Japanese Names That Mean Moon (Lunar-Inspired Name Ideas)

The moon has fascinated people for generations, representing beauty, tranquility, and mystery. In Japanese culture, it plays a vital role in poetry, art, and folklore, inspiring meaningful names that reflect its elegance.

As celestial themes gain popularity, moon-related names offer a timeless connection to nature and tradition.

In 2025, more parents are choosing names with cultural and symbolic significance. Japanese names associated with the moon carry a sense of serenity and charm, making them a compelling choice.

This guide highlights a selection of beautiful moon-themed names, their meanings, and the traditions behind them.

Contents

1 Catchy Japanese Names That Mean Moon

Catchy Japanese Names That Mean Moon

When seeking catchy Japanese names that mean moon, you’ll encounter names that not only resonate with celestial themes but also have a rhythmic charm.

These names often stand out due to their melodic sounds, making them memorable choices for parents looking to give their child a name that sparkles with uniqueness and creativity.

Luna (ルナ) – Moon; often associated with the lunar goddess.
Yukimura (雪村) – “Snow village,” evoking serene, moonlit landscapes.
Tsukasa (司) – “To govern” or “moon.”
Mizuki (瑞希) – “Beautiful moon” or “water moon.”
Akatsuki (暁) – “Dawn,” the time when the moon fades.
Tsuki (月) – Simply means “moon.”
Kohaku (琥珀) – “Amber,” related to the moon’s glow.
Tsukiko (月子) – “Child of the moon.”
Reika (麗香) – “Lovely fragrance,” reminiscent of moonlit nights.
Yukiyo (雪夜) – “Snowy night,” depicting peaceful evenings.
Tsukiyo (月夜) – “Moonlit night.”
Haruki (春樹) – “Spring tree,” reflecting growth under the moon.
Kaoru (薫) – “Fragrance,” associated with the allure of night.
Hikari (光) – “Light,” representing the moon’s glow.
Ren (恋) – “Love,” relating to the romantic aspects of the moon.
Ayumi (歩) – “Walk,” suggesting a stroll under moonlight.
Shiori (詩織) – “Poem weaving,” connected to the beauty of the moon.
Sora (空) – “Sky,” where the moon shines brightly.
Kaito (海斗) – “Ocean,” reflecting the moon’s image on water.
Fumiko (文子) – “Literary child,” inspired by moonlit nights.
Aoi (青) – “Blue,” reminiscent of the night sky.
Natsuki (夏希) – “Summer hope,” recalling warm moonlit nights.
Himari (陽葵) – “Sunflower,” symbolizing brightness akin to the moon.
Kiyomi (清美) – “Pure beauty,” capturing the moon’s charm.
Aiko (愛子) – “Beloved child,” reflecting love felt during evenings.
Masaki (正樹) – “Righteous tree,” representing resilience.
Yuuki (勇気) – “Courage,” associated with the light of the moon.
Haruna (春菜) – “Spring vegetable,” suggesting growth in moonlight.
Sayuri (小百合) – “Small lily,” evoking grace under the moon.
Tomoya (智也) – “Wise,” relating to the clarity of moonlight.
Hikaru (光) – “Radiance,” reminiscent of the moon’s shine.
Suki (好き) – “Like,” associated with fondness for moonlit nights.
Hoshi (星) – “Star,” linking the moon with the night sky.
Nanami (七海) – “Seven seas,” recalling the moon’s influence on tides.
Keiko (恵子) – “Blessed child,” reflecting the moon’s beauty.
Miho (美保) – “Beauty protection,” linked to serene evenings.
Yuki (雪) – “Snow,” often associated with moonlit nights.
Riku (陸) – “Land,” where the moon shines down.
Rina (里奈) – “Village; greens,” evoking natural beauty.
Konomi (好み) – “Preference,” reflecting love for the moon.
Shinobu (忍) – “Endurance,” likened to the moon’s steadiness.
Asahi (朝陽) – “Morning sun,” indicating the transition from night.
Kota (光太) – “Great light,” reflecting brightness of the moon.
Yoshiki (良樹) – “Good tree,” symbolizing stability.
Kazuki (和希) – “Harmonious hope,” linking to tranquil nights.
Ryoma (竜馬) – “Dragon horse,” evoking strength under the moon.
Tsubasa (翼) – “Wings,” suggesting freedom and the night sky.
Kei (圭) – “Square jewel,” reminiscent of moonlight’s sparkle.
Taro (太郎) – “Big son,” a traditional name with strength.

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Japanese Names That Mean Moon Male

When searching for Japanese names that mean moon for boys, you’ll find options that carry a sense of strength and beauty.

