The Top 100 Cool & Popular Anime Baby Boy Names: Their Meanings & Origins

Overview

Are you fascinated by anime and Japanese culture? Many parents who are anime fans enjoy naming their babies after their favorite anime characters.

With Japanese anime reaching as far as the US and European countries, it’s not so surprising that anime names have also become popular worldwide.

Michi, Rin, and Sora are some of the most popular anime girl names.

But if you’re looking for anime boy names, you can find our 100 top choices below.

Popular Anime Baby Names for Boys

Anime originated from Japan. So, many of the anime baby names are Japanese names or English names that are relevant to Japanese culture.

The following are our top 100 cool and most popular anime boy names that you can pick for your baby:

Akatsuki

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Red moon

• Variations/Synonyms: Daybreak, dawn, time, and scarlet

• Description: Akatsuki is a criminal organization in “Naruto,” but some parents like its sound and pick it as a cool anime name for their little one.

Akira

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Bright

• Variations/Synonyms: Ideal or clear

• Description: “Akira” is a sci-fi anime action film.

Aoi

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Hollyhock flower

• Variations/Synonyms: Blue (the color)

• Description: Aoi Tsubaki is the protagonist in “Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi.”

Arata

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Fresh

• Variations/Synonyms: Plow

• Description: Arata is the name of the two main characters in “Arata: The Legend.”

Asahi

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Dawn

• Variations/Synonyms: Morning sunlight, battleship, and train

• Description: Asahi Azumane is among the protagonists in “Haikyu!!”

Ash

• Origin: English and Hebrew

• Meaning: Ash tree

• Variations/Synonyms: Happy (Hebrew)

• Description: Ash Ketchum is the protagonist in “Pokemon.”

Astro

• Origin: Greek

• Meaning: One from the stars

• Variations/Synonyms: Star

• Description: Astro is the main character in “Astro Boy.”

Asuka

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Tomorrow

• Variations/Synonyms: Perfume

• Description: Asuka Langley Souryuu is a character in “Neon Genesis Evangelion.”

Batou

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Horse

• Variations/Synonyms: Cooper or barrel-maker

• Description: Batou is the main character in “Ghost in the Shell.”

Benjiro

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Peaceful

• Variations/Synonyms: Friendly

• Description: Benjiro Junsui is a character in “Naruto.”

Brock

• Origin: Old English

• Meaning: Badger

• Variations/Synonyms: Someone who looks like a badger

• Description: Brock is a character in “Pokemon.”

Cedric

• Origin: Celtic and Old English

• Meaning: Loved

• Variations/Synonyms: Kind

• Description: Cedric is a character in “Pokemon.”

Cloud

• Origin: Old English and American

• Meaning: Visible vapor

• Variations/Synonyms: Rock (Old English)

• Description: Cloud Strife is the main playable character of “Final Fantasy VII” (an anime game series).

Dai

• Origin: Welsh and Japanese

• Meaning: To shine

• Variations/Synonyms: Large

• Description: Dai is the protagonist in “Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai.”

Daiki

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Shining

• Variations/Synonyms: Child who shines brightly

• Description: Daiki Aomine is among the top characters in “Kuroko no Basuke.”

Daisuki

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Great

• Variations/Synonyms: “I like you so much as a friend” or “I love you so much.”

• Description: Daisuke Kambe is among the main characters in “Fugou Keiji Balance: Unlimited.”

Denki

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Electricity

• Variations/Synonyms: Charge bolt

• Description: Denki Kaminari has the quirk (power) of electrokinesis in “My Hero Academia.”

Elric

• Origin: English

• Meaning: Wise ruler

• Variations/Synonyms: Nobleman, star, king, and power

• Description: Edward Elric is the protagonist in “Fullmetal Alchemist.”

Eren

• Origin: Turkish

• Meaning: Saint

• Variations/Synonyms: Holy man

• Description: Eren Jaeger is the hero in “Attack on Titan.”

Etsuko

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: A child of happiness

• Variations/Synonyms: Rejoice

• Description: Etsuko Yakushimaru is a Japanese singer-songwriter famous for doing popular anime openings.

