170+ Japanese Names That Start With S – Male, Female & Rare

Japanese names that start with S carry a special charm, often reflecting deep cultural meanings and beautiful sounds. Whether you’re looking for Japanese names that start with S girl or seeking Japanese names that start with S boy, this guide offers a thoughtful collection to explore.

Each name on this list not only begins with the letter S but also holds a unique story, origin, or symbolism. From soft and gentle tones to strong and traditional names, you’ll discover a wide range of Japanese names starting with S and meaning, making it easier to find the perfect name for your baby, character, or creative project.

Also Read:150+ Japanese Names That Start With K – Girl, Boy & Unisex

Japanese unisex names that start with S

1. Sora (空) – Meaning “sky.”
   A very popular unisex name symbolizing openness and freedom.
2. Shion (紫苑) – A flower name, “aster,”
   often associated with remembrance and beauty.
3. Souta (颯太) – While more commonly male, it’s also used for girls.
   It means “swift wind.”
4. Suzume (雀) – Meaning “sparrow.”
   A cute and lively nature name.
5. Shiki (四季) – Meaning “four seasons,”
   symbolizing change, nature, and cycles.
6. Seina (星奈) – Meaning “star” and “hope” or “wish.”
   Soft and celestial in feel.
7. Suzu (鈴) – Meaning “bell.”
   A light and joyful sound-related name.
8. Shun (旬) – Can mean “season” or “fresh.”
   Often linked with timely beauty.
9. Souto (蒼翔) – Meaning “blue” and “fly/soar.”
   A name full of freedom and motion.
10. Sena (世奈) – Meaning “world” and “hope.”
    A trendy unisex name
11. Sawa (沢) – Meaning “marsh” or “swamp.”
    A calm and nature-centered name.
12. Saika (彩華) – Meaning “colorful flower.”
    Joyful and vibrant.
13. Seiji (誠司) – Means “sincerity” and “rule.”
    While often male, it’s used as unisex.
14. Shiki (識) – Meaning “consciousness” or “wisdom.”
    Intellectual and modern.
15. Saku (咲く) – Means “to bloom.”
    Elegant and hopeful.
16. Sumi (澄美) – Meaning “clear” and “beauty.”
    A pure and gentle name.
17. Shima (志麻) – Meaning “intention” and “hemp.”
    Traditional yet fresh.
18. Sayu (紗由) – meaning “silk” and “reason.”
    Soft and modern
19. Saki (咲希) – A blend of “blossom” and “hope.”
    Common as unisex in newer generations.
20. Seira (星羅) – Meaning “star” and “net,”
    evoking cosmic and mysterious imagery.
21. Saori (沙織) – ; means “sand” and “weave.”
    Often female but now used unisex
22. Souka (蒼花) – Meaning “blue flower.”
    Aesthetic and gentle.
23. Shina (詩奈) – Meaning “poetry” and “calm.”
    Artistic and serene.
24. Senae (瀬苗) – A rare name meaning
    “shallow river current” and “seedling.”
25. Sōrin (蒼輪) – Meaning “blue” and “wheel,”
    symbolic of eternity and balance.

