one of the most respected and knowledgeable figures in the Pokémon world. He serves as a mentor to young Pokémon Trainers, including Ash Ketchum and Gary Oak, his grandson.

2. James

Origin: Hebrew (derived from Jacob)

Meaning: Supplaner, One Who Follows

Relation to Pokemon: James is one of the main antagonists in the Pokémon anime series, part of Team Rocket alongside Jessie and Meowth. Team Rocket is a villainous team known for their comedic attempts to steal rare and powerful Pokémon, particularly Ash’s Pikachu.

1. Giovanni

Origin: Italian (equivalent of ‘John’)

Meaning: God is Gracious

Relation to Pokemon: Giovanni is a major antagonist in the Pokémon anime series. He’s the head of Team Rocket and also serves as the Gym Leader of the Viridian City Gym in the Kanto region, where he specializes in Ground-type Pokémon. His team includes Rhyhorn, Nidoking, Dugtrio, and Persian.

Anime Boy Names From Naruto

Naruto is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. It was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine from 1999 to 2014 – and later into 72 tankōbon volumes.

The series has since been adapted into an anime TV series produced by Studio Pierrot and Aniplex.

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The story follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the strongest ninja and the Hokage (leader) of his village. The story is told in two parts – Naruto’s pre-teen years and his teen years.

If you’re a fan of Naruto, then you’re going to love these anime boy names used throughout the series. 

Honorable Mentions: Gaara, Kurama, Neji, Madara, Shikamaru, Minato, Rock Lee, 

5. Jiraiya

Origin: Japanese (自来也)

Meaning: Young Thunder, Young Lightning

Relation to Naruto: Jiraiya is one of the legendary Sannin (The Three Legendary Ninja) of Konohagakure (The Hidden Leaf Village). He is a mentor to several key characters, including Naruto Uzumaki. He’s also proficient in Sage Mode, a state that allows him to harness natural energy to enhance his strength, speed, and chakra.

4. Itachi

Origin: Japanese (イタチ)

Meaning: Weasel

Relation to Naruto: Itachi is initially introduced as a rogue ninja and a member of the criminal organization Akatsuki. He is later revealed to be a tragic hero who made immense sacrifices for the greater good. He possesses the Sharingan, a powerful eye technique that grants him exceptional perception.

3. Sasuke

Origin: Japanese (サスケ)

Meaning: Help, Assistance

Relation to Naruto: Sasuke starts as a member of Team 7 alongside Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno, under the guidance of Kakashi Hatake. He later becomes a key antagonist before finding redemption and becoming a crucial ally. Like Itachi, he possesses the Sharingan – a powerful eye technique. 

2. Kakashi

Origin: Japanese (カカシ)

Meaning: Scarecrow

Relation to Naruto: Kakashi is a highly skilled ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village and the leader of Team 7, which includes Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno. He serves as a mentor and teacher to these young ninjas. He possesses a Sharingan in his left eye, a gift from his late friend Obito Uchiha.

1. Naruto

Origin: Japanese (ナルト)

Meaning: Often associated with the whirlpools found in the Naruto Strait between Awaji Island and Shikoku in Japan

Relation to Naruto: Naruto starts as a ninja-in-training from the Hidden Leaf Village (Konohagakure) and aims to become the Hokage, the leader of his village. His journey from an outcast to a hero is the central storyline of the series. He’s the jinchūriki of Kurama, the Nine-Tails Fox, which grants him immense chakra reserves and healing abilities. 

Anime Boy Names From Attack On Titan

Attack on Titan (or Shingeki no Kyojin) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama. It was serialized in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine from Sept. 2009 to April 2021. 

Like most Japanese mangas, it has since been adapted into a highly popular anime television series. 

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The story takes place in a world where humanity lives within enormous walled cities to protect themselves from Titans – which are gigantic humanoid creatures that devour humans seemingly without reason.

With that said, let’s take a look at some of our favorite anime boy names from Attack on Titan.

