The moon captures the imagination in many cultures, but it holds a special place in Japanese names. These names often reflect the moon’s beauty and light.
For example, “Tsuki” means “moon,” and “Hikari” means light, hinting at the moon’s soft glow. Names like “Aiko” and “Akari,” which mean “beloved child” and “light” respectively, also nod to the moon’s brightness.
These names are not just beautiful to say but also carry meaningful qualities that inspire. When you look into these names, you really get a sense of why they are so special. They’re not just names; they tell stories and bring a sense of brightness and new beginnings, just like the moon itself.

Popular Japanese Girl Names Meaning Moon
The moon has always been an important symbol in Japanese culture, representing beauty, serenity, and the passage of time. The moon and its celestial beauty inspire many Japanese names. Here are some popular names, each with a beautiful meaning tied to the moon.
No. | Name | Meaning | Kanji Equivalent |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Tsukiko | Child of the moon | 月子 |
2 | Mitsuki | Beautiful moon | 美月 |
3 | Tsukasa | Moon’s light | 月明 |
4 | Akemi | Bright moon | 明美 |
5 | Izumi | Fountain of the moon | 泉 |
6 | Yuzuki | Gentle moon | 優月 |
7 | Hinata | Sunflower, moonlight | 日向 |
8 | Satsuki | May (moon month) | 皐月 |
9 | Mizuki | Beautiful moon/water | 美月/水月 |
10 | Kozue | Tree in the moonlight | 梢 |
11 | Natsuki | Summer moon | 夏月 |
12 | Yuki | Snow, moon | 雪月 |
13 | Harumi | Spring moon | 春海 |
14 | Rika | Moonlight, fragrance | 理香 |
15 | Sayuri | Small lily, moonlight | 小百合 |
16 | Akira | Bright, clear moon | 明 |
17 | Fumiko | Child of the moonlight | 史子 |
18 | Miyuki | Beautiful snow, moon | 美雪 |
19 | Koyuki | Little snow, moonlight | 小雪 |
20 | Emi | Beautiful blessing, moon | 恵美 |
21 | Himari | Sun, moon, light | 陽葵 |
22 | Rikako | Child of the moon | 里香 |
23 | Saki | Blossom, moonlight | 咲月 |
24 | Mika | Beautiful fragrance, moon | 美香 |
25 | Nozomi | Hope, moonlight | 希望 |

Popular Japanese Boy Names Meaning Moon
The moon plays a significant role in many Japanese names, often evoking feelings of calmness, strength, and beauty. Just as in the case of girls’ names, boys’ names inspired by the moon are cherished for their symbolic meanings. Below is a list of 25 popular Japanese boy names with meanings related to the moon.
No. | Name | Meaning | Kanji Equivalent |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Tsukiko | Moonlight child | 月光 |
2 | Kouki | Light of the moon | 光輝 |
3 | Akira | Bright moon | 明 |
4 | Hikaru | Moonlight, radiance | 光 |
5 | Riku | Moon’s blessing | 陸 |
6 | Tetsuya | Moon’s strength | 哲也 |
7 | Yuuto | Gentle moon | 優斗 |
8 | Haruto | Sun and moon’s radiance | 陽翔 |
9 | Minato | Harbor, moonlight | 湊 |
10 | Ichirou | First son, moon | 一郎 |
11 | Keito | Moonlight star | 恵翔 |
12 | Seiji | Correct, moon | 誠司 |
13 | Shouta | Moonlight breeze | 翔太 |
14 | Renji | Moon and lotus | 蓮次 |
15 | Shin | True, moon | 真 |
16 | Jin | Moonlight, divine | 仁 |
17 | Natsu | Summer moon | 夏月 |
18 | Kaito | Ocean, moon | 海斗 |
19 | Ryouma | Moon and greatness | 竜馬 |
20 | Itsuki | Moonlit tree | 樹 |
21 | Haruki | Spring moon | 春輝 |
22 | Kou | Light, moon | 光 |
23 | Tomo | Moon and friend | 友 |
24 | Keisuke | Blessing of the moon | 恵介 |
25 | Yuuki | Gentle moon, courage | 優輝 |

Unisex Japanese Names Inspired by the Moon.