Japanese male names that start with S

1. Shintarō (新太郎 / 慎太郎) – A classic name combining “new” or “careful”
   “eldest son.”
2. Saburō (三郎) – An old-fashioned name meaning “third son.”
   Often used in samurai-era Japan.
3. Seigo (誠吾) – Meaning “sincere” and “enlightenment.”
   Represents truth and wisdom.
4. Shūhei (修平) – Combines “discipline” and “peace.”
   Strong yet calm in character.
5. Shōgo (翔吾) – Meaning “soaring” and “myself.”
   A name with ambition and motion.
6. Satoru (悟) – Means “to understand” or “enlightenment.”
   Deeply philosophical.
7. Shunpei (俊平) – Combines “talented” and “peace.”
   Intelligent and stable.
8. Seitarō (誠太郎) – Meaning “sincere eldest son.”
   Traditional with honest values.
9. Shūji (修司) – “To study” and “to govern.”
   Often used for scholarly or responsible boys.
10. Sōsuke (壮介) – Combines “robust” or “vigorous” and “help.”
    Strong and supportive.
11. Sakutarō (作太郎) – Meaning “create” and “eldest son.”
    A name for builders and creators.
12. Sōta (蒼汰) – Not to be confused with unisex “Souta.”
    This version means “blue” and “purify.”
13. Shigeki (茂樹) – Meaning “luxuriant tree.”
    Strong, rooted, and traditional.
14. Seijirō (清次郎) – Combines “pure” and “second son.”
    Clear and dignified.
15. Shōma (翔真) – Meaning “soaring” and “truth.”
    Aspirational and honest.
16. Shunji (俊司) – “Excellent” and “to govern.”
    A bright and capable leader.
17. Shinzō (信三) – Meaning “faith” and “third.”
    Often reflects loyalty and devotion.
18. Sōjirō (宗次郎) – Combines “religion/family” and “second son.”
    Historical and noble.
19. Shōichi (翔一) – Meaning “fly” and “first.”
    Modern and dynamic.
20. Shūta (修太) – “Discipline” and “big/great.”
    Strong-willed and dependable.
21. Seiken (誠健) – “Sincere” and “health/strength.”
    Honest and physically strong.
22. Shinsuke (信介) – Meaning “faith” and “help.”
    Reliable and supportive.
23. Sōma (颯真) – “Swift wind” and “truth.”
    A cool, nature-inspired choice.
24. Seijū (誠樹) – Meaning “sincere” and “tree.”
    Calm, steady, and resilient.
25. Shūgo (周悟) – “Circumference” and “enlightenment.”
    Symbolizes wide-reaching wisdom.

Japanese female names that start with S

1. Sachiko (幸子) – Meaning “child of happiness.”
   A classic and cheerful name.
2. Sae (冴恵 / 佐恵) – Can mean “clear and blessed” or “assistance and blessing.”
   Short and sweet.
3. Satomi (聡美 / 里美) – Meaning “wise and beautiful” or “village beauty.”
   Both graceful and intelligent.
4. Sayaka (沙耶香) – A poetic name meaning “sand,”
   “serene,” and “fragrance.”
5. Satsuki (皐月) – Refers to the fifth month (May),
   symbolizing early summer and vitality.
6. Sawako (沢子 / 佐和子) – Meaning “swamp child” or “harmonious child.”
   Traditional and refined.
7. Shiori (栞 / 詩織) – Meaning “bookmark” or “poetic weaving.”
   Delicate and literary.
8. Seiko (聖子 / 清子) – Meaning “holy child” or “pure child.”
   Popular in the Showa era.
9. Sakurae (桜絵) – “Cherry blossom painting.”
   A beautifully artistic and rare name.
10. Sayuri (小百合) – Means “little lily.”
    Represents innocence and beauty.
11. Shizuka (静香) – Meaning “quiet fragrance.”
    A calm, graceful personality.
12. Sumire (菫) – The name for “violet flower.”
    Elegant and natural.
13. Suzuna (鈴菜) – Meaning “bell vegetable,”
    another name for turnip greens; also seasonal.
14. Sakiko (咲子) – Meaning “blooming child.”
    Cheerful and growth-oriented.
15. Shinobu (忍) – Meaning “to endure” or “patience.”
    A strong, inner-spirited name.
16. Saeko (冴子 / 紗英子) – Can mean “clear child” or
    “silken, excellent child.”
17. Serina (芹奈) – “Water dropwort” and “endurance.”
    A nature-inspired, soft name.
18. Sarina (紗里奈) – Meaning “gauze,” “village,” and “Nara (old capital).”
    A mix of history and elegance.
19. Shionka (紫音花) – “Purple sound flower.”
    A very rare and lyrical name.
20. Sayuki (紗雪) – “Gauze and snow.”
    Symbolizes purity and softness.
21. Shiho (志保) – Meaning “will” and “protection.”
    Reflects a determined yet gentle soul.
22. Sakune (咲音) – “Blooming sound.”
    Joyful and musical in tone.
23. Saikae (彩佳恵) – “Colorful, beautiful, blessed.”
    Bright and positive.
24. Suma (須磨) – A historical name, referencing a place in literature
    (The Tale of Genji).
25. Saeha (冴葉) – “Crisp leaves.”
    Unique and poetic, connecting to nature’s elegance.