Many of these names not only reflect the celestial body but also embody qualities like wisdom and calmness.

Choosing a name like this can give your child a unique identity tied to the wonder of the night sky, creating a connection to nature from an early age.

Kaito (海斗) – “Ocean” and “Big,” reflecting the moon’s influence on tides.
Mitsuo (光男) – “Light man,” representing the moon’s illumination.
Tsukasa (司) – “To govern” or “moon.”
Akira (明) – “Bright,” representing clarity like the moonlight.
Haruki (春樹) – “Spring tree,” suggesting growth under moonlight.
Kazuki (和希) – “Harmonious hope,” relating to the moon’s tranquility.
Masaki (正樹) – “Righteous tree,” reflecting strength.
Yuzuki (夕月) – “Evening moon.”
Yuuki (勇気) – “Courage,” associated with the moon’s light.
Shintaro (新太郎) – “New son,” symbolizing new beginnings under the moon.
Keisuke (圭介) – “Precious helper,” signifying guidance like moonlight.
Hiroki (宏樹) – “Broad tree,” evoking strength and resilience.
Michio (道雄) – “Path hero,” suggesting the journey guided by the moon.
Takumi (匠) – “Skillful,” representing the artistry of moonlit nights.
Toshiro (俊郎) – “Talented man,” reflecting the brilliance of the moon.
Koji (浩司) – “Big and vigorous,” suggesting vitality.
Ryota (亮太) – “Clear and thick,” representing clarity like moonlight.
Kenji (賢治) – “Wise rule,” evoking the wisdom of the moon.
Satoshi (智) – “Intelligent,” relating to the enlightenment from moonlight.
Yuya (悠也) – “Distant,” reflecting the vastness of the moonlit sky.
Haru (春) – “Spring,” suggesting renewal under the moon.
Shun (俊) – “Talented,” echoing the beauty of moonlit nights.
Ryusei (流星) – “Meteor,” linking to the night sky.
Seiji (誠司) – “Sincere,” reflecting genuine qualities like moonlight.
Nobu (信) – “Faith,” associated with hope from the moon’s glow.
Kiyoshi (清) – “Pure,” reminiscent of a clear moonlit night.
Daiki (大輝) – “Big radiance,” reflecting brightness.
Kenta (健太) – “Healthy,” suggesting vitality under moonlight.
Taka (隆) – “Noble,” evoking a dignified presence like the moon.
Riku (陸) – “Land,” where the moon’s light shines.
Masato (雅人) – “Elegant person,” representing sophistication.
Yuki (勇気) – “Courage,” linked to the moon’s inspiring presence.
Junpei (純平) – “Pure flat,” reflecting tranquility.
Tomoya (智也) – “Wise,” drawing wisdom from moonlight.
Hiroshi (宏) – “Generous,” evoking a broad perspective like the moon.
Satoshi (智) – “Intelligent,” linking to enlightenment from the moon.
Ren (恋) – “Love,” representing the affection often felt during nights.
Sora (空) – “Sky,” where the moon resides.
Hikaru (光) – “Light,” representing the brightness of the moon.
Arata (新) – “New,” suggesting fresh beginnings under the moon.
Ryu (竜) – “Dragon,” symbolizing strength associated with the night.
Tatsuya (達也) – “Achiever,” suggesting accomplishment like the moon’s journey.
Naoki (直樹) – “Honest tree,” reflecting stability.
Yoshiki (良樹) – “Good tree,” denoting strength.
Haruto (陽翔) – “Sunshine,” evoking brightness.
Keito (恵斗) – “Blessed Big,” representing fortuity.
Kazuma (和真) – “Harmonious true,” indicating authenticity.
Shou (翔) – “Fly,” suggesting freedom in the night sky.
Jiro (次郎) – “Second son,” a traditional name representing family.

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Japanese Names That Mean Moon Girl

For girls, Japanese names that mean moon offer a delicate and enchanting touch.

These names often evoke imagery of grace and beauty, making them perfect choices for parents looking to bestow a sense of elegance upon their daughters.

The feminine allure of these names can resonate throughout a girl’s life, adding a layer of charm that is both timeless and meaningful.

