A new Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance survey uncovered Japan’s most popular baby names for those born in 2022. Japanese names are constructed from Kanji that give the appellations their meanings. There can be several variant “spellings” of the same name, but Nippon, a Japanese culture website for western audiences, offers the most common forms of each name.
The most surprising finding is that the top spot for baby boys is a tie between 蒼 (Aoi, Sō, or Ao) and 凪 (Nagi or Nagisa). The latter climbed from 45th place in 2021 to clench the top spot, a meteoric rise. Below you will find the most popular baby names for girls, followed by boys. We provide Kanji/Kana as well as main readings for each name. Now, it’s time to spotlight some awesome Japanese baby names!
Most Popular Baby Names in Japan for Girls
陽葵 (Himari, Hinata, Hina)
The most popular baby name for girls in 2022 was 陽葵 (Himari, Hinata, Hina). The name is associated with the sun and sunflowers (向日葵; himawari).
凛 (Rin)
In the second spot, we have 凛 (Rin). Depending on the Kanji used to build the name, Rin can mean “cold,” “severe,” or “dignified.”
詩 (Uta)
詩 (Uta) takes the third spot. This darling choice has a fabulous meaning in “chant” or “song.”
陽菜 (Hina, Haruna)
Next up, we have 陽菜 (Hina, Haruna). The name is related to “the sun” and can also mean “vegetable greens,” “chick,” and “greenery,” depending on the Kanji choices.
結菜 (Yuina, Yuna, Yūna)
We have 結菜 (Yuina, Yuna, Yūna) in fourth place. This appellation means “bind” and “vegetable greens.”
杏 (An, Anzu)
杏 (An, Anzu) not only has a cute sound to it, but the name also has a sublime meaning. It means “apricot.” Pretty sweet, right?
澪 (Mio, Rei)
In the seventh spot, we’ve got 澪 (Mio, Rei). There are many different spellings of this name out there that can mean “waterway,” “beautiful,” “cherry,” and “cherry blossom.”
結愛 (Yua)
Next up on the list is 結愛 (Yua). This name generally means “bind” and “love.” Not bad! Yua and the next two names on this list all tied for 9th place.
芽依 (Mei)
芽依 (Mei) is a gorgeous appellation that commonly means “bud/sprout” + “reliable.” For fans of Disney’s “Mulan 2,” this option will be very familiar to you.
莉子 (Riko)
Last but not least, we have 莉子 (Riko). This charmer means “white jasmine” + “child.” Like many other names on this list, Riko is completely accessible and a great option for parents looking to honor Japanese heritage.
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Most Popular Baby Names in Japan for Boys
蒼 (Aoi, Sō, Ao)
As we mentioned in the intro, 蒼 (Aoi, Sō, Ao) and the following name are tied for first place for boys. This name can be taken to mean “hollyhock” or “blue.”
凪 (Nagi, Nagisa)
Japan’s other most popular name for boys is 凪 (Nagi, Nagisa). This name means “calmness,” “calm lull,” or “clam sea.”
蓮 (Ren)
In third place, we have 蓮 (Ren), which was the most popular option for boys in 2021. This winning option has the enviable meaning of “lotus.”
陽翔 (Haruto, Hinato)
We not only find a tie for the top spot, but 陽翔 (Haruto, Hinato) and the next three names all tied for fourth place. The name means “light,” “sky,” “sun,” and “flying.”
湊 (Minato)
Another Japanese appellation in the fourth spot is 湊 (Minato). This elegant choice means “harbor.”
颯真 (Sōma, Fūma)
颯真 (Sōma, Fūma) also tied for fourth place in 2022. The elements that build this name mean “sudden” and “sound of wind” + “genuine.”
碧 (Ao, Aoi)
Finishing up with fourth place, we have 碧 (Ao, Aoi). The name can have various meanings but this Kanji gives us “greenish-blue.”
樹 (Itsuki, Tatsuki)
In eighth place, we greet 樹 (Itsuki, Tatsuki). The name can mean “tree” and “establish.”
大和 (Yamato)
大和 (Yamato) and the next appellation are both tied for the ninth spot. The name is taken to mean “great” or “large” + “harmony.” Nothing to be mad about here.
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悠真 (Yūma, Haruma)
The other name in ninth place is 悠真 (Yūma, Haruma). The elements of this name give it the meaning “play” + “genuine.”
There you go! Now you have the latest data revealing the most popular baby names in Japan. If you are looking to honor your Japanese heritage, or are just curious about how Japanese parents name their babies, we hope you have found some interesting appellations on this list.
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