Names are one the most essential parts of our daily lives, and having a name that expresses yourself is one of the best ways to introduce yourself to the world. Especially in Japan, names are thoughtfully given after deep thought and care, often reflecting nature’s beauty, powerful elements, and values.
This is why I have decided to share some of the best water-themed names that carry unique resonance, symbolizing tranquility, resilience, and the natural flow of life. Since water is one of the major elements and just like others it has many aspects, suitable for those (especially parents) who are considering a Japanese name that has a deep connection with water and can infuse their child’s identity with qualities rooted in peace and adaptability.
So, without further ado, let me share some of the best water-themed Japanese names, along with their meaning and correct pronunciation.
Japanese Male Names that Mean Water
In Japanese culture, water-themed names for boys hold significant meaning as these names often represent strength, adaptability, and calmness under pressure. These names are often preferred by parents for their children, as what more could a parent wish for than a son with the strength to overcome obstacles, the intelligence to adapt to any situation, and the ability to remain calm?
Along with those qualities, a boy’s water-themed name can also symbolize the resilience and patience to handle life’s challenges gracefully. Overall you can say that names related to water are a perfect choice for a boy who has seen value in the idea of quiet strength and natural flow.
Takumi (匠海)
- Kanji: 匠 (artisan) + 海 (sea)
- Meaning: “Craftsman of the sea”
- Pronunciation: TAH-koo-mee
Raito (頼翔)
- Kanji: 頼 (rely) + 翔 (fly)
- Meaning: “Flying over the waters”
- Pronunciation: RYE-toh
Daiki (大輝)
- Kanji: 大 (big) + 輝 (shine)
- Meaning: “Great shining water”
- Pronunciation: DAH-ee-kee
Haruki (陽輝)
- Kanji: 陽 (sun) + 輝 (shine)
- Meaning: “Shining waters under the sun”
- Pronunciation: HAH-roo-kee
Kaito (海翔)
- Kanji: 海 (sea) + 翔 (fly)
- Meaning: “Sea navigator”
- Pronunciation: KYE-toh
Rikuya (陸夜)
- Kanji: 陸 (land) + 夜 (night)
- Meaning: “Land by the night waters”
- Pronunciation: REE-koo-yah
Arata (新海)
- Kanji: 新 (new) + 海 (sea)
- Meaning: “New waters”
- Pronunciation: AH-rah-tah
Masaki (真咲)
- Kanji: 真 (true) + 咲 (bloom)
- Meaning: “True bloom on water”
- Pronunciation: MAH-sah-kee
Naoto (尚翔)
- Kanji: 尚 (esteem) + 翔 (fly)
- Meaning: “Esteemed water spirit”
- Pronunciation: NAH-oh-toh
Tsubasa (翼海)
- Kanji: 翼 (wings) + 海 (sea)
- Meaning: “Wings over the sea”
- Pronunciation: TSOO-bah-sah
Rento (蓮翔)
- Kanji: 蓮 (lotus) + 翔 (fly)
- Meaning: “Flying lotus on water”
- Pronunciation: REHN-toh
Soutarou (蒼太郎)
- Kanji: 蒼 (blue) + 太郎 (eldest son)
- Meaning: “Son of blue waters”
- Pronunciation: SOH-tah-roh
Ryusei (流星)
- Kanji: 流 (flow) + 星 (star)
- Meaning: “Flowing water star”
- Pronunciation: RYOO-say
Shinya (深夜)
- Kanji: 深 (deep) + 夜 (night)
- Meaning: “Deep night waters”
- Pronunciation: SHEEN-yah
Hikaru (光海)
- Kanji: 光 (light) + 海 (sea)
- Meaning: “Light of the sea”
- Pronunciation: HEE-kah-roo
Ranmaru (蘭丸)
- Kanji: 蘭 (orchid) + 丸 (circle/perfection)
- Meaning: “Perfect orchid by the water”