Mizuki (瑞希) – “Beautiful moon” or “water moon.”
Yukiyo (雪夜) – “Snowy night.”
Tsuki (月) – Simply means “moon.”
Yukari (由香) – “Reason and fragrance,” often evoking moonlit nights.
Reika (麗香) – “Lovely fragrance.”
Hikari (光) – “Light,” representing the moon’s glow.
Kiyomi (清美) – “Pure beauty.”
Himari (陽葵) – “Sunflower,” reflecting brightness.
Suki (好き) – “Like,” suggesting fondness for moonlit nights.
Hoshi (星) – “Star,” linking to the moon.
Aiko (愛子) – “Beloved child.”
Miyuki (美雪) – “Beautiful snow.”
Yumi (由美) – “Reason and beauty.”
Akari (明) – “Light,” symbolizing brightness.
Kaho (香保) – “Fragrance protection.”
Rina (里奈) – “Village greens.”
Hana (花) – “Flower,” evoking beauty.
Sayaka (さやか) – “Clear,” suggesting clarity of the moon.
Chiyo (千代) – “Thousand generations,” implying timeless beauty.
Ami (亜美) – “Asian beauty.”
Akiko (秋子) – “Child of autumn,” a season often associated with the moon.
Fumiko (文子) – “Literary child.”
Shiori (詩織) – “Poem weaving.”
Yuki (雪) – “Snow,” linked to moonlit nights.
Kohana (小花) – “Small flower.”
Hiyori (陽和) – “Sunny weather.”
Rika (理香) – “Logic and fragrance.”
Natsuki (夏希) – “Summer hope.”
Haruna (春菜) – “Spring vegetable.”
Asuka (明日香) – “Fragrance of tomorrow.”
Sakura (桜) – “Cherry blossom.”
Tomomi (智美) – “Wise beauty.”
Kanna (環奈) – “Ring and heaven.”
Airi (愛莉) – “Love and jasmine.”
Emiko (恵美子) – “Blessed beautiful child.”
Ritsu (律) – “Rhythm.”
Natsumi (夏美) – “Summer beauty.”
Mizuki (水木) – “Water tree.”
Naho (菜穂) – “Vegetable grain.”
Miku (未来) – “Future.”
Yuina (結愛) – “Tie and love.”
Sayo (紗世) – “Fine silk world.”
Haruki (春木) – “Spring tree.”
Kiyomi (清美) – “Pure beauty.”
Hikari (光) – “Light.”
Yuki (優希) – “Gentle hope.”
Rika (里香) – “Village fragrance.”
Yuri (百合) – “Lily.”
Ryo (涼) – “Refreshing.”

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Japanese Names That Mean Moon Or Stars

Exploring Japanese names that mean moon or stars opens up a world of celestial inspiration.

These names reflect not just the moon but also the vastness of the night sky, allowing for a broader spectrum of meanings.

This duality can appeal to parents wanting to celebrate both the moon’s gentle glow and the stars’ brilliance, offering a sense of wonder and imagination for their child’s future.

Tsukuyomi (月読) – God of the moon.
Hoshi (星) – “Star.”
Tsukasa (司) – “To govern” or “moon.”
Mizuki (瑞希) – “Beautiful moon.”
Akira (明) – “Bright,” akin to stars.
Sora (空) – “Sky.”
Hikaru (光) – “Light.”
Reika (麗香) – “Lovely fragrance.”
Yukiyo (雪夜) – “Snowy night.”
Aoi (青) – “Blue,” relating to the night sky.
Haruki (春樹) – “Spring tree.”
Kaito (海斗) – “Ocean” and “Big.”
Natsuki (夏希) – “Summer hope.”
Himari (陽葵) – “Sunflower.”
Kohaku (琥珀) – “Amber,” reminiscent of moonlight.
Riku (陸) – “Land.”
Kiyomi (清美) – “Pure beauty.”
Shiori (詩織) – “Poem weaving.”
Yuki (雪) – “Snow.”
Aiko (愛子) – “Beloved child.”
Rina (里奈) – “Village greens.”
Shun (旬) – “Season.”
Sayaka (さやか) – “Clear.”
Yume (夢) – “Dream.”
Tsubasa (翼) – “Wings.”
Fumiko (文子) – “Literary child.”
Ryu (竜) – “Dragon.”
Nanami (七海) – “Seven seas.”
Hikari (光) – “Light.”
Hikaru (光) – “Radiance.”
Yuki (勇気) – “Courage.”
Mikado (帝) – “Emperor.”
Kazuki (和希) – “Harmonious hope.”
Tsubaki (椿) – “Camellia.”
Masaki (正樹) – “Righteous tree.”
Kanna (環奈) – “Ring and heaven.”
Kaito (海斗) – “Ocean.”
Kazuma (和真) – “Harmonious true.”
Akira (明) – “Bright.”
Daiki (大輝) – “Big radiance.”
Natsume (夏目) – “Summer eye.”
Toshiro (俊郎) – “Talented man.”
Haru (春) – “Spring.”
Seiji (誠司) – “Sincere.”
Ren (恋) – “Love.”
Tomoya (智也) – “Wise.”
Asahi (朝陽) – “Morning sun.”
Ryoma (竜馬) – “Dragon horse.”
Jun (潤) – “Moisten.”
Noboru (昇) – “Rise.”

