139 Best Japanese Names That Start With M

Names in Japanese culture hold deep meaning, reflecting wishes, character, and legacy. They embody the spirit of a culture that cherishes style, resilience, and love, qualities that are beautifully expressed through their language. Many starting with the letter M reflect the aspirations and dreams of parents for their children.

Japanese names go beyond just sounds and have deep meanings associated with them, which are often represented by carefully chosen kanji characters. Parents carefully choose names that evoke images of beauty and love for their daughters, and names that embody qualities of strength and resilience for their sons.

These decisions are driven by a deep appreciation for cultural values and the recognition that a name is a lifelong partner and personal symbol.

Top Female Japanese Names That Start With M

Shutterstock

Discover a collection of female Japanese names that start with M . These names effortlessly combine timeless elegance with deep and meaningful origins. Every name is carefully created using kanji characters that represent qualities such as elegance, attractiveness, or power.

The name ‘Mai’, for instance, means ‘dance’, reflecting a person’s graceful nature. These names have been sourced from various places and embody the beauty and grace that are highly valued in Japanese culture.

1. Machi: means ‘wisdom’.

2. Madoka: means ‘circle’. Madoka Kimura is an accomplished Japanese singer and voice actress.

3. Maho: means ‘truth’. Maho Matsunaga is a former member of StylipS, a Japanese pop idol group.

4. Mai: means ‘dance’.

5. Maiha: means ‘dance of the waves’.

6. Maiki: means ‘joy’.

7. Majime: means ‘serious’.

8. Maki: means ‘true, precious’.

9. Mamiko: means ‘daughter of the sea’.

10. Mamori: means ‘protection’.

11. Manari: means ‘favorite’.

12. Manase: means ‘love’.

13. Masae: means ‘graceful’.

14. Masami: means ‘gentleness’ or ‘kindness’.

15. Masana: means ‘tenderness’.

16. Mashiho: means ‘beloved’.

17. Masumi: means ‘true purity’.

18. Mau: means ‘circle’ or ‘revolve’.

19. Mayu: means ‘sole truth’.

20. Mayumi: means ‘truth’ or ‘beauty’. Mayumi Moriyama was a Japanese politician who worked as a member of the House of Representatives and served the Liberal Democratic Party.

21. Mieko: means ‘already prosperous’.

22. Mika: means ‘beautiful fragrance’.

23. Minako: means ‘beautiful child’.

24. Mineko: means ‘pretty child’.

25. Misa: means ‘beautiful bloom’.

26. Misato: means ‘beautiful knowledge’.

27. Miyu: means ‘beautiful result’.

28. Miyuki: means ‘wise’.

29. Mizuki: means ‘water moon’. Mizuki Yamamoto is a famous Japanese model and actress.

30. Moe: means ‘sprout’.

Top Male Japanese Names That Start With M

Shutterstock

Male names that begin with the letter M in Japanese culture often symbolize strength, intelligence, or bravery. These names, crafted with kanji characters, embody the qualities that are highly regarded in men. An example is ‘Masaru’, a name that signifies triumph and strength, capturing the person’s victorious spirit. These names have a rich history and reflect the cherished qualities in Japanese culture.

31. Mafuyu: means ‘true winter’. Mafuyu Sato is one of the central anime characters in the ‘Given’ TV series.

32. Maiku: means ‘genuine’.

33. Makana: means ‘true’ or ‘reality’.

34. Makishi: means ‘pleasure’.

35. Makkusu: means ‘just’.

36. Makoto: means ‘sincerity’.

37. Manabe: means ‘true base’.

38. Manzo: means ‘ten thousand fold strong third son’.

39. Mareo: means ‘uncommon’ or ‘precious’.

40. Markos: means ‘warrior’.

41. Marori: means ‘just’.

42. Maru: means ‘circle’.

43. Masafumi: means ‘writings’ or ‘prosperity’.

44. Masahisa: means ‘longevity’.

45. Masahito: means ‘benevolence’. The Japanese name Masahito has previously been associated with Japan’s Imperial Family.

46. Masai: means ‘to polish one’s knowledge’.

47. Masaichi: means ‘superiority’. Masaichi Kaneda was a Japanese-Korean baseball player who was given the nickname ‘The Emperor’ because of his great track record.