Honorable Mentions: Erwin, Braun, Zeke, Connie, Bertolt, Grisha, Rod, Kenny

5. Armin

Origin: German (derived from Herman)

Meaning: Army Man, Soldier

Relation to Attack on Titan: Armin is one of the main protagonists of the series. He is a childhood friend of Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackerman, and a member of the Survey Corps, a military branch dedicated to fighting Titans and exploring the world outside the walls. He’s highly intelligent and known for his strategic thinking and analytical skills. 

4. Jean

Origin: French, Hebrew (derived from John)

Meaning: God is Gracious

Relation to Attack on Titan: Jean is a member of the Survey Corps and one of the main supporting characters in the series. He is known for his pragmatic approach and often serves as a foil to Eren Yeager’s more impulsive nature. He displays natural leadership abilities and strategic thinking, often taking charge in critical situations.

3. Levi

Origin: Hebrew (לֵוִי)

Meaning: Joined, Attached

Relation to Attack on Titan: Levi is a captain in the Survey Corps and is often regarded as humanity’s strongest soldier. He is known for his exceptional combat skills, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the fight against the Titans. He’s renowned for his extraordinary skill in using the Omni-Directional Mobility Gear.

2. Eren

Origin: Turkish

Meaning: Saint, Holy Person

Relation to Attack on Titan: Eren starts as a member of the Survey Corps with a burning desire to eradicate the Titans after witnessing the death of his mother during a Titan attack. His journey is central to the series’ plot. He possesses the ability to transform into a Titan, known as the Attack Titan. 

1. Reiner

Origin: Germanic

Meaning: Warrior, Deciding Warrior

Relation to Attack on Titan: Reiner is initially introduced as a member of the Survey Corps and a close ally to Eren Yeager. However, he is later revealed to be a warrior from Marley and the holder of the Armored Titan. He possesses the power of the Armored Titan, a form that grants him immense strength and nearly impenetrable armored skin.

Anime Boy Names From One Piece

One Piece is a Japanese anime series based on the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. The manga began serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine in 1997.

The anime adaptation, produced by Toei Animation, began airing in 1999 and continues to this day. 

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The story follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate with the ability to stretch his body like rubber after eating a Devil Fruit. His dream is to find the legendary treasure (One Piece) and become the Pirate King.

New episodes currently air at 9 pm EST every Sunday, but let’s take a look at some of our favorite anime boy names from the series while we all wait for the next episode to drop – which will be on June 30. 

Honorable Mentions: Usopp, Brook, Shanks, Kuma, Oden, Kuzan, Franky, and Kizaru

5. Tony

Origin: Latin (diminutive form of Anthony)

Meaning: Priceless One, Highly Praiseworthy

Relation to One Piece: Tony Tony Chopper is the doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates, the main protagonist crew of the series. He is a reindeer who gained the ability to transform into a human-reindeer hybrid after eating the Hito Hito no Mi (Human-Human Fruit), a type of Zoan Devil Fruit.

4. Ace

Origin: English

Meaning: One, Unity

Relation to One Piece: Portgas D. Ace is the older brother of Monkey D. Luffy, the protagonist of “One Piece.” He is also the son of Gol D. Roger, the former Pirate King, and Portgas D. Rouge. Ace is a commander in the Whitebeard Pirates, one of the most powerful pirate crews in the world.

3. Sanji

Origin: Japanese (サンジ)

Meaning: Third Son, Three O’Clock

Relation to One Piece: Sanji Vinsmoke is the cook of the Straw Hat Pirates, the main protagonist crew of the series. He is also a skilled martial artist, known for his powerful kicks and unique fighting style. He’s capable of preparing exquisite dishes that cater to the diverse tastes and dietary needs of the Straw Hat Pirates.

2. Luffy

Origin: Japanese 

Meaning: n/a

Relation to One Piece: Monkey D. Luffy is the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. His dream is to find the legendary treasure known as “One Piece” and become the Pirate King, a title held by Gol D. Roger, the only person known to have reached the end of the Grand Line.

1. Zoro

Origin: Spanish (Zorro)

Meaning: Fox

Relation to One Piece: Zoro is the swordsman of the Straw Hat Pirates and one of the crew’s strongest fighters. His dream is to become the world’s greatest swordsman by defeating Dracule Mihawk, the current holder of the title. He can fight with three swords at once (one in each hand, one in the mouth).

