150+ Japanese Names That Start with N – Male, Female & Unique

Japanese names that start with N is a great way to discover the culture, meaning, and beauty behind each name. Whether you’re looking for Japanese names that start with N female or Japanese names that start with N male, you’ll find a variety of choices that reflect tradition, nature, and character.

This list also highlights Japanese names that start with N unique in sound and meaning, as well as Japanese names that start with N historical, giving you a deeper connection to the rich heritage of Japan.


Also Read:160+ Japanese Names That Start With Y – Unique and Historical

male Japanese names that start with N

1. Naoki (直樹) – “Honest tree”; symbolizes integrity and strength.
2. Noboru (昇) – Means “to rise” or “ascend”; often linked to success.
3. Natsuki (夏輝) – “Summer radiance”; gives a bright, seasonal feel.
4. Naoya (直也) – “Honest and calm”; associated with sincerity and peace.
5. Norio (則夫) – “Lawful man”; traditionally used in older generations.
6. Nobuhiro (信弘) – “Faithful and broad”; reflects loyalty and wisdom.
7. Nariaki (成明) – “Becoming bright”; implies personal growth and clarity.
8. Naomichi (直道) – “Honest path”; a name rooted in virtue and direction.
9. Natsuo (夏生) – “Born in summer”; a fresh and lively seasonal name.
10. Nobuhiko (信彦) – “Trustworthy boy”; carries a noble and strong meaning.
11. Nakamura (中村) – Though a surname, it’s sometimes used as a given name meaning “central village.”
12. Narihira (業平) – A historical name; refers to Ariwara no Narihira, a classical Japanese poet.
13. Naohiro (直広) – “Honest and wide”; suggests openness and truth.
14. Nobuyuki (信幸) – “Faith and happiness”; a positive, optimistic name.
15. Naotsugu (直次) – “Honest continuation”; implies dependable nature.
16. Naganori (長矩) – Known from history, especially Lord Asano Naganori of the 47 Ronin.
17. Nagahide (長秀) – “Long-lasting excellence”; traditional and strong.
18. Nobutaka (信孝) – “Trust and filial piety”; reflects traditional values.
19. Naoteru (直輝) – “Honest and shining”; modern and radiant in tone.
20. Narihito (徳仁) – Imperial name; Crown Prince Naruhito before he became emperor.
21. Naofumi (尚文) – “Esteemed literature”; often tied to intellectual spirit.
22. Norikazu (憲一) – “Law and harmony”; expresses order and balance.
23. Naoyuki (直幸) – “Honest and fortunate”; a bright, kind-sounding name.
24. Nobunaga (信長) – Refers to Oda Nobunaga, a famous feudal lord in Japanese history.
25. Noriyuki (範之) – “Model and virtue”; often used for dependable individuals.

female Japanese names that start with N

1. Nana (奈々 / 菜々) – Often means “seven” or “greens,” symbolizing nature or good fortune.
2. Nao (尚 / 奈緒) – A gentle and modern name meaning “esteem” or “obedient thread.”
3. Nagisa (渚) – Means “beach” or “shore,” evoking calm and natural beauty.
4. Nanami (七海) – “Seven seas,” a poetic and popular name for girls.
5. Nene (音々 / 寧々) – Can mean “sound” or “peaceful,” a soft and sweet name.
6. Natsumi (夏美) – “Summer beauty,” ideal for girls born in warm months.
7. Narumi (成美) – “Achieve beauty,” reflects personal growth and charm.
8. Nako (菜子) – “Child of greens,” often linked to nature and purity.
9. Nozomi (望) – Means “hope” or “wish,” a very meaningful and elegant name.
10. Natsuki (菜月) – “Vegetables and moon,” combines nature and serenity.
11. Natsue (夏恵) – “Summer blessing,” used for cheerful, kind girls.
12. Nanae (奈苗) – “Nara plant sprout,” soft and unique sounding.
13. Nagako (長子) – “Long-lasting child,” traditional and respectful.
14. Naoko (尚子) – “Esteemed child,” used by both modern and older generations.
15. Narika (成香) – “Fragrance of success,” a stylish and uncommon name.
16. Natsukiho (夏希穂) – “Summer hope and ear of grain,” elegant and poetic.
17. Nazuna (薺) – A plant name (shepherd’s purse), delicate and botanical.
18. Noriko (法子 / 典子) – “Law/Rule child,” once common among noble families.
19. Natsuno (夏乃) – “Of summer,” a fresh and light seasonal name.
20. Naho (奈保 / 菜帆) – “Greens and sail,” or “peaceful greens,” peaceful and feminine.
21. Nayuki (名雪) – “Famous snow,” a soft winter-inspired name.
22. Nami (波) – “Wave,” simple and natural, often symbolizes emotions or movement.
23. Nanoka (菜乃花) – “Vegetable blossom,” charming and floral.
24. Naruna (成菜) – “Growing greens,” gentle and earthy in feel.
25. Nobue (信恵) – “Faith and blessing,” a name with deep cultural roots.