popular Japanese names that start with S

1. Souma (蒼真) – A trendy male name meaning “blue” and “truth.”
   Often seen in modern media.
2. Sara (沙羅) – A feminine name meaning “sal tree,”
   associated with purity and Buddhist symbolism.
3. Shun (駿) – A stylish male name meaning “fast” or “talented.”
   Popular in dramas and manga.
4. Sena (瀬奈) – A unisex name growing in popularity;
   “shallows” and “Nara (place name).”
5. Soutarou (壮太郎) – A masculine name meaning “strong eldest son.”
   Seen in traditional families.
6. Suzuha (鈴葉) – A girl’s name meaning “bell” and “leaf.”
   Gentle and lyrical.
7. Shou (翔 / 勝 / 昇) – A popular boy’s name with multiple
   meanings like “fly,” “win,” or “rise.”
8. Sayu (咲優) – “Bloom” and “gentle.”
   A soft and feminine girl’s name.
9. Shūma (修真) – “Discipline” and “truth.”
   A fashionable boy’s name with serious tone.
10. Sakura (桜) – A beloved girl’s name meaning “cherry blossom.”
    Timeless and seasonal.
11. Shōta (翔太) – A highly popular male name meaning “soaring big boy.”
    Energetic and youthful.
12. Suzuka (鈴香) – A girl’s name meaning “bell fragrance.”
    Pretty and light-sounding.
13. Souta (奏汰) – A popular modern boy’s name
    meaning “play music” and “cleanse.”
14. Seina (星南) – Girl’s name meaning “star” and “south.”
    Fresh and cosmic in theme.
15. Sakiho (咲穂) – Meaning “blossoming ear of grain.”
    A graceful and poetic girl’s name.
16. Sōichirō (宗一郎) – A strong traditional boy’s name
    meaning “religious/ancestral first son.”
17. Suzuno (鈴乃) – Feminine name meaning “of the bell.”
    Classic and elegant.
18. Shinnosuke (慎之介) – Masculine name meaning “humble help.”
    Seen in anime and historical fiction.
19. Sayaka (清香) – A version of Sayaka meaning “pure fragrance.”
    Bright and elegant.
20. Shiori (詩音) – Meaning “poetry sound.”
    Modern variant popular for girls.
21. Souta (颯大) – Variation meaning “quick wind” and “great.”
    Stylish and masculine.
22. Sae (紗絵) – Meaning “silk” and “picture.”
    A modern, elegant name for girls.
23. Seiji (清司) – Meaning “pure” and “govern.”
    A respected and classic male name.
24. Senae (星苗) – Girl’s name meaning “star seedling.”
    A rare but growing modern name.
25. Shouko (翔子) – Feminine name meaning “fly child.”
    Energetic and light.