Anime Boy Names From Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotouge, and eventually serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020. 

It has been collected into 23 tankōbon volumes, and was adapted into an anime by Ufotable in April 2019.

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The story is set in Taisho-era Japan and follows a young boy named Tanjiro Kamado, who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons and his younger sister is turned into a demon.

If you’re a fan of Demon Slayer, then you’re going to love these anime boy names from the series!

Honorable Mentions: Yoriichi, Muzan, Kokushibo, Gyomei, Doma, Akaza, Giyu, and Kagaya

5. Zenitsu 

Origin: Japanese (善逸)

Meaning: Good, Virtuous, Excellent

Relation to Demon Slayer: Zenitsu is one of the main protagonists and a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. He fights demons alongside Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko Kamado, and Inosuke Hashibira. He’s a practitioner of the Thunder Breathing (Kaminari no Kokyu) technique, which enhances his speed and reflexes to extraordinary levels. 

4. Inosuke 

Origin: Japanese (伊之助)

Meaning: To Help, To Assist

Relation to Demon Slayer: Inosuke is one of the main protagonists and a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. He fights alongside Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko Kamado, and Zenitsu Agatsuma. He’s the creator and sole practitioner of Beast Breathing (Kedamono no Kokyu), a unique and feral fighting style that he developed himself. 

3. Tanjiro

Origin: Japanese (炭治郎)

Meaning: Charcoal, Heal, Governor

Relation to Demon Slayer: Tanjiro is a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, dedicated to hunting demons and finding a cure for his sister, Nezuko, who has been turned into a demon. He initially learns the Water Breathing (Mizu no Kokyu) technique from Sakonji Urokodaki, which enhances his combat abilities with fluid, powerful sword techniques.

2. Tengen

Origin: Japanese (天元)

Meaning: Heaven, Sky, Origin, Source

Relation to Demon Slayer: Tengen is the Sound Hashira (Pillar) of the Demon Slayer Corps, one of the elite warriors who lead the fight against demons. Hashiras are the strongest and most skilled members of the Demon Slayer Corps.uses the Sound Breathing (音の呼吸, Oto no Kokyū) technique, which incorporates sound into his fighting style.

1. Kyojuro 

Origin: Japanese (杏寿郎)

Meaning: Apricot, Longevity, Young Man

Relation to Demon Slayer: Kyojuro is the Flame Hashira (Pillar) of the Demon Slayer Corps, one of the elite warriors who lead the fight against demons. He’s a master of the Flame Breathing (炎の呼吸, Honō no Kokyū) technique, which enhances his combat abilities with powerful, fire-based sword techniques.

Anime Boy Names From Death Note

Death Note is a Japanese manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The manga was eventually serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump from December 2003 to May 2006.

It has since been adapted into an anime TV series, several live-action films, a TV drama, and a musical.

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The story follows Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook called the Death Note – granting him the power to kill anyone by writing the person’s name in the strange notebook. 

Let’s take a look at some of our favorite anime boy names from the Death Note franchise. 

Honorable Mentions: Near, Minoru, Kanzo, Hideki, Watari, Aiber, Raye, and Shingo

5. Teru

Origin: Japanese

Meaning: Shine, Bright, Brilliant

Relation to Death Note: Teru Mikami is a fervent supporter of Kira (Light Yagami) and becomes one of his key followers. He is chosen by Light to act as the new Kira and carry out killings using the Death Note. He’s often depicted as a serious and intense individual, often wearing glasses.

4. Soichiro 

Origin: Japanese (総一郎 or 惣一郎)

Meaning: Whole, General, First Son

Relation to Death Note: Soichiro Yagami is the head of the National Police Agency’s Task Force, which is dedicated to capturing the vigilante known as Kira. He is also the father of Light Yagami, the series’ main protagonist and the true identity of Kira. As the head of the Task Force, Soichiro demonstrates strong leadership abilities.