In Japanese culture, the moon is often seen as a symbol of purity, serenity, and beauty, and many unisex names reflect these qualities. Names associated with the moon can be chosen for their universal appeal, making them perfect for both boys and girls. Below is a collection of popular unisex names that embody the moon’s grace and significance.
No. | Name | Meaning | Kanji Equivalent |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Tsuki | Moon | 月 |
2 | Akira | Bright moon | 明 |
3 | Hikari | Light, moonlight | 光 |
4 | Yuzuki | Gentle moon | 優月 |
5 | Mizuki | Beautiful moon/water | 美月/水月 |
6 | Kouki | Light of the moon | 光輝 |
7 | Nozomi | Hope, moonlight | 希望 |
8 | Sora | Sky, moon | 空 |
9 | Haruki | Spring moon | 春輝 |
10 | Riku | Moon’s blessing | 陸 |
11 | Seiji | Correct, moon | 誠司 |
12 | Yuuki | Gentle moon, courage | 優輝 |
13 | Natsuki | Summer moon | 夏月 |
14 | Fuyuki | Winter moon | 冬月 |
15 | Miku | Beautiful sky, moon | 美空 |
16 | Ren | Lotus, moon | 蓮 |
17 | Kaito | Ocean, moon | 海斗 |
18 | Yuuto | Gentle moon | 優斗 |
19 | Shin | True, moon | 真 |
20 | Miyuki | Beautiful snow, moon | 美雪 |
21 | Ichika | First moonflower | 一花 |
22 | Tomo | Moon and friend | 友 |
23 | Kou | Light, moon | 光 |
24 | Ryou | Moon and greatness | 良 |
25 | Saki | Blossom, moonlight | 咲月 |

Historical and Mythological Moon Names in Japan.
In Japanese history and mythology, the moon holds a sacred and profound significance. It is often associated with various deities, legends, and cultural symbols. The moon is not only admired for its beauty but is also a symbol of divine power and spiritual presence in many myths. Here are some historical and mythological moon-related names in Japan, drawn from ancient traditions and folklore.
Name | Meaning | Kanji Equivalent | Historical/Mythological Reference |
---|---|---|---|
Tsukuyomi | Moon god | 月読 | Tsukuyomi is the moon god in Japanese mythology, a member of the “Three Noble Children” (aka the Three Kami of Creation). He is often depicted as both beautiful and aloof. |
Kaguya | Moonlight | かぐや | Kaguya-hime is the legendary princess from “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter” (Taketori Monogatari), who is believed to be from the moon. |
Omoikane | God of Wisdom (related to the moon) | 思兼神 | Omoikane is a deity in Shinto believed to have a close connection to celestial bodies, including the moon, and is known for wisdom and clarity in divine matters. |
Izanami | Goddess of creation and death (moon) | イザナミ | Izanami, the goddess of both creation and death, is part of the creation myth of Japan. She is often associated with the moon in some legends. |
Himiko | Moonlight princess | 卑弥呼 | Himiko is a legendary queen of ancient Japan, sometimes linked to lunar symbolism. She was considered a mystical figure with powers, connected with the moon and stars. |
Ame-no-ukihashi | Floating bridge of heaven (moon) | 天浮橋 | In Japanese myth, this bridge is where the moon and other celestial bodies were said to traverse between the heavens and Earth. |
Arakura | Moon mountain | 荒倉 | Arakura is associated with a mythical connection to the moon’s cycle and the land’s transformation through time and seasons in Japan’s ancient traditions. |
Tsukishiro | Moon Palace | 月城 | This refers to the “Moon Palace” from Japanese folklore, where deities or celestial beings are said to reside, often associated with the full moon’s beauty. |
Fujin | God of the Wind (associated with moon) | 風神 | While primarily the god of wind, Fujin in some stories is linked to the moon’s cyclical phases, influencing the weather and timekeeping in ancient myths. |
Yukimaru | Snow moon | 雪丸 | Yukimaru is a name inspired by moonlit snow in Japanese folklore, evoking a serene moonlit winter landscape tied to celestial and earthly harmonies. |
Shiraha | White Moon | 白波 | Shiraha, often linked to purity and celestial symbolism, refers to the white, radiant light of the moon as it shines on Japan’s mountainous landscapes. |
Kunitokotachi | Earth and moon creator | 国常立神 | Kunitokotachi is the primordial god in Japanese mythology responsible for creating both the earth and the moon, symbolizing their eternal connection. |
Takamimusubi | Celestial god related to the moon | 高御産巣日神 | Takamimusubi is associated with the creation of life and is also regarded as having a connection to the celestial forces like the moon in ancient lore. |