Fumio

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Scholarly child

• Variations/Synonyms: History

• Description: Fumio Murakami is among the main characters in “All Worlds Alliance.”

Gohan

• Origin: English and Japanese

• Meaning: Cooked meal

• Variations/Synonyms: God is gracious (English)

• Description: Gohan is among the main characters in “Dragon Ball Z.”

Goku

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Aware of emptiness

• Variations/Synonyms: Grandchild

• Description: Goku is among the most powerful characters in “Dragon Ball Z.”

Goro

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Fifth

• Variations/Synonyms: Enlightened son

• Description: Goro Shigeno is the main hero in “Major.”

Hachirou

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Eighth son

• Variations/Synonyms: Just or fair

• Description: Hachirou is among the main characters in “Gintama.”

Haru

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Born in the spring

• Variations/Synonyms: A man of spring

• Description: Haru Yoshida is a character from “Tonari no Kaibutsu-Kun.”

Haruka

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Fragrant flower

• Variations/Synonyms: Spring, clear weather, distant, and remote

• Description: Haruka Nanase is the main hero in “Free!” and “High☆Speed!”

Haruto

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Sunlight

• Variations/Synonyms: Soar and fly

• Description: Haruto Amō is the main hero in “Shichisei no Subaru.”

Hayate

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Smooth

• Variations/Synonyms: Sound of the wind

• Description: Hayate Ayasaki is the protagonist in “Hayate, The Combat Butler.”

Hiashi

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Long-lived

• Variations/Synonyms: Position of the sun

• Description: Hiashi Hyuga is a character in “Naruto.”

Hideaki

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Excellent

• Variations/Synonyms: Beautiful and bright

• Description: Hideaki Anno is a famous Japanese anime creator who made “Shin Godzilla” and popular anime series like “Neon Genesis Evangelion.”

Hideo

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Excellent man

• Variations/Synonyms: Sun and living

• Description: Hideo Shimada is a character in “Kiseijuu.”

Hikaru

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Pioneer

• Variations/Synonyms: To shine

• Description: Hikaru Shindo is the hero in “Hikaru no Go.”

Hinata

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Sunny place

• Variations/Synonyms: In the sun

• Description: Hinata Hyuga is one of the main characters in “Naruto.”

Hiro

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Prosperous or abundant

• Variations/Synonyms: Tolerant or generous

• Description: Hiro is the protagonist in “DARLING in the FRANXX.”

Hiroshi

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Generous

• Variations/Synonyms: Tolerant

• Description: Hiroshi Kamiya voiced several anime characters in anime TV shows and movies.

Hiroto

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Esteem

• Variations/Synonyms: Soar and fly

• Description: Hiroto Kazama is the main character in “Kirarin Revolution.”

Hiroyuki

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Harmony

• Variations/Synonyms: Peace and good fortune

• Description: Hiroyuki Sawano is a Japanese musician who worked in many anime series.

Hotaka

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Tall

• Variations/Synonyms: Elegant and graceful

• Description: It’s a unisex name.

• Miyabi Hotaka is a character in “Absolute Duo.”

Hotaru

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Firefly

• Variations/Synonyms: A character for lapis lazuli jewelry (a bluish gemstone)

• Description: Hotaru Shidare is the heroine in “Dagashi Kashi.”

Ichigo

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Best guardian

• Variations/Synonyms: Strawberry

• Description: Ichigo Kurosaki is among the most popular male anime characters in “Bleach.”

Inuyasha

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Dog demon

• Variations/Synonyms: Half-dog and half-human

• Description: Inuyasha is the main character in “Inuyasha.”

Isamu

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Courage

• Variations/Synonyms: Achievement

• Description: Isamu is the hero in “Kōya no Shōnen Isamu.”

Itachi

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Weasel

• Variations/Synonyms: True sacrifice

• Description: Itachi Uchiha is a character in “Naruto.”

Ito

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Yarn

• Variations/Synonyms: The reason

• Description: Junji Ito is famous for creating horror anime works.

Jiraya

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Young thunder

• Variations/Synonyms: Magical character

• Description: Jiraiya is one of the three powerful ninjas in “Naruto: Shippuden.”