historical Japanese names that start with S

1. Sanada Yukimura (真田 幸村) – Legendary samurai warrior of the Sengoku era, remembered for his bravery at the Siege of Osaka.
2. Saitō Dōsan (斎藤 道三) – A powerful daimyo known as the “Viper of Mino” during the Sengoku period.
3. Sakuma Shōzan (佐久間 象山) – A late Edo-period scholar who advocated for Western learning and modernization.
4. Shibata Katsuie (柴田 勝家) – A general under Oda Nobunaga, famous for his loyalty and tragic end at Shizugatake.
5. Shinran (親鸞) – A religious reformer and founder of the
   Jōdo Shinshū school of Pure Land Buddhism.
6. Sugawara no Michizane (菅原 道真) – A Heian-period scholar, poet, and politician later deified as Tenjin, the god of learning.
7. Saigō Takamori (西郷 隆盛) – A key leader of the Meiji Restoration, often called the “last true samurai.”
8. Shiba Yoshimasa (斯波 義将) – A Muromachi-period daimyo and
   political figure from the Shiba clan.
9. Shimizu Jirochō (清水 次郎長) – A famous yakuza boss in the Edo-Meiji transition, romanticized in literature and film.
10. Soga no Umako (蘇我 馬子) – An influential Asuka-period statesman
    from the powerful Soga clan.
11. Shōkō (称光天皇) – The 101st emperor of Japan during the
    Muromachi period (reigned 1412–1428).
12. Sanjō Sanetomi (三条 実美) – A noble and statesman during the Meiji Restoration, played a key role in imperial governance.
13. Shigeno Yasutsugu (重野 安繹) – A scholar and historian of the Meiji period who contributed to Japanese historiography.
14. Sasaki Kojirō (佐々木 小次郎) – A master swordsman, famously defeated by Miyamoto Musashi in a legendary duel.
15. Sengoku Hidehisa (仙石 秀久) – A samurai and retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, known for his shifting allegiances.
16. Sanjōnishi Sanetaka (三条西 実隆) – A cultural figure and waka poet of the
    late Muromachi period.
17. Satake Yoshishige (佐竹 義重) – A Sengoku-era daimyo of the Satake clan, known for military leadership.
18. Shō Eki (尚益) – King of the Ryukyu Kingdom during the early
    18th century, part of the Shō dynasty.
19. Shimazu Yoshihisa (島津 義久) – Head of the Shimazu clan in the Sengoku period, known for his conquest of Kyushu.
20. Shinjo Kansha (新城 感謝) – A rare historical name appearing in late Edo-period records; symbol of local leadership.
21. Shibukawa Shunkai (渋川 春海) – A Japanese astronomer and calendar expert
    of the Edo period.
22. Soga no Iruka (蘇我 入鹿) – A controversial figure from the Asuka period, assassinated in a famous coup (Isshi Incident).
23. Sasaki Takatsuna (佐々木 高綱) – A samurai of the late Heian era,
    noted for his role in the Genpei War.
24. Sakaki Naomasa (榊 直正) – A lesser-known Tokugawa retainer involved in early Bakumatsu diplomacy.
25. Sakaue no Tamemoto (坂上 為元) – A Heian-period military commander and descendant of the famed Sakanoue clan.

rare Japanese names that start with S

1. Saeha (冴羽) – “Clear feather.”
   A poetic and airy name not commonly used.
2. Suisen (水仙) – “Daffodil.”
   A nature name rarely used as a given name, more poetic than practical.
3. Shigure (時雨) – “Drizzle in late autumn.”
   A seasonal and literary name with a melancholic beauty.
4. Sakine (咲音) – “Blooming sound.”
   Delicate and musical, but very rarely used in real life.
5. Seinao (星直) – “Direct star.”
   A rare celestial name with a strong, upright feel.
6. Satori (悟り) – Meaning “enlightenment.”
   Philosophical and spiritual, more a concept than a common name.
7. Sumika (澄佳) – “Clear and excellent.”
   Soft, elegant, and very uncommon.
8. Shikimi (樒) – A rare nature name referring to the
   Japanese star anise tree, often used in rituals.
9. Suzukae (鈴栄) – “Bell glory.”
   Elegant yet extremely rare and often seen in historical references.
10. Senju (千寿) – “Thousand longevity.”
    Uncommon and noble, sounds historical or mystical.
11. Sakurako (桜子) – “Cherry blossom child.”
    Beautiful but no longer widely used in modern Japan.
12. Shihori (詩保里) – “Poetry, protect, village.”
    Complex kanji make it rare.
13. Seikō (晴光) – “Clear light.”
    Radiant and strong, but not common today.
14. Sazanami (漣) – “Ripple on water.”
    Literary and nature-based, very rare in naming.
15. Sōrin (宗麟) – Historical reference (Otomo Sorin),
    but rarely adopted as a modern name.
16. Shimo (霜) – “Frost.”
    Unusual and poetic, found more in poetry or literature.
17. Sōka (奏花) – “Play music and flower.”
    Soft and artistic, with a rare combination.
18. Senka (千華) – “Thousand flowers.”
    Rich and beautiful but rarely used in real names.
19. Suzuhana (鈴華) – “Bell flower.”
    A lyrical, nature-inspired name with low usage.
20. Shien (紫苑) – “Aster flower” or also associated with the color violet.
    Rare and ethereal.
21. Sayuka (冴優香) – “Clear, gentle fragrance.”
    Rare kanji combination with a modern aesthetic.
22. Sanemi (実風) – “True wind.”
    Rare and serene, sometimes used in fictional settings.
23. Seiko (星湖) – “Star lake.”
    Different from the common 清子; this variation is much rarer.
24. Shikika (四季花) – “Four seasons flower.”
    Poetic and complex, rarely used in naming.
25. Sujin (素神) – “Pure god/spirit.”
    Mythological and unusual, often linked to ancient references.