3. Ryuk

Origin: Japanese (リューク)

Meaning: n/a

Relation to Death Note: Ryuk is a Shinigami, or death god, who becomes bored with his existence in the Shinigami realm. To entertain himself, he drops a Death Note into the human world, which is found by Light Yagami. This sets off the main events of the series. He has the Shinigami Eyes, which allow him to see the real name and remaining lifespan of any human he looks at. 

2. Touta

Origin: Japanese (斗太 or 頭太)

Meaning: Big Dipper, Sake Dipper, Big, Great

Relation to Death Note: Touta Matsuda is a member of the National Police Agency’s Task Force, which is dedicated to capturing Kira. He is one of the younger and less experienced members of the team, often providing a different perspective on their investigations. He’s characterized by his eagerness and enthusiasm for his work. 

1. Light

Origin: English

Meaning: Illumination, Brightness

Relation to Death Note: Light is a highly intelligent high school student who discovers the Death Note, a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it, as long as he knows their face. He adopts the alias “Kira” and uses the Death Note to attempt to create a utopian world free of crime.

Anime Boy Names From My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia (also known as Boku no Hīrō Akademia) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kōhei Horikoshi. It has been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump since July 2014. 

Its chapters have been collected in 40 tankōbon volumes, and was adapted into an anime in 2016. 

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The story is set in a world where approximately 80% of the population possesses superpowers called Quirks. The main protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, is born without a Quirk and is treated like an outcast. 

With that said, let’s take a look at some of our favorite anime boy names from My Hero Academia. 

Honorable Mentions: Dabi, Mirio, Tomura, Hawks, Keigo, Twice, Jin, Denki, and Tenya

5. Eijiro 

Origin: Japanese (英治郎)

Meaning: Hero, Superior, Excellent, Cure

Relation to My Hero Academia: Eijiro Kirishima is a student in Class 1-A at U.A. High School, training to become a professional hero. He is known for his strong sense of manliness and determination. His Quirk, “Hardening,” allows him to harden and sharpen any part of his body, increasing his durability and offensive capabilities.

4. Shota

Origin: Japanese (翔太 or 勝太)

Meaning: Victory, Great Flight, To Soar

Relation to My Hero Academia: Shota Aizawa, also known by his hero name Eraser Head, is a pro hero and the homeroom teacher of Class 1-A at U.A. High School. He plays a critical role in training and mentoring the next generation of heroes. His Quirk, “Erasure,” allows him to temporarily nullify the Quirk of anyone he looks at. 

3. Katsuki

Origin: Japanese (勝己 or 勝輝)

Meaning: Victory, Self, Shine, Radiance

Relation to My Hero Academia: Katsuki Bakugo is a student in Class 1-A at U.A. High School, training to become a professional hero. He is one of the main rivals of the protagonist, Izuku Midoriya. His Quirk, “Explosion,” allows him to create explosions from the sweat on his palms, which contains nitroglycerin-like properties. 

2. Deku 

Origin: Japanese (デク)

Meaning: Wooden Puppet, Dummy

Relation to My Hero Academia: Izuku Midoriya, commonly known by his hero name Deku, is a student in Class 1-A at U.A. High School, training to become a professional hero. He’s the inheritor of the powerful Quirk “One For All,” which grants him superhuman strength, speed, agility, and the ability to harness and control massive amounts of energy. 

1. Shoto

Origin: Japanese (焦凍)

Meaning: Burn, Scorch, Freeze, Cold

Relation to My Hero Academia: Shoto Todoroki is a student in Class 1-A at U.A. High School, training to become a professional hero. He is one of the most powerful students in his class, known for his exceptional abilities and reserved demeanor. His Quirk allows him to generate and control fire from the left side of his body and ice from the right side.

Are Any of These Anime Boy Names On Your Shortlist? 

As more people become fans of anime, they are inspired by the characters and stories they love, leading them to choose names from these series for their children – much like the ones we listed for you above. 

The question, of course, is which of these anime boy names – if any – made it onto your shortlist. 

It’s okay if not. There are literally thousands of unique Japanese anime series in existence today – and new ones are being created every year, so the opportunities are endless when naming your baby boy.

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With that said, we wish you all the best in your new journey as a parent and we know you’ll end up finding the perfect boy name for your little man. And if you need some more ideas, feel free to check out our blog!