48. Masaji: means ‘flourish’.

49. Masanao: means ‘a good man’.

50. Masanari: means ‘proper’.

51. Masashi: means ‘commander’.

52. Masazumi: means ‘gentle’.

53. Matto: means ‘wait’.

54. Meguru: means ‘circulation’ or ‘to flow’.

55. Meiji: means ‘life’ or ‘fate’.

56. Miccheru: means ‘beauty’ or ‘wisdom’.

57. Michiaki: means ‘path’.

58. Michihiro: means ‘to pass through’.

59. Mitsuo: means ‘shining man’. Mitsuo Hashimoto, a Japanese manga artist, received an honorable mention for his Minya No Negai at the Tezuka Awards in 1976.

60. Moto: means ‘mind’.

Unique Japanese Girl Names Beginning With M

Discovering a collection of unique Japanese girl names beginning with M reveals a world of hidden gems. These names often use unique combinations of kanji characters to create fresh meanings and sounds. The origin of these names often tells a story of cultural significance or personal aspirations, making each name a meaningful emblem of identity.

61. Machiko: means ‘wisdom’ or ‘knowledge’. Machiko Kyo was a prominent Japanese actress who starred in many classic films.

62. Maaya: means ‘favor’. Maaya Sakamoto is a renowned Japanese voice actress and singer.

63. Maeko: means ‘honest child’.

64. Maemi: means ‘smile of truth’.

65. Maiko: means ‘dancing child’. In Japanese culture, Maiko refers to apprentice geisha.

66. Makani: means ‘the wind’.

67. Mako: means ‘sincerity’. Mako Hyodo is a Japanese model, actress, voice actress, and singer.

68. Mariko: means ‘true village child’ or ‘child of true reason’. Mariko Shinoda is a former member of the popular Japanese idol group AKB48.

69. Masako: means ‘elegant child’.

70. Masumi: means ‘true clarity’.

71. Matsuko: means ‘ child’.

72. Masuyo: means ‘increase’ or ‘growth’.

73. Michi: means ‘righteous way’. Michi Maina is a Japanese gravure idol and actress.

74. Michiko: means ‘beautiful, wise child’. Empress Emerita Michiko is the wife of Emperor Emeritus Akihito of Japan.

75. Midoriko: means ‘green child’.

76. Mieko: means ‘to bestow’. Mieko Kawakami is an acclaimed Japanese writer and singer.

77. Miki: means ‘beautiful chronicle’ or ‘beautiful tree’. Miki Fujimoto is a Japanese singer and a former member of the idol group Morning Musume.

78. Mio: means ‘beautiful cherry blossom’.

79. Misaki: means ‘beautiful blossom’. Misaki Doi is a professional Japanese tennis player.

80. Mitsuko: means ‘child of light’. Mitsuko Uchida is a renowned Japanese classical pianist.

81. Miwa: means ‘three harmonies’. Miwa Ueda is a Japanese manga artist known for her work on Peach Girl.

82. Miyako: means ‘beautiful night child’.

83. Miyoko: means ‘beautiful, generation child’.

84. Mizuki: means ‘beautiful moon’. Mizuki Alisa is a Japanese model, singer, and actress.

Unique Japanese Boy Names Beginning With M

Shutterstock

Unique Japanese boy names that begin with the letter M are full of fascinating meanings and origins, formed from special combinations of kanji characters. These names are truly special and carry significant meaning.

These names have a special charm that showcases the creativity and thoughtfulness of Japanese naming traditions, giving individuals a distinct sense of identity and personality.

85. Manabu: means ‘to learn’. Manabu Nakanishi is a retired Japanese professional wrestler who competed in New Japan Pro-Wrestling and All Japan Pro-Wrestling.

86. Masaaki: means ‘bright light’. Masaaki Yuasa is a renowned Japanese animator, screenwriter, and director known for his unique art style and storytelling.

87. Masaharu: means ‘graceful administrator’. Masaharu Fukuyama is a popular Japanese singer, songwriter, actor, and photographer.

88. Masakatsu: meaning ‘correct victory’ or ‘good fortune’.

89. Masanobu: means ‘right’. Masanobu Fukuoka was a Japanese farmer and philosopher celebrated for his natural farming and re-vegetation techniques.

90. Masatoshi: means ‘prosperous’. Masatoshi Nagase is a Japanese actor known for his roles in various films and TV dramas.

91. Masayoshi: means ‘correct’. Masayoshi Son is a Japanese billionaire technology entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.

92. Michihiko: means ‘to pass through’.

93. Michio: means ‘man with the strength of three thousand’. Michio Kaku is a well-known Japanese-American theoretical physicist, futurist, and popularizer of science.

94. Mineo: means ‘strict’.

95. Minoru: means ‘to bear fruit’. Minoru Yamasaki was a prominent Japanese-American architect best known for designing the original World Trade Center in New York City.