- Pronunciation: RAHN-mah-roo
Ryoga (涼雅)
- Kanji: 涼 (cool) + 雅 (elegance)
- Meaning: “Cool elegance of water”
- Pronunciation: RYOH-gah
Kaoru (薫海)
- Kanji: 薫 (fragrance) + 海 (sea)
- Meaning: “Fragrance of the sea”
- Pronunciation: KAH-oh-roo
Taiga (大河)
- Kanji: 大 (big) + 河 (river)
- Meaning: “Mighty river”
- Pronunciation: TAI-gah
Ryouma (涼馬)
- Kanji: 涼 (cool) + 馬 (horse)
- Meaning: “Horse of cool waters”
- Pronunciation: RYOH-mah
Keita (恵汰)
- Kanji: 恵 (blessing) + 汰 (cleanse)
- Meaning: “Blessed cleansing waters”
- Pronunciation: KAY-tah
Renji (漣司)
- Kanji: 漣 (ripple) + 司 (govern)
- Meaning: “Ruler of water ripples”
- Pronunciation: REHN-jee
Shohei (翔平)
- Kanji: 翔 (fly) + 平 (calm)
- Meaning: “Calm waters of flight”
- Pronunciation: SHOW-hay
Yuudai (悠大)
- Kanji: 悠 (eternity) + 大 (great)
- Meaning: “Eternal waters”
- Pronunciation: YOU-die
Kenshin (健進)
- Kanji: 健 (healthy) + 進 (advance)
- Meaning: “Advancing through water”
- Pronunciation: KEN-sheen
Mizuto (水翔)
- Kanji: 水 (water) + 翔 (fly)
- Meaning: “Flying over water”
- Pronunciation: MEE-zoo-toh
Sousuke (宗輔)
- Kanji: 宗 (master) + 輔 (help)
- Meaning: “Master of flowing water”
- Pronunciation: SOH-soo-keh
Akihiro (秋洋)
- Kanji: 秋 (autumn) + 洋 (ocean)
- Meaning: “Ocean in autumn”
- Pronunciation: AH-kee-hee-roh
Takuma (拓海)
- Kanji: 拓 (expand) + 海 (sea)
- Meaning: “Explorer of the seas”
- Pronunciation: TAH-koo-mah
Hiroto (浩翔)
- Kanji: 浩 (vast) + 翔 (fly)
- Meaning: “Vast waters of flight”
- Pronunciation: HEER-oh-toh
Yamato (大和)
- Kanji: 大 (big) + 和 (harmony)
- Meaning: “Harmony of the great waters”
- Pronunciation: YAH-mah-toh
Itsuki (樹海)
- Kanji: 樹 (tree) + 海 (sea)
- Meaning: “Forest by the sea”
- Pronunciation: EETS-kee
Seiji (清司)
- Kanji: 清 (pure) + 司 (govern)
- Meaning: “Governor of pure waters”
- Pronunciation: SAY-jee
Kousei (洸星)
- Kanji: 洸 (shining water) + 星 (star)
- Meaning: “Star of shining waters”
- Pronunciation: KOH-say
Yuto (悠翔)
- Kanji: 悠 (eternity) + 翔 (fly)
- Meaning: “Eternal water flyer”
- Pronunciation: YOU-toh
Ryuto (流翔)
- Kanji: 流 (flow) + 翔 (fly)
- Meaning: “Flowing flyer”
- Pronunciation: RYOO-toh
Hideto (秀翔)
- Kanji: 秀 (excel) + 翔 (fly)
- Meaning: “Excellent water spirit”
- Pronunciation: HEE-deh-toh
Kouki (光輝)
- Kanji: 光 (light) + 輝 (shine)
- Meaning: “Shining water light”
- Pronunciation: KOH-kee
Renjiro (蓮次郎)
- Kanji: 蓮 (lotus) + 次郎 (second son)
- Meaning: “Second son of the lotus waters”
- Pronunciation: REHN-jee-roh
Tetsuya (哲也)
- Kanji: 哲 (wise) + 也 (is)
- Meaning: “Wisdom of water”
- Pronunciation: TEHT-soo-yah
Japanese Female Names that Mean Water
Just like Japanese male names, water-themed female names also have similar qualities but with a unique significance. For example, water-themed names for girls in Japan often capture elegance, calmness, and a nurturing spirit. a water meaning can symbolize the ability to bring comfort and healing to those around her, blending strength with gentle grace.
Just like boys, girls can also choose water-themed names that reflect their compassionate and calming presence, allowing them to move through life with the same quiet power and beauty as water itself. For girls, water-inspired names celebrate both grace and resilience, honoring a spirit of balance and strength within gentleness.
Nami (波美)
- Kanji: 波 (wave) + 美 (beauty)
- Meaning: “Beautiful wave”
- Pronunciation: NAH-mee
Mizuki (水月)
- Kanji: 水 (water) + 月 (moon)
- Meaning: “Water moon”
- Pronunciation: MEE-zoo-kee
Kohana (湖花)
- Kanji: 湖 (lake) + 花 (flower)
- Meaning: “Flower of the lake”
- Pronunciation: KOH-hah-nah
Ruka (流華)
- Kanji: 流 (flow) + 華 (flower)
- Meaning: “Flowing blossom”
- Pronunciation: ROO-kah
Suiren (睡蓮)
- Kanji: 睡 (sleep) + 蓮 (lotus)
- Meaning: “Water lily”
- Pronunciation: SWEE-rehn
Haruna (陽渚)
- Kanji: 陽 (sun) + 渚 (beach)
- Meaning: “Sunny beach”
- Pronunciation: HAH-roo-nah
Ami (亜美)
- Kanji: 亜 (subtle) + 美 (beauty)
- Meaning: “Subtle beauty of water”
- Pronunciation: AH-mee
Emina (恵水)
- Kanji: 恵 (blessing) + 水 (water)
- Meaning: “Blessing of water”
- Pronunciation: EH-mee-nah
Nagisa (渚沙)
- Kanji: 渚 (shore) + 沙 (sand)
- Meaning: “Sandy shore”
- Pronunciation: NAH-gee-sah
Hiroka (浩香)
- Kanji: 浩 (vast) + 香 (fragrance)
- Meaning: “Fragrance of the vast waters”
- Pronunciation: HEE-roh-kah
Reina (麗波)
- Kanji: 麗 (graceful) + 波 (wave)
- Meaning: “Graceful wave”
- Pronunciation: RAY-nah
Minami (美波)
- Kanji: 美 (beauty) + 波 (wave)
- Meaning: “Beautiful waves”
- Pronunciation: MEE-nah-mee
Aqua (亜久波)
- Kanji: 亜 (subtle) + 久 (long-lasting) + 波 (wave)
- Meaning: “Eternal wave”
- Pronunciation: AH-koo-ah
Isumi (泉美)
- Kanji: 泉 (spring/fountain) + 美 (beauty)
- Meaning: “Beautiful spring”
- Pronunciation: EE-soo-mee
Nozomi (望海)
- Kanji: 望 (hope) + 海 (sea)
- Meaning: “Hopeful sea”
- Pronunciation: NOH-zoh-mee
Misora (美空)
- Kanji: 美 (beauty) + 空 (sky)
- Meaning: “Beautiful water-filled sky”
- Pronunciation: MEE-soh-rah
Hikari (光海)
- Kanji: 光 (light) + 海 (sea)
- Meaning: “Light of the sea”
- Pronunciation: HEE-kah-ree
Sumire (澄蓮)
- Kanji: 澄 (clear) + 蓮 (lotus)
- Meaning: “Clear lotus of water”
- Pronunciation: SOO-mee-reh
Ayame (水菖蒲)
- Kanji: 水 (water) + 菖蒲 (iris)
- Meaning: “Water iris”
- Pronunciation: AH-yah-meh
Rina (璃波)
- Kanji: 璃 (jewel) + 波 (wave)
- Meaning: “Jewel wave”
- Pronunciation: REE-nah
Kiyomi (清美)
- Kanji: 清 (pure) + 美 (beauty)
- Meaning: “Pure and beautiful waters”
- Pronunciation: KEE-yoh-mee
Aoi (青泉)
- Kanji: 青 (blue) + 泉 (spring)
- Meaning: “Blue spring”
- Pronunciation: AH-oh-ee
Mina (水奈)
- Kanji: 水 (water) + 奈 (graceful)
- Meaning: “Graceful water”
- Pronunciation: MEE-nah
Serina (瀬里奈)
- Kanji: 瀬 (shallows) + 里 (village) + 奈 (grace)
- Meaning: “Graceful village by the shallows”
- Pronunciation: SEH-ree-nah
Naomi (直海)
- Kanji: 直 (honest) + 海 (sea)
- Meaning: “Honest waters of the sea”
- Pronunciation: NAH-oh-mee
Yukina (雪渚)
- Kanji: 雪 (snow) + 渚 (shore)
- Meaning: “Snowy shore”
- Pronunciation: YOO-kee-nah
Mei (明水)
- Kanji: 明 (bright) + 水 (water)
- Meaning: “Bright water”
- Pronunciation: MAY-ee
Saya (沙夜)
- Kanji: 沙 (sand) + 夜 (night)
- Meaning: “Night sand by the water”
- Pronunciation: SAH-yah
Izumi (泉里)
- Kanji: 泉 (spring) + 里 (village)
- Meaning: “Village by the spring”
- Pronunciation: EE-zoo-mee
Mikasa (美笠)
- Kanji: 美 (beauty) + 笠 (umbrella)
- Meaning: “Beautiful umbrella of water”
- Pronunciation: MEE-kah-sah
Tsubaki (椿水)
- Kanji: 椿 (camellia) + 水 (water)
- Meaning: “Water camellia”
- Pronunciation: TSOO-bah-kee
Shizuka (静香)
- Kanji: 静 (calm) + 香 (fragrance)
- Meaning: “Calm fragrance of water”
- Pronunciation: SHEE-zoo-kah
Hinako (氷渚)
- Kanji: 氷 (ice) + 渚 (beach)
- Meaning: “Icy beach”
- Pronunciation: HEE-nah-koh
Amane (天水)
- Kanji: 天 (heaven) + 水 (water)
- Meaning: “Heavenly water”
- Pronunciation: AH-mah-neh
Rui (瑠泉)
- Kanji: 瑠 (lapis lazuli) + 泉 (spring)
- Meaning: “Gem of the spring”
- Pronunciation: ROO-ee
Kanon (佳海)
- Kanji: 佳 (excellent) + 海 (sea)
- Meaning: “Excellent sea”
- Pronunciation: KAH-nohn
Sayuri (小百合水)
- Kanji: 小百合 (small lily) + 水 (water)
- Meaning: “Small lily by the water”
- Pronunciation: SAH-yoo-ree
Sena (瀬菜)
- Kanji: 瀬 (shallows) + 菜 (greens)
- Meaning: “Greens by the shallow waters”
- Pronunciation: SEH-nah
Yumi (優海)
- Kanji: 優 (gentle) + 海 (sea)
- Meaning: “Gentle sea”
- Pronunciation: YOO-mee
Kaede (楓水)
- Kanji: 楓 (maple) + 水 (water)
- Meaning: “Maple waters”
- Pronunciation: KAH-eh-deh
Japanese Unisex Names that Mean Water
What I like about unisex names is that they aren’t tied to a specific gender, and those with meanings related to water add a sense of fluidity and inclusiveness. Other than these qualities, names associated with water symbolize balance, peace, and adaptability, making them ideal for children who are encouraged to embrace individuality and kindness.
Generally, these names are versatile and often reflect a connection to nature and the universal qualities of water (such as purity, openness, and the ability to flow around obstacles). For families who value harmony and resilience, a unisex water name offers a gentle and meaningful way to honor these traits timelessly and inclusively.
Haruto (陽翔)
- Kanji: 陽 (sun) + 翔 (fly)
- Meaning: “Flying under the sun’s waters”
- Pronunciation: HAH-roo-toh
Minato (湊)
- Kanji: 湊 (harbor)
- Meaning: “Harbor of calm waters”
- Pronunciation: MEE-nah-toh
Nagisa (渚)
- Kanji: 渚 (shore)
- Meaning: “Water’s edge”
- Pronunciation: NAH-gee-sah
Kaede (楓)
- Kanji: 楓 (maple tree)
- Meaning: “Leaves carried by water”
- Pronunciation: KAH-eh-deh
Nami (波)
- Kanji: 波 (wave)
- Meaning: “Gentle wave”
- Pronunciation: NAH-mee
Rin (凛)
- Kanji: 凛 (dignified)
- Meaning: “Cold water warrior”
- Pronunciation: REEN
Souta (奏汰)
- Kanji: 奏 (play music) + 汰 (cleanse)
- Meaning: “Melody of cleansing waters”
- Pronunciation: SOH-tah
Kai (海)
- Kanji: 海 (ocean)
- Meaning: “Ocean soul”
- Pronunciation: KAI
Shion (紫苑)
- Kanji: 紫苑 (aster flower)
- Meaning: “Purple flower by the water”
- Pronunciation: SHEE-on
Aoi (葵)
- Kanji: 葵 (hollyhock)
- Meaning: “A plant nourished by water”
- Pronunciation: AH-oh-ee
Rei (零)
- Kanji: 零 (zero)
- Meaning: “Water droplets in purity”
- Pronunciation: RAY
Hinami (氷波)
- Kanji: 氷 (ice) + 波 (wave)
- Meaning: “Wave of icy water”
- Pronunciation: HEE-nah-mee
Suika (水香)
- Kanji: 水 (water) + 香 (fragrance)
- Meaning: “Fragrant waters”
- Pronunciation: SUE-ee-kah
Mizuho (瑞穂)
- Kanji: 瑞 (auspicious) + 穂 (grain)
- Meaning: “Land of fertile waters”
- Pronunciation: MEE-zoo-hoh
Taki (滝)
- Kanji: 滝 (waterfall)
- Meaning: “Graceful waterfall”
- Pronunciation: TAH-kee
Mio (水緒)
- Kanji: 水 (water) + 緒 (thread)
- Meaning: “Thread of water”
- Pronunciation: MEE-oh
Sei (清)
- Kanji: 清 (pure)
- Meaning: “Pure water essence”
- Pronunciation: SAY
Izumi (泉)
- Kanji: 泉 (spring/fountain)
- Meaning: “Spring of fresh water”
- Pronunciation: EE-zoo-mee
Shizuku (雫)
- Kanji: 雫 (droplet)
- Meaning: “Water droplet”
- Pronunciation: SHEE-zoo-koo
Amane (天音)
- Kanji: 天 (sky) + 音 (sound)
- Meaning: “Sound of heavenly water”
- Pronunciation: AH-mah-neh
Renka (蓮華)
- Kanji: 蓮 (lotus) + 華 (flower)
- Meaning: “Lotus on water”
- Pronunciation: REHN-kah
Sui (水依)
- Kanji: 水 (water) + 依 (rely)
- Meaning: “Guardian of water”
- Pronunciation: SUE-ee
Nao (尚水)
- Kanji: 尚 (esteem) + 水 (water)
- Meaning: “Esteemed water spirit”
- Pronunciation: NAH-oh
Hisui (翡翠)
- Kanji: 翡翠 (jade)
- Meaning: “Waterlike jade”
- Pronunciation: HEE-sue-ee
Umi (海)
- Kanji: 海 (sea)
- Meaning: “The great sea”
- Pronunciation: OO-mee
Ruka (流華)
- Kanji: 流 (flow) + 華 (flower)
- Meaning: “Flowing water blossom”
- Pronunciation: ROO-kah
Hayami (早水)
- Kanji: 早 (early) + 水 (water)
- Meaning: “Fast-moving waters”
- Pronunciation: HAH-yah-mee
Enya (延夜)
- Kanji: 延 (prolong) + 夜 (night)
- Meaning: “Waters flowing through the night”
- Pronunciation: EN-yah
Kiyo (清夜)
- Kanji: 清 (pure) + 夜 (night)
- Meaning: “Pure night waters”
- Pronunciation: KEE-yoh
Tsurumi (鶴水)
- Kanji: 鶴 (crane) + 水 (water)
- Meaning: “Crane by the water”
- Pronunciation: TSU-roo-mee
The Importance and Significance of Japanese Names
As I have already mentioned, in Japanese culture names play one of the biggest parts in any individual’s entire life, reflecting values, characteristics, and a deep connection to nature. Moreover, Water-themed names, in particular, represent qualities like adaptability, purity, and calmness (All the important traits that are deeply valued in Japanese society).
The importance of these names goes beyond just words as these names are suitable for parents who wish their child to have the strength and beauty of nature. Choosing a Japanese name connected to water can also bring a sense of calm and balance in nature and make the individual feel proud about it.
Who Should Consider a Japanese Name that Means Water?
These names can be chosen by anyone who prefers Japanese names, values a connection to nature, or wishes to bring a sense of calm and balance into their life or their child’s life.
Along with these qualities water themed names also resonate with families who value inner strength, harmony, and a sense of flow in life. They’re also ideal for parents who appreciate the beauty of Japanese culture or have a love for water’s natural forms—whether it be the ocean, rivers, or gentle rain.