unisex Japanese names that start with N

1. Nari (成) – “To become” or “growth”; simple, modern, and neutral in tone.
2. Naoha (尚羽 / 奈央羽) – “Esteemed feather” or “peaceful feather”; soft and poetic.
3. Natsuha (夏羽) – “Summer feather”; light and seasonal, suitable for all genders.
4. Nagi (凪) – “Calm sea” or “lull”; a peaceful, nature-inspired unisex name.
5. Nariyuki (成行) – “To proceed or develop”; often seen in classical or poetic settings.
6. Naoto (尚翔 / 直翔) – “Esteemed flight” or “honest flight”; used by both boys and girls in modern Japan.
7. Nahoaki (奈帆明) – “Peaceful sail and brightness”; balanced and harmonious.
8. Nakoha (菜湖羽) – “Greens, lake, and feather”; a lyrical and rare name.
9. Nagumi (和海) – “Peaceful sea”; ideal for those who love oceanic symbolism.
10. Noa (乃愛) – “Belonging to love”; short, trendy, and gender-neutral.
11. Naona (尚菜) – “Esteemed greens”; soft and earthy in feel.
12. Natsuru (夏瑠) – “Summer jewel”; bright, stylish, and suitable for any gender.
13. Nanase (七瀬) – “Seven shallows” or “seven rapids”; poetic and calm.
14. Nanakusa (七草) – “Seven herbs”; based on a seasonal tradition, symbolic and neutral.
15. Narunae (成苗江) – “Growing sprouts by the bay”; unique and natural.
16. Nariho (成帆) – “Sailing growth”; evokes journey, ideal for any gender.
17. Nazuki (夏月 / 名月) – “Summer moon” or “famous moon”; graceful and cosmic.
18. Nokari (乃佳里) – “Beautiful village child”; gentle and unisex in tone.
19. Nanaki (七輝) – “Seven lights”; bright, rare, and modern.
20. Naeri (菜恵里) – “Greens, blessings, and village”; peaceful and meaningful.
21. Noharu (乃陽) – “Of the sun”; warm and gender-neutral.
22. Natsune (夏音) – “Summer sound”; musical and refreshing.
23. Naomiya (尚宮) – “Noble palace”; used as a unique and respectful name.
24. Nokimi (望君) – “Hopeful noble”; poetic and gentle.
25. Narisa (成咲) – “Blooming growth”; symbolic of flourishing and success.

popular Japanese names that start with N

1. Naoya (直哉) – “Honest and accomplished”; very common and respected male name.
2. Nanako (菜々子) – “Greens and child”; cute and widely used for girls.
3. Naomi (直美 / 尚美) – “Honest beauty” or “esteemed beauty”; used for girls, also known internationally.
4. Natsuki (奈月) – “Peaceful moon”; poetic and trendy name.
5. Natsuki (夏希) – “Summer hope”; a fresh and popular choice.
6. Naozumi (直純) – “Pure honesty”; a well-known male name in traditional families.
7. Nanami (奈波) – “Peaceful waves”; unique from 七海, but equally popular.
8. Nobue (延江) – “Extended river”; feminine and elegant.
9. Naohiro (尚大) – “Esteemed greatness”; often chosen for boys with strong character.
10. Naru (成瑠) – “Growth jewel”; often seen in anime and modern media.
11. Nozomi (希実) – “Hope and truth”; a common name among girls.
12. Nobuki (信樹) – “Faithful tree”; solid and traditional male name.
13. Naho (奈穂) – “Peaceful greens”; pleasant and soft-sounding.
14. Natsuka (夏花) – “Summer flower”; bright, floral, and loved by many.
15. Nariaki (也秋) – “Also autumn”; used for boys, connected to seasonal beauty.
16. Natsumi (奈純) – “Peaceful purity”; a slightly rarer yet admired name.
17. Norio (紀夫) – “Chronicle man”; retro but still in use, especially in older generations.
18. Naoe (直恵) – “Honest blessing”; short, noble, and gender-flexible.
19. Nanakusa (菜々草) – “Greens and herbs”; sometimes used for seasonal naming.
20. Noriko (紀子) – “Chronicle child”; classic and still widely used.
21. Natsuho (夏穂) – “Summer grain”; popular for girls born in summer.
22. Naoki (尚貴) – “Esteemed and noble”; different from previous kanji, still a favorite.
23. Natsuru (夏瑠) – “Summer gem”; catchy, bright, and rising in popularity.
24. Narumi (鳴海) – “Sounding sea”; gender-neutral and well-loved.
25. Nobuhisa (信久) – “Eternal faith”; carries a timeless, strong impression.

