Looking for a deep cultural Japanese name that means light and reflects high values, natural elements, and aspirations? Well, if that’s all you really want, then don’t worry—I have got you covered with this amazing article, where I am going to share Japanese names that mean light along with their true meaning and right pronunciation.
A name that means “light” basically embodies elements of nature, emotions, and spiritual symbolism, given with care and intention. In Japan, names with meanings connected to “light” are highly cherished, as their names symbolize hope, clarity, and guidance (just as a spark of light can bring hope in darkness). Whether given to boys, or girls, or used as unisex names, “light” names carry a profound essence that resonates with strength, warmth, and an optimistic view of life.
Japanese Boy names that mean Light
Light-related names can have different meanings based on gender. For example, if a light-themed name is traditionally considered to be a boy’s name then the meaning of that name often reflects attributes associated with leadership, intelligence, and vitality.
Moreover, if you live in a society where sons are traditionally seen as bearers of family honor, then a name associated with light might imply the strength and wisdom to guide their family, community, and future generations. This could also be one of the reasons why parents might choose a ‘light’ name for boys, as a beacon of optimism, suggesting they will always bring insight, clarity, and positivity, especially during difficult times.
Akira (明)
- Kanji: 明 (bright)
- Meaning: “Bright light”
- Pronunciation: Ah-kee-rah
Hikaru (光)
- Kanji: 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Light”
- Pronunciation: Hee-kah-roo
Haruto (陽翔)
- Kanji: 陽 (sun) + 翔 (fly)
- Meaning: “Flying sun”
- Pronunciation: Hah-roo-toh
Raito (雷翔)
- Kanji: 雷 (thunder) + 翔 (fly)
- Meaning: “Thunder and light”
- Pronunciation: Rye-toh
Kouki (光輝)
- Kanji: 光 (light) + 輝 (radiance)
- Meaning: “Radiant light”
- Pronunciation: Koh-kee
Renji (蓮次光)
- Kanji: 蓮 (lotus) + 次 (next) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Next light”
- Pronunciation: Ren-jee
Kaito (海翔光)
- Kanji: 海 (sea) + 翔 (fly) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Flying sea light”
- Pronunciation: Kye-toh
Sora (空)
- Kanji: 空 (sky)
- Meaning: “Sky, light from the sky”
- Pronunciation: Soh-rah
Taiki (大輝)
- Kanji: 大 (big) + 輝 (radiance)
- Meaning: “Great radiance”
- Pronunciation: Tie-kee
Naoki (直輝)
- Kanji: 直 (honesty) + 輝 (radiance)
- Meaning: “Honest light”
- Pronunciation: Nah-oh-kee
Riku (陸輝)
- Kanji: 陸 (land) + 輝 (radiance)
- Meaning: “Radiance on land”
- Pronunciation: Ree-koo
Itsuki (樹輝)
- Kanji: 樹 (tree) + 輝 (radiance)
- Meaning: “Radiance of the tree”
- Pronunciation: Ee-tsu-kee
Shun (俊光)
- Kanji: 俊 (talented) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Talented light”
- Pronunciation: Shoon
Kei (恵光)
- Kanji: 恵 (blessing) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Blessed light”
- Pronunciation: Kay
Kenshin (健信光)
- Kanji: 健 (healthy) + 信 (trust) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Healthy, trusted light”
- Pronunciation: Ken-shin
Tomo (智光)
- Kanji: 智 (wisdom) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Wise light”
- Pronunciation: Toe-moh
Yuuto (悠斗光)
- Kanji: 悠 (distant) + 斗 (Big Dipper) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Distant star light”
- Pronunciation: Yoo-toh
Issei (一誠光)
- Kanji: 一 (one) + 誠 (sincerity) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “One sincere light”
- Pronunciation: Ee-say
Mitsuki (光輝)
- Kanji: 光 (light) + 輝 (radiance)
- Meaning: “Radiant light”
- Pronunciation: Mee-tsu-kee
Shinji (真司光)
- Kanji: 真 (truth) + 司 (rule) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “True rule light”
- Pronunciation: Shin-jee
Yuji (優治光)
- Kanji: 優 (gentle) + 治 (govern) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Gentle governing light”
- Pronunciation: Yoo-jee
Keitaro (恵太郎光)
- Kanji: 恵 (blessing) + 太郎 (eldest son) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Blessed eldest son light”
- Pronunciation: Kay-tah-roh
Fuyuki (冬輝)
- Kanji: 冬 (winter) + 輝 (radiance)
- Meaning: “Winter radiance”
- Pronunciation: Foo-yoo-kee
Jin (仁光)
- Kanji: 仁 (benevolence) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Benevolent light”
