Japanese names starting with N
52 Japanese girl and boy names that start with N, grouped by their first sound, with kanji, meanings and popularity.
N- names range from the classic Naoki and Noriko to modern names like Nagi and Noa. 菜 (greens, rape blossom) and 奈 give many girls' Na- names, while 直 (honest) gives Nao- names for both genders.
Na- names such as Nana, Nanami and Natsuki are especially popular for girls.
Across all 52 names, the kanji that most often begin a N name are 直 (honest), 信 (trust), 尚 (to esteem).
On this page
Names starting with Na-
25 names. Na- is most often written 直 (honest), 尚 (to esteem), 菜 (greens).
Names starting with No-
23 names. No- is most often written 信 (trust), 伸 (to stretch), 望 (hope).
Names starting with Ni-
3 names. Ni- is most often written 仁 (benevolence), 新 (new), 虹 (rainbow).
Names starting with Ne-
1 name. Ne- is most often written 寧 (peaceful).
How N names are written
Japanese names are chosen for their kanji as much as their sound. These are the kanji that most often begin a N name, counting every spelling on this page. 18 of these names are popular today, and 6 are classics from before 1990.
| Kanji | Meaning | Spellings |
|---|---|---|
| 直 | honest, straight | 32 |
| 信 | trust, faith | 18 |
| 尚 | to esteem, still more | 13 |
| 菜 | greens, rapeseed flower | 12 |
| 伸 | to stretch, extend | 11 |
| 奈 | (used for its sound, na) | 9 |
| 凪 | calm sea | 8 |
| 夏 | summer | 8 |
Questions
What is a popular Japanese girl name starting with N?
Nanami (七海) is one of the best-known: 七 seven + 海 sea. Popular now · best No. 2.
What is a popular Japanese boy name starting with N?
Nagito (凪翔) is one of the best-known: 凪 calm sea + 翔 to soar. Popular now · best No. 36.
Which N names sound old-fashioned in Japan?
Names that were popular before 1990 and have since dropped out of the rankings, such as Naomi, Noriko, Narumi, Nobuko, now sound like names of parents and grandparents.