Jiro

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Second son

• Variations/Synonyms: Tarō (suffix for Japanese boy names)

• Description: Jiro is a hero in “Kikaider: The Animation.”

Jugo

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Tenth son

• Variations/Synonyms: Mediterranean wind

• Description: Jugo is an anime character in “Naruto.”

Kaito

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Ocean

• Variations/Synonyms: Flying over the sea

• Description: Kaito Kuroba is the hero in “Magic Kaito.”

Kaname

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Golden eye

• Variations/Synonyms: Pivot

• Description: Kaname Kuran is among the main characters in “Vampire Knight.”

Kaneki

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Money

• Variations/Synonyms: Gold or metal

• Description: Ken Kaneki is a character in “Tokyo Ghoul.”

Katsuki

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Victorious

• Variations/Synonyms: Fragrance, moon, and season

• Description: Katsuki Bakugo is among the main characters in “My Hero Academia.”

Katsuo

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Hero

• Variations/Synonyms: Victory and manly

• Description: It can also be spelled as “Katsu.”

• Katsuo Mizuno is one of the characters in “Prince of Tennis.”

Katsura

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Victory

• Variations/Synonyms: Incense

• Description: Katsura Kotarou is a character in “Gintama.”

Katsuyu

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Divide

• Variations/Synonyms: To win

• Description: Katsuyu is one of the characters in “Naruto.”

Kazuki

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Peaceful tree

• Variations/Synonyms: Harmony and peace

• Description: Kazuki Shimada is a supporting character in “Koe no Katachi.”

Kei

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Blessed

• Variations/Synonyms: Respect, joyous, and white

• Description: Kei Takishima is the top student in “Special A.”

Kenta

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Healthy

• Variations/Synonyms: Strong and big

• Description: Kenta Usui is one of the main characters in “Chibi Vampire.”

Kiyoshi

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Bright

• Variations/Synonyms: Shining and clear

• Description: Kiyoshi Fujino is the main protagonist in “Prison School.”

Kohaku

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Amber

• Variations/Synonyms: Spiral

• Description: Kohaku is among the characters in “Inuyasha.”

Kouki

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Happiness

• Variations/Synonyms: Light, sunshine, and hope

• Description: Japanese voice actor Kōuki Uchiyama is famous for dubbing many anime characters.

Kouta

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Peace

• Variations/Synonyms: Big

• Description: Kouta Oyamada is the protagonist in “Kanokon.”

Kuro

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Black

• Variations/Synonyms: Ninth son

• Description: Kuro Sakuragawa is the protagonist in “Kyokou Suiri.”

Makoto

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Sincerity

• Variations/Synonyms: Truth

• Description: It’s a unisex name but more commonly used for boys.

• Makoto Tachibana is among the main characters in “Free!”

Masashi

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Commander

• Variations/Synonyms: Ambition

• Description: Masashi Kishimoto is the creator of the popular anime series “Naruto.”

Michi

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Righteous way

• Variations/Synonyms: Child of beautiful wisdom

• Description: “Kemono Michi” is a Japanese anime series with a pro-wrestling theme.

Mikio

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Tree

• Variations/Synonyms: Cord

• Description: Mikio Itoo is a character in “One Piece.”

Mitsuki

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Three months

• Variations/Synonyms: Beautiful moon

• Description: Mitsuki is Boruto’s best friend in “Boruto: Naruto the Movie.”

Naruto

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Fish cake

• Variations/Synonyms: Maelstrom (a strong whirlpool in the ocean)

• Description: Naruto Uzumaki is the main character in the anime series “Naruto.”

Natsu

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Born in summer

• Variations/Synonyms: Capital or summer

• Description: Natsu “Salamander” Dragneel is a protagonist in “Fairy Tail.”

Noburu

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Expand

• Variations/Synonyms: Stretch

• Description: Noboru Taki is a secondary character in “Hibike! Euphonium.”

Okasaki

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Mountain or knoll

• Variations/Synonyms: Cape

• Description: Tomoya Okasaki is the protagonist in “Clannad.”

Osamu

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Discipline

• Variations/Synonyms: Study

• Description: Osamu Dazai is a famous fiction writer in “Bungo Stray Dogs.”

