Authentic Japanese names, with meanings
This Japanese name generator pairs one of 100 common Japanese family names (Sato, Suzuki, Takahashi, Tanaka…) with a given name chosen from popular male, female and unisex names. Each result shows the meaning most commonly associated with the given name — Haruto (“sun, soar”), Sakura (“cherry blossom”), Sora (“sky”) — so you can choose a name that fits your character.
In Japan, the family name comes first (Tanaka Yui); in English-language contexts the order is often reversed (Yui Tanaka). Choose the order you need. Remember that Japanese names are written in kanji, and the same spoken name can be written with different characters carrying different meanings — the meanings shown are popular readings, not the only ones. Great for manga and anime characters, novels, tabletop games and language learners.
How to use the Japanese Name Generator
- Choose male, female, unisex or any given name.
- Choose Japanese (family-first) or Western order.
- Press Generate Japanese names.
- Copy the names you like — the meaning is shown under each.
How Japanese names work
- Order: family name (myōji) then given name (namae), e.g. Yamamoto Haruki.
- Kanji: most names are written in kanji; parents choose characters for meaning and sound. Hiragana and katakana names exist too.
- Common surnames: Sato, Suzuki and Takahashi are the three most common family names in Japan.
- Gendered endings: -ko, -mi and -ka often appear in female names; -ta, -to, -suke and -ki often in male names — but many exceptions exist.
Frequently asked questions
Are these real Japanese names?
Yes. Family names come from the most common surnames in Japan, and given names are widely used male, female and unisex names.
Why is the family name first?
Japanese convention puts the family name first. Choose “Given name first” if you need Western order.
Do Japanese names have fixed meanings?
Not exactly — meaning depends on the kanji chosen. The generator shows a common reading for each given name.
Published · Last updated by the WhimWheel team.