spiritual Japanese names that start with S

1. Shinsei (神聖) – “Sacred” or “holy.”
   A deeply spiritual name rarely used but rich in meaning.
2. Sōun (宗雲) – “Religious cloud.”
   A Buddhist-inspired name symbolizing divine presence or impermanence.
3. Shūzen (修善) – “Practice of goodness.”
   Reflects moral discipline and spiritual cultivation.
4. Seien (清縁) – “Pure karmic bond.”
   A spiritual term used in Buddhism for meaningful relationships.
5. Sokushin (即真) – “Immediate truth.”
   A Zen term implying sudden realization or enlightenment.
6. Sōjun (宗潤) – “Religious purity.”
   Refers to spiritual clarity and noble conduct.
7. Sairin (再臨) – “Second coming.”
   Has spiritual and religious significance, especially in prophecy.
8. Sōkō (蒼光) – “Blue light.”
   Symbolic of divine aura, sometimes used in esoteric Buddhism.
9. Shōmei (照明) – “Illumination.”
   Can refer to spiritual light or awakening.
10. Seiran (清嵐) – “Pure storm.”
    Reflects spiritual cleansing and rebirth.
11. Sanriki (山力) – “Mountain power.”
    Mountains are sacred in Shinto and Buddhism, representing spiritual strength.
12. Seika (聖華) – “Sacred flower.”
    Spiritual beauty, often symbolizing enlightenment or divine grace.
13. Shinkai (神海) – “Divine sea.”
    A mystical name suggesting depth, vastness, and spiritual mystery.
14. Seishō (清照) – “Pure illumination.”
    Often used to describe spiritual wisdom or guiding light.
15. Shōan (照安) – “Illuminated peace.”
    A name of spiritual balance and serenity.
16. Sankō (三光) – “Three lights.”
    Refers to sun, moon, and stars—cosmic forces in spiritual teachings.
17. Seidō (聖道) – “Holy path.”
    Refers to the righteous way in spiritual or religious practice.
18. Shūshin (修心) – “Discipline of the heart.”
    A name reflecting self-cultivation and inner truth.
19. Shinkō (信仰) – “Faith.”
    Often used in religious context, expressing strong belief and trust.
20. Sōshi (創志) – “Creative will.”
    Though modern, it echoes the spiritual desire to create meaning.
21. Seirin (清林) – “Pure forest.”
    Forests are sacred in Shinto; this name evokes natural harmony and purity.
22. Seikatsu (聖活) – “Sacred life.”
    Suggests living with spiritual purpose and reverence.
23. Sōmei (宗命) – “Divine command.”
    Often used in a spiritual context related to fate and calling.
24. Shōrei (祥霊) – “Auspicious spirit.”
    Symbolizes a benevolent or guiding force.
25. Seikō (聖光) – “Holy light.”
    Used in spiritual and religious contexts, representing divine presence.

Conclusion

Japanese names that start with S offer a wide and fascinating variety, from rare and spiritual choices to historically rich and modern favorites.

Whether you’re drawn to names with deep cultural meaning, poetic beauty, or timeless strength, the letter “S” provides many meaningful options across genders and themes.

These names reflect the depth of Japanese language and tradition, making them both unique and culturally significant for any naming inspiration.

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