The No. 1 boy name in 2025 was 湊 (Minato), and the No. 1 girl name was 翠 (Sui). Japan ranks names by their kanji, so the same sound written differently counts as a different name. The reading ranking below shows which sounds are most popular overall.
Counting every spelling of a name together. Haruto, for example, includes 陽翔, 悠斗, 晴人 and more.
Every year since 1912, from the Taishō era to today. Ties are shown together.
Source: Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance yearly baby name survey, based on babies born to the company's policyholders. The 2026 ranking is usually published in late November or December.