- Pronunciation: Jin
Takumi (匠光)
- Kanji: 匠 (artisan) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Artisan light”
- Pronunciation: Tah-koo-mee
Shouta (翔太光)
- Kanji: 翔 (fly) + 太 (big) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Big flying light”
- Pronunciation: Show-tah
Taisei (大生光)
- Kanji: 大 (great) + 生 (life) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Great life light”
- Pronunciation: Tie-say
Haru (陽)
- Kanji: 陽 (sun)
- Meaning: “Sunlight”
- Pronunciation: Hah-roo
Kou (光)
- Kanji: 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Light”
- Pronunciation: Koh
Souta (蒼太光)
- Kanji: 蒼 (blue) + 太 (big) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Big blue light”
- Pronunciation: Soh-tah
Ren (蓮光)
- Kanji: 蓮 (lotus) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Lotus light”
- Pronunciation: Ren
Yuto (優斗光)
- Kanji: 優 (gentle) + 斗 (Big Dipper) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Gentle star light”
- Pronunciation: Yoo-toh
Shou (祥光)
- Kanji: 祥 (good omen) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Omen light”
- Pronunciation: Show
Kyou (恭光)
- Kanji: 恭 (respect) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Respectful light”
- Pronunciation: Kyo
Ryuji (竜司光)
- Kanji: 竜 (dragon) + 司 (rule) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Dragon rule light”
- Pronunciation: Ryoo-jee
Natsuki (夏輝光)
- Kanji: 夏 (summer) + 輝 (radiance) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Summer radiant light”
- Pronunciation: Naht-soo-kee
Shunji (俊二光)
- Kanji: 俊 (talented) + 二 (two) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Talented two light”
- Pronunciation: Shun-jee
Seiji (誠司光)
- Kanji: 誠 (sincerity) + 司 (rule) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Sincere rule light”
- Pronunciation: Say-jee
Tsubasa (翼光)
- Kanji: 翼 (wing) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Winged light”
- Pronunciation: Tsoo-bah-sah
Haruki (春輝光)
- Kanji: 春 (spring) + 輝 (radiance) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Spring radiant light”
- Pronunciation: Hah-roo-kee
Japanese Girl names that mean Light
Unlike boys’ names, Japanese names that mean ‘light’ for girls are equally cherished, symbolizing purity, elegance, and compassion. These names can also be chosen by parents for their daughters, as they reflect qualities like gentleness, kindness, empathy, and creativity.
Traditionally, a Japanese name that means ‘light’ can signify a girl’s graceful presence and loving heart, filled with aspirations for inner peace and understanding. In Japanese culture, light-related names for girls reflect the inner beauty and strength that fosters serenity and warmth.
Akari (灯り)
- Kanji: 灯り (light)
- Meaning: “Light”
- Pronunciation: Ah-kah-ree
Hikaru (光)
- Kanji: 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Light”
- Pronunciation: Hee-kah-roo
Haruka (遥光)
- Kanji: 遥 (distant) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Distant light”
- Pronunciation: Hah-roo-kah
Yuka (優花光)
- Kanji: 優 (gentle) + 花 (flower) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Gentle flower light”
- Pronunciation: Yoo-kah
Sayaka (沙耶香光)
- Kanji: 沙 (sand) + 耶 (a) + 香 (fragrance) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Fragrant light”
- Pronunciation: Sah-yah-kah
Kiyomi (清美光)
- Kanji: 清 (pure) + 美 (beauty) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Pure, beautiful light”
- Pronunciation: Kee-yoh-mee
Miku (美空光)
- Kanji: 美 (beauty) + 空 (sky) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Beautiful sky light”
- Pronunciation: Mee-koo
Nozomi (希光)
- Kanji: 希 (hope) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Hopeful light”
- Pronunciation: Noh-zoh-mee
Rika (理香光)
- Kanji: 理 (logic) + 香 (fragrance) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Logical fragrance light”
- Pronunciation: Ree-kah
Airi (愛莉光)
- Kanji: 愛 (love) + 莉 (jasmine) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Love and jasmine light”
- Pronunciation: Ah-ee-ree
Emi (恵光)
- Kanji: 恵 (blessing) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Blessed light”
- Pronunciation: Eh-mee
Yumeko (夢光)
- Kanji: 夢 (dream) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Dream light”
- Pronunciation: Yoo-meh-koh
Sakura (桜光)
- Kanji: 桜 (cherry blossom) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Cherry blossom light”
- Pronunciation: Sah-koo-rah
Miyuki (美雪光)
- Kanji: 美 (beauty) + 雪 (snow) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Beautiful snow light”
- Pronunciation: Mee-yoo-kee
Rina (理奈光)
- Kanji: 理 (logic) + 奈 (vegetable) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Logical and graceful light”
- Pronunciation: Ree-nah
Shiori (詩光)
- Kanji: 詩 (poetry) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Poetic light”
- Pronunciation: Shee-oh-ree
Yui (優依光)
- Kanji: 優 (gentle) + 依 (rely) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Gentle, reliable light”
- Pronunciation: Yoo-ee
Asuka (明日香光)
- Kanji: 明 (bright) + 日 (sun) + 香 (fragrance) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Bright, sunny fragrance light”
- Pronunciation: Ah-soo-kah
Nana (奈菜光)
- Kanji: 奈 (vegetable) + 菜 (greens) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Graceful greens light”
- Pronunciation: Nah-nah
Sayuri (小百合光)
- Kanji: 小 (small) + 百合 (lily) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Small lily light”
- Pronunciation: Sah-yoo-ree
Aiko (愛光)
- Kanji: 愛 (love) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Love light”
- Pronunciation: Ah-ee-koh
Hina (陽菜光)
- Kanji: 陽 (sun) + 菜 (greens) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Sunshine light”
- Pronunciation: Hee-nah
Izumi (泉光)
- Kanji: 泉 (spring) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Spring light”
- Pronunciation: Ee-zoo-mee
Fumiko (文光)
- Kanji: 文 (writing) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Written light”
- Pronunciation: Foo-mee-koh
Keiko (恵光)
- Kanji: 恵 (blessing) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Blessed light”
- Pronunciation: Kay-koh
Kanna (神奈光)
- Kanji: 神 (god) + 奈 (vegetable) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Divine light”
- Pronunciation: Kah-nah
Mari (真理光)
- Kanji: 真 (truth) + 理 (logic) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “True light”
- Pronunciation: Mah-ree
Riko (理子光)
- Kanji: 理 (logic) + 子 (child) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Logical child light”
- Pronunciation: Ree-koh
Kaori (香光)
- Kanji: 香 (fragrance) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Fragrant light”
- Pronunciation: Kah-oh-ree
Megumi (恵光)
- Kanji: 恵 (blessing) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Blessed light”
- Pronunciation: Meh-goo-mee
Natsuki (夏輝光)
- Kanji: 夏 (summer) + 輝 (radiance) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Summer radiance light”
- Pronunciation: Naht-soo-kee
Tsubaki (椿光)
- Kanji: 椿 (camellia) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Camellia light”
- Pronunciation: Tsoo-bah-kee
Tomomi (友美光)
- Kanji: 友 (friend) + 美 (beauty) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Beautiful friend light”
- Pronunciation: To-moh-mee
Yurika (百合光)
- Kanji: 百合 (lily) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Lily light”
- Pronunciation: Yoo-ree-kah
Miyako (美夜光)
- Kanji: 美 (beauty) + 夜 (night) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Beautiful night light”
- Pronunciation: Mee-yah-koh
Kei (恵光)
- Kanji: 恵 (blessing) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Blessed light”
- Pronunciation: Kay
Yuuki (優輝光)
- Kanji: 優 (gentle) + 輝 (radiance) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Gentle radiant light”
- Pronunciation: Yoo-kee
Hoshiko (星光)
- Kanji: 星 (star) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Star light”
- Pronunciation: Hoh-shee-koh
Sumire (菫光)
- Kanji: 菫 (violet) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Violet light”
- Pronunciation: Soo-mee-reh
Unisex Names Inspired by Light
In modern times, people prefer unisex names over gender-specific ones, as these names can be used for both boys and girls while carrying essential qualities of each gender. For example, unisex names that mean “light” have become popular as they allow for versatility and inclusivity. These names symbolize universal qualities that anyone can embody, irrespective of gender, such as harmony, insight, and resilience. Traditionally, it is also believed that these names echo the idea that, in times of darkness, each person can bring their own light to make a positive impact on the world.
Hikari (光)
- Kanji: 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Light”
- Pronunciation: Hee-kah-ree
Akira (明)
- Kanji: 明 (bright, light)
- Meaning: “Bright, light”
- Pronunciation: Ah-kee-rah
Haruka (遥光)
- Kanji: 遥 (distant) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Distant light”
- Pronunciation: Hah-roo-kah
Kou (光)
- Kanji: 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Light”
- Pronunciation: Koh
Raito (雷灯)
- Kanji: 雷 (thunder) + 灯 (light)
- Meaning: “Thunder light”
- Pronunciation: Rye-toh
Mei (明)
- Kanji: 明 (bright)
- Meaning: “Bright light”
- Pronunciation: May
Saki (咲輝)
- Kanji: 咲 (blossom) + 輝 (radiance)
- Meaning: “Radiant blossom”
- Pronunciation: Sah-kee
Kouki (光輝)
- Kanji: 光 (light) + 輝 (radiance)
- Meaning: “Radiant light”
- Pronunciation: Koh-kee
Riku (陸光)
- Kanji: 陸 (land) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Land light”
- Pronunciation: Ree-koo
Harumi (陽光)
- Kanji: 陽 (sun) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Sunlight”
- Pronunciation: Hah-roo-mee
Hinata (陽向)
- Kanji: 陽 (sun) + 向 (direction)
- Meaning: “Sun-facing, sunny”
- Pronunciation: Hee-nah-tah
Noa (ノア)
- Kanji: 希 (hope) + 明 (light)
- Meaning: “Hope light”
- Pronunciation: Noh-ah
Kai (海光)
- Kanji: 海 (sea) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Sea light”
- Pronunciation: Kah-ee
Eiko (栄光)
- Kanji: 栄 (glory) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Glorious light”
- Pronunciation: Ay-koh
Natsuki (夏輝)
- Kanji: 夏 (summer) + 輝 (radiance)
- Meaning: “Summer radiance”
- Pronunciation: Naht-soo-kee
Sora (空光)
- Kanji: 空 (sky) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Sky light”
- Pronunciation: Soh-rah
Kouya (光也)
- Kanji: 光 (light) + 也 (also)
- Meaning: “Also light”
- Pronunciation: Koh-yah
Shou (翔光)
- Kanji: 翔 (fly) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Flying light”
- Pronunciation: Shoh
Yuuto (優灯)
- Kanji: 優 (gentle) + 灯 (light)
- Meaning: “Gentle light”
- Pronunciation: Yoo-toh
Isuna (伊須那)
- Kanji: 伊 (this) + 須 (must) + 那 (light)
- Meaning: “Must have light”
- Pronunciation: Ee-soo-nah
Tomoya (智光)
- Kanji: 智 (wisdom) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Wise light”
- Pronunciation: To-moh-yah
Miku (美光)
- Kanji: 美 (beauty) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Beautiful light”
- Pronunciation: Mee-koo
Ren (蓮光)
- Kanji: 蓮 (lotus) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Lotus light”
- Pronunciation: Ren
Shiori (詩光)
- Kanji: 詩 (poetry) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Poetic light”
- Pronunciation: Shee-oh-ree
Yuki (雪光)
- Kanji: 雪 (snow) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Snow light”
- Pronunciation: Yoo-kee
Tomo (智光)
- Kanji: 智 (wisdom) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Wise light”
- Pronunciation: To-moh
Akemi (明美)
- Kanji: 明 (bright) + 美 (beauty)
- Meaning: “Bright beauty”
- Pronunciation: Ah-keh-mee
Ayumu (歩光)
- Kanji: 歩 (walk) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Walking light”
- Pronunciation: Ah-yoo-moo
Kiyomi (清光)
- Kanji: 清 (pure) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Pure light”
- Pronunciation: Kee-yoh-mee
Naoya (尚光)
- Kanji: 尚 (still) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Eternal light”
- Pronunciation: Nah-oh-yah
Akiyo (秋陽光)
- Kanji: 秋 (autumn) + 陽 (sun) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Autumn sunlight”
- Pronunciation: Ah-kee-yoh
Ikuto (生光)
- Kanji: 生 (life) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Life light”
- Pronunciation: Ee-koo-toh
Ritsu (律光)
- Kanji: 律 (law) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Law light”
- Pronunciation: Reet-soo
Yuika (優光)
- Kanji: 優 (gentle) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Gentle light”
- Pronunciation: Yoo-ee-kah
Koharu (小春光)
- Kanji: 小 (small) + 春 (spring) + 光 (light)
- Meaning: “Small spring light”
- Pronunciation: Koh-hah-roo
Significance of “Light” in Japanese Names
Light is one of those elements that can signify countless meanings behind its existence, from the dawn of new beginnings to inner strength, enlightenment, and much more.
With a society that values respect, family lineage, and deep-rooted traditions, “light” names often represent a guiding force or beacon that illuminates the right path. In traditional Japanese beliefs, light is a positive force that wards off darkness, misunderstandings, and fear, making it a perfect choice for people and parents to name their children.
The reason behind choosing a light-themed name is because a name with “light” carries the hope that the child will grow up showing qualities like kindness, wisdom, strength, and joy. These names also represent a strong spirit that shines even during tough times. For parents, it’s basically a wish that their child will bring happiness to others and keep inspiring people throughout their lives.