historical Japanese names that start with N

1. Naganuma (長沼) – A samurai surname; known from Naganuma clan of northern Japan.
2. Ninomiya (二宮) – As in Ninomiya Sontoku (二宮 尊徳), an Edo-period agrarian reformer and philosopher.
3. Nagao (長尾) – From Nagao Kagetora (長尾 景虎), the childhood name of Uesugi Kenshin, a famous warlord.
4. Nakano (中野) – As in Nakano Takeko (中野 竹子), a female warrior during the Boshin War.
5. Naitō (内藤) – A samurai family name; Naitō Masatoyo (内藤 昌豊) served under Takeda Shingen.
6. Nishio (西尾) – A surname of a samurai family in the Edo period.
7. Nagashima (長島) – Famous family name with samurai roots.
8. Nakamura (中村) – As in Nakamura Shichinosuke (中村 七之助), part of a renowned kabuki acting lineage.
9. Narushima (成島) – Narushima Ryuhoku (成島 柳北) was a prominent writer and critic in the late Edo period.
10. Niiro (新納) – As in Niiro Tadamoto (新納 忠元), a retainer of the Shimazu clan.
11. Narita (成田) – As in Narita Nagachika (成田 長親), a Sengoku-period military commander.
12. Noma (野間) – Noma Seiji (野間 清治) was the founder of Kodansha, a major Japanese publishing company.
13. Nakanishi (中西) – A surname seen in Edo and Meiji periods among scholars and bureaucrats.
14. Nishikawa (西川) – Appeared historically among physicians and artists.
15. Nishida (西田) – Nishida Kitarō (西田 幾多郎), a major 20th-century philosopher and founder of the Kyoto School.
16. Nagaoka (長岡) – As in Nagaoka Gaishi (長岡 外史), a general and military figure of the Meiji era.
17. Nakayama (中山) – As in Nakayama Tadayasu (中山 忠光), a noble and political figure in the late Edo period.
18. Naruse (成瀬) – Naruse Masakatsu (成瀬 正勝), a feudal lord and retainer of the Tokugawa.
19. Nishimura (西村) – Family name seen in Meiji-era military and government positions.
20. Nagatomi (永富) – As in Nagatomi Kenkichi (永富 健吉), a Meiji-era bureaucrat and historian.
21. Niwa (丹羽) – Niwa Nagahide (丹羽 長秀) was a top general under Oda Nobunaga.
22. Nakagawa (中川) – Nakagawa Kiyohide (中川 清秀), a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
23. Nagamine (長嶺) – Known in Okinawan history, such as Nagamine Shōshin (長嶺 将真), a karate master.
24. Nishina (仁科) – Nishina Morinobu (仁科 盛信), son of Takeda Shingen, known for resisting Oda Nobunaga.
25. Nabeshima (鍋島) – Nabeshima Naoshige (鍋島 直茂), founder of the Nabeshima domain in Hizen Province.