Otaku

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Another person’s family or house

• Variations/Synonyms: Nerd or geek

• Description: Otaku is a term used for someone (including an anime character) obsessed with anime, manga, and other Japanese creative works.

Piccolo

• Origin: Japanese, English, and Italian

• Meaning: Small

• Variations/Synonyms: Small musical instrument

• Description: Piccolo is a character in “Dragon Ball Z.”

Raiden

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: God spirit

• Variations/Synonyms: Thunder and lightning

• Description: Raiden is a major character in “Sakigake!! Otokojuku.”

Roronoa

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: French pirate

• Variations/Synonyms: Pirate hunter

• Description: Roronoa Zoro is among the characters in “One Piece.”

Ryoichi

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Good

• Variations/Synonyms: Clear

• Description: Ryoichi Tenjo is a character in “Whistle!”

Ryuu

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Dragon

• Variations/Synonyms: Dragon spirit

• Description: Ryuu is one of the characters in “Akagami No Shirayukihime.”

Sasuke

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Ninja

• Variations/Synonyms: Help

• Description: Sasuke Uchiha is a character in “Naruto.”

Seiji

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Lawful

• Variations/Synonyms: Manages affairs of state

• Description: Seiji Amasawa is a character in “Whisper of the Heart.”

Shikamaru

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: As a deer

• Variations/Synonyms: Curl up or roll up

• Description: Shikamaru Nara is a ninja in “Naruto.”

Shin

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: True

• Variations/Synonyms: New heart

• Description: Shin Wolford is the main character in “Kenja no Mago.”

Shinichi

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: One truth

• Variations/Synonyms: First son

• Description: Shinichi Izumi is the protagonist in the horror manga “Parasyte Maxim.”

Shouta

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Soaring

• Variations/Synonyms: Big

• Description: Shouta Magatsuchi is a character in “Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon.”

Shun

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Speed

• Variations/Synonyms: One moment or instant

• Description: Shun Hashimoto is a character in “Umibe no Etranger.”

Souta

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Suddenly

• Variations/Synonyms: Smoothly

• Description: Sōta Higurashi is a character in “InuYasha.”

Tadao

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Satisfied

• Variations/Synonyms: Complacent

• Description: Tadao Yokoshima is among the main characters in “Ghost Sweeper Mikami.”

Taiki

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Radiance or brightness

• Variations/Synonyms: Large

• Description: Taiki is a character in “The Twelve Kingdoms.”

Takashi

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Dutiful

• Variations/Synonyms: Ambition and prosper

• Description: Takashi Komuro is the hero in “Highschool of the Dead.”

Tanjiro

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: High-valued second son

• Variations/Synonyms: Charcoal

• Description: Tanjiro Kamado is the main hero in “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.”

Taro

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Big boy

• Variations/Synonyms: First-born son

• Description: Taro Urashima is a character in “Love Hina.”

Tatsuya

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: To achieve

• Variations/Synonyms: Good health

• Description: Tatsuya Shiba is a magical character in “The Irregular in Magic High School.”

Teru

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Brilliant

• Variations/Synonyms: Good

• Description: Teru Mikami is a criminal prosecutor in “Death Note.”

Tohru

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Clear

• Variations/Synonyms: Persistent

• Description: Tohru Kobayashi is one of the main characters in “Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon.”

Toshiro

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Talented

• Variations/Synonyms: Intelligent

• Description: Tōshirō Hitsugaya is among the heroes in “Bleach.”

Ueda

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: From the paddy field

• Variations/Synonyms: Top

• Description: Reina Ueda is a popular anime voice actress.

Yoki

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Rain

• Variations/Synonyms: Lovely

• Description: Yoki is a character in “Fullmetal Alchemist.”

Yuichi

• Origin: Japanese

• Meaning: Kind one

• Variations/Synonyms: Courageous or friendly first son

• Description: Yuuichi Aizawa is the main hero in “Kanon.”

Yuri

• Origin: Russian, Ukrainian, and Hebrew

• Meaning: Farmer

• Variations/Synonyms: Lily, logic, village, reason, and the light of God (Hebrew)

• Description: Yuri anime is an anime or manga genre celebrating girls’ love.