Susanoo | God of Storms (moon connection) | スサノオ | Susanoo, although the god of storms and sea, has many stories in which he interacts with the moon, often relating to lunar cycles of creation and destruction. |
Kuraokami | Dragon god of the moon | 倉稲魂神 | Kuraokami is the mythical dragon deity associated with the moon and is said to control rain and water, important for the moon’s connection to fertility and life. |
Izanagi | God of creation and moonlight | 伊邪那岐 | Izanagi, the male deity who, along with Izanami, created the world, also plays a part in myths where he descends to the moon to reclaim lost souls. |
Chikushodo | Moon’s descent into earth | 竹取堂 | This term refers to the myth of the moon descending to Earth, where Kaguya-hime, the moon princess, is found in a bamboo stalk. |
Tachiwaki | Moonlit cherry blossoms | 立脇 | A name inspired by the beauty of cherry blossoms under the moon, symbolizing a connection between natural cycles and celestial beauty in Japanese culture. |
Ame-no-murakumo | Heavenly sword of the moon | 天叢雲剣 | The Ame-no-murakumo-no-Tsurugi (Heavenly Sword) is a sacred object linked to the moon in Shinto mythology, symbolizing divine protection and lunar power. |
Ame-no-Tajikarao | Strength of the moon god | 天手力男神 | This deity is associated with the moon and is known for his strength, particularly in pushing aside the rock that had sealed away the sun goddess, Amaterasu. |
Nara | Moonlit field | 奈良 | Nara, often associated with ancient rituals, reflects the serenity and beauty of the moonlight on Japan’s sacred landscapes. |
Yamato | Great moon | 大和 | Yamato is a powerful name linked to both Japan’s early history and its celestial traditions, with associations to lunar deities. |
Mikoto | Celestial being (moon’s child) | 命 | A name that signifies divine or celestial heritage, associated with the heavenly powers of the moon and stars. |
Kaya | Moonlight wisdom | 加夜 | Kaya, representing a blend of night and wisdom, is connected to the moon as it symbolizes the enlightenment that comes under moonlit nights. |
Kamenosuke | Moon god protector | 亀之助 | This name ties to a legend in which a turtle is said to protect the moon and its cycle, illustrating the balance between the earth and the moon. |
These names are steeped in the rich folklore and mythology of Japan, where the moon is not just a celestial body but a divine symbol influencing creation, strength, and beauty. They reflect the deep respect and reverence the Japanese people have for the moon’s role in shaping both nature and mythology.
Cultural Significance of the Moon in Japan
In Japan, the moon is more than just a celestial body; it’s a key cultural icon that shows up in art, literature, and everyday life. It stands for beauty and enlightenment, inspiring many poems and paintings.
Every year, people celebrate Tsukimi, or “moon viewing,” where families come together to enjoy the full moon and offer rice dumplings. This tradition links back to agriculture, showing how the moon is tied to the success of harvests.
The moon also pops up in many folktales, where it’s seen as everything from a muse for poets to a home for gods. This deep respect for the moon highlights its lasting impact on Japanese culture and spiritual life.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Moon-Related Name
When picking a moon-related name, think about its cultural depth and what it means to you or your family.
It’s good to choose a name that’s easy to say and fits well in different cultures, especially if your child will grow up around diverse people.
Consider how unique the name is. A rare name might be memorable, but it could also lead to confusion over how to pronounce it.
Think about what nicknames could come from it and how it sounds with your last name.
You want a name that sounds good and makes sense for your child’s whole life.
Conclusion
Choosing a moon-related Japanese name takes thought. You need to think about its meaning in the culture, how it sounds, and how it feels to you personally.
Each name has its own beauty and deep meaning that might speak to you differently, depending on what you and your family feel is important.
We’ve talked about how these names are not just about the moon’s beauty and myths but also about qualities like brightness and new beginnings.
You might like Tsukiko because it sounds nice, or maybe Tsukuyomi appeals to you because it feels deeper.
Picking a name is a big deal; it says a lot about who you are and connects you to Japanese culture in a special way, through the moon’s powerful symbolism.