96. Mitsuharu: means ‘light’. Mitsuharu Misawa was a Japanese professional wrestler who is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

97. Mitsuhiko: means ‘light prince’. Mitsuhiko Tsuburaya is a character in the popular manga and anime series Detective Conan.

98. Mitsunari: means ‘brightness’. Mitsunari Ishida was a samurai who lived during the late Sengoku period of Japan.

99. Mitsuru: means ‘full’ or ‘fullness’. Mitsuru Adachi is a Japanese mangaka known for his romantic comedy series ‘Touch’ and ‘Cross Game’.

100. Morihiro: means ‘protect’. Morihiro Saito was a Japanese aikido teacher and author who was a close disciple of the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba.

101. Morimasa: means ‘defend’ and ‘reasonable’.

102. Munemitsu: means ‘delicious’ and ‘full’.

103. Munenori: means ‘religion’ and ‘rule’. Munenori Kawasaki is a Japanese professional infielder who has played in both the Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball.

104. Munehiro: means ‘widespread sect’.

105. Munetaka: means ‘religion’.

106. Murasaki: means ‘purple’. Murasaki Shikibu was a Japanese novelist and poet who wrote The Tale of Genji, one of the earliest and most famous novels in Japanese literature.

107. Mutsuhiro: means ‘harmony’.

108. Mutsuki: means ‘month of love’.

109. Mutsuo: means ‘unity’.

110. Mutsuro: means ‘good friends’.

111. Muzuki: means ‘beautiful moon’.

Gender-Neutral Japanese Names That Start With M

Gender-neutral Japanese names beginning with M are versatile and modern, appealing to those who appreciate names that transcend traditional gender roles. These names embody the idea of inner virtue and integrity, coming from a culture that cherishes universal human qualities. They are gender-neutral and celebrate the spirit of being a good person.

112. Maemi: means ‘smile of truth’.

113. Mahiru: means ‘daytime’.

114. Maiko: means ‘dance child’.

115. Makiko: means ‘truth’ and ‘child’.

116. Mako: means ‘sincerity’.

117. Makoto: means ‘sincerity’.

118. Mana: means ‘affection’.

119. Manami: means ‘beautiful love’.

120. Maro: means ‘myself’.

121. Matoi: means ‘wind around’ or ‘travel’.

122. Michi: means ‘righteous way’ or ‘road’.

123. Michiru: means ‘abundance’.

124. Midori: means ‘green’.

125. Mikasa: means ‘to resolve’.

126. Minato: means ‘harbor’.

127. Minori: means ‘fruit of plants and trees’.

128. Mion: means ‘ocean sound’.

129. Mira: means ‘reality’ and ‘respectable’.

130. Mirai: means ‘the future’.

131. Mirei: means ‘beautiful courtesy’.

132. Misora: means ‘beautiful sky’.

133. Mitsu: means ‘light’, or ”.

134. Mitsuha: means ‘three leaves’.

135. Miyabi: means ‘sweet loved one’ or ‘elegance’.

136. Miyo: means ‘beautiful generation’.

137. Miyoko: means ‘child of a beautiful generation’.

138. Mizuho: means ‘abundant rice harvest’.

139. Momoka: means ‘peach blossom’.

FAQs

How do Japanese people view the connection between a name’s meaning and the character of a person?

In Japanese culture, there is a belief that the meaning of a name can have an impact on a person’s character and future. Thus, parents frequently opt for names that begin with the letter M or other letters that convey positive and inspiring connotations. They do so with the hope that their children will embody these qualities as they mature.

What significance do kanji characters hold in Japanese names?

Kanji characters go beyond being mere letters; they are powerful symbols that carry unique meanings and sounds. Every kanji character has the power to greatly change the meaning of a name, reflecting the desires and aspirations of parents for their children.

How do Japanese names express the values of Japanese people?

Japanese names often capture the essence of their rich cultural heritage, reflecting values like harmony, respect, and a deep connection to nature. They are a mirror of the values and qualities that Japanese people hold dear.

Can Japanese names starting with M have multiple meanings?

Yes, due to the nature of kanji characters, many Japanese names can have varied meanings depending on which characters are used. This enables a diverse range of interpretations and expressions.

Japanese names that start with M are not just names; they hold within them tales of culture, optimism, and the enchanting charm that is exclusive to Japan. With a rich selection of names, ranging from traditional to modern, Japanese heritage comes alive through names like Masaru, Miyuki, Masumi, and Minato.

Choosing a name for your baby is an exciting adventure that allows you to explore the beauty and meaning behind different names. It’s a way to express your hopes and dreams for your little one in a meaningful and heartfelt manner.