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Japanese Girl Names Meaning Star

Lastly, Japanese girl names meaning star shine with a unique brilliance, often associated with hope and dreams.

Each name carries its own story and significance, making them perfect for parents who desire a name with depth and beauty.

By choosing a name linked to the stars, you provide a constant reminder of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, encouraging your child to reach for their aspirations.

Hoshi (星) – “Star.”
Akira (明) – “Bright,” like a star.
Mizuki (瑞希) – “Beautiful moon” and “water moon.”
Rina (里奈) – “Village greens.”
Yuki (優希) – “Gentle hope.”
Sakura (桜) – “Cherry blossom.”
Mikako (美香子) – “Beautiful fragrance child.”
Hikari (光) – “Light,” evoking the light of stars.
Kira (綺羅) – “Shining,” often associated with stars.
Tsubasa (翼) – “Wings,” symbolizing freedom like stars in the sky.
Rika (理香) – “Logic and fragrance.”
Aiko (愛子) – “Beloved child.”
Sayaka (さやか) – “Clear.”
Haruka (遥) – “Distant,” suggesting stars’ distance.
Yume (夢) – “Dream,” often associated with aspirations like stars.
Himari (陽葵) – “Sunflower,” relating to brightness.
Kaho (香保) – “Fragrance protection.”
Fumiko (文子) – “Literary child.”
Tomomi (智美) – “Wise beauty.”
Emiko (恵美子) – “Blessed beautiful child.”
Natsuki (夏希) – “Summer hope.”
Yuina (結愛) – “Tie and love.”
Sayo (紗世) – “Fine silk world.”
Harumi (春美) – “Spring beauty.”
Kanna (環奈) – “Ring and heaven.”
Ritsu (律) – “Rhythm.”
Akiko (秋子) – “Child of autumn.”
Chiyo (千代) – “Thousand generations.”
Yuki (雪) – “Snow,” connecting to serene nights.
Sayuri (小百合) – “Little lily.”
Miku (未来) – “Future.”
Airi (愛莉) – “Love and jasmine.”
Naho (菜穂) – “Vegetable grain.”
Yoshiko (良子) – “Good child.”
Ami (亜美) – “Asian beauty.”
Yukari (由香) – “Reason and fragrance.”
Chika (千花) – “Thousand flowers.”
Mai (舞) – “Dance,” suggesting grace like stars.
Himawari (向日葵) – “Sunflower.”
Asuka (明日香) – “Fragrance of tomorrow.”
Tomoe (巴恵) – “Circle.”
Kiyomi (清美) – “Pure beauty.”
Aki (秋) – “Autumn.”
Hikari (光) – “Light.”
Rika (理香) – “Village fragrance.”
Yui (結) – “Tie.”
Ruri (瑠璃) – “Lapis lazuli.”
Kiyoko (清子) – “Pure child.”
Haruna (春菜) – “Spring vegetable.”
Nanami (七海) – “Seven seas.”

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How To Choose A Moon-Inspired Name

When selecting a moon-inspired name, consider the following factors:

1. Meaning and Significance

Choose a name that resonates with you and has a meaning that holds significance. Whether you prefer a name associated with beauty, calmness, or mythology, ensure it aligns with your values.

2. Cultural Context

Understand the cultural implications of the name. Some names may have deep roots in Japanese mythology or literature, adding layers of meaning that can enrich your choice.

3. Sound and Flow

Consider how the name sounds when spoken. A name that flows well with the last name can create a harmonious full name.

4. Uniqueness

If you desire a name that stands out, opt for less common names. Unique names often spark curiosity and conversations, making them memorable.

Conclusion

Japanese names that mean moon are not just beautiful; they carry strong cultural significance and rich symbolism.

Whether you choose a name inspired by mythology, literature, or the simple beauty of the moon itself, these names offer a unique charm that can resonate throughout a lifetime.

Choosing a name is a significant decision, and selecting one that embodies the serenity and elegance of the moon can be a wonderful way to celebrate a child’s identity.

These names serve as a beautiful reminder of the cultural heritage and the timeless connection between humanity and the celestial world.

By embracing these enchanting names, you not only honor Japanese culture but also add a touch of magic to everyday life.

FAQs

Q1: What are some