spiritual Japanese names that start with N

1. Nobumi (信美) – “Faith and beauty”; symbolizes inner belief and grace.
2. Naoto (尚人) – “Esteemed person”; a name reflecting high moral character.
3. Norimi (徳美) – “Virtue and beauty”; associated with goodness and spiritual purity.
4. Naomiya (直宮) – “Honest shrine”; a sacred and rare name with spiritual tones.
5. Nansei (南星) – “Southern star”; carries celestial and peaceful meaning.
6. Nobuharu (信陽) – “Faithful sun”; representing trust and spiritual light.
7. Nobue (信枝) – “Faithful branch”; a symbol of spiritual connection and growth.
8. Natsune (夏音) – “Summer sound”; evokes calming natural elements and inner peace.
9. Naora (直良) – “Straight and good”; associated with moral clarity.
10. Narikae (成佳恵) – “Becoming, excellence, blessing”; implies divine favor and growth.
11. Noritaka (徳隆) – “Virtue and nobility”; represents high spiritual standing.
12. Naozane (直実) – “Honest truth”; suggests living with integrity and spiritual strength.
13. Nazunae (菜純絵) – “Greens, purity, picture”; a poetic and nature-linked spiritual name.
14. Norika (法香) – “Law and fragrance”; evokes sacred rules and pure essence.
15. Namiho (波穂) – “Wave and grain”; symbolizes nature’s rhythm and spiritual harvest.
16. Naohana (尚花) – “Esteemed flower”; represents blooming with dignity and grace.
17. Nobumitsu (信光) – “Faith and light”; radiates a spiritual sense of hope and trust.
18. Naetsu (苗津) – “Sprout haven”; spiritually connected to renewal and rebirth.
19. Nokano (乃佳野) – “Field of goodness”; peaceful and deeply connected to the earth.
20. Nokimi (希実) – “Hope and truth”; inner peace through aspiration and honesty.
21. Nariai (成愛) – “Become love”; symbolizes spiritual connection and compassion.
22. Naen (那苑) – “That sacred garden”; reflects tranquility and sacred space.
23. Noritomo (徳友) – “Virtuous friend”; associated with loyal, kind souls.
24. Narisae (成冴恵) – “Clear wisdom in growth”; linked to enlightenment and inner awareness.
25. Nobukazu (信和) – “Faith and harmony”; a name reflecting peaceful living and balance.

unique Japanese names that start with N

1. Nekoma (猫真) – “True cat”; an imaginative and rare name, sometimes found in artistic families.
2. Nabari (名張) – A unique name also tied to a region in Japan; could mean “named stretch.”
3. Naruka (鳴華) – “Sounding blossom”; poetic and very rarely used.
4. Natsuneo (夏音生) – “Born of summer sound”; layered and deeply symbolic.
5. Nokaze (野風) – “Field wind”; nature-inspired and serene.
6. Niwaka (俄) – Means “sudden” or “unexpected”; sometimes used poetically or artistically.
7. Nagika (凪花) – “Calm flower”; soft and highly unusual, with peaceful imagery.
8. Nanaho (菜七帆) – “Greens, seven, and sail”; whimsical and rare.
9. Natsuyume (夏夢) – “Summer dream”; highly poetic and not commonly used.
10. Nirasa (仁良沙) – “Benevolence, goodness, and sand”; a blend of rare kanji.
11. Naenami (苗波) – “Sprout wave”; unique nature-based name.
12. Nunoka (布乃花) – “Cloth’s flower”; very rare and gentle in tone.
13. Nazuka (謎香) – “Mystery fragrance”; carries a mystical and creative feel.
14. Norieko (法恵子) – “Child blessed by law”; deeply spiritual and seldom used.
15. Nakika (泣花) – “Crying flower”; poetic and emotionally deep.
16. Nisari (仁砂理) – “Compassion, sand, and truth”; rarely used and very meaningful.
17. Nagifuu (凪風羽) – “Calm wind feather”; whimsical and symbolic.
18. Nawaka (縄佳) – “Rope beauty”; an abstract and uncommon name.
19. Nokari (野佳里) – “Beautiful village field”; rustic and lovely.
20. Natsuriko (夏璃子) – “Summer, crystal, child”; modern and sparkling.
21. Narumiya (鳴宮) – “Sounding shrine”; mysterious and refined.
22. Noshika (望紫花) – “Wish, purple, flower”; color-themed and elegant.
23. Naekari (苗香里) – “Fragrant seedling village”; earthy and uncommon.
24. Neruko (寝子) – “Sleeping child”; rarely used, sometimes in literature or manga.
25. Nishika (虹香) – “Rainbow fragrance”; vibrant and symbolic of uniqueness.

Conclusion

Japanese names that start with N offer a wide and meaningful range of choices, from historical and spiritual names to rare and creative ones.

Each name reflects a unique blend of culture, nature, and character, allowing for deep personal expression.

Whether you’re drawn to tradition or looking for something distinctive, exploring names beginning with N is a beautiful way to connect with Japanese heritage and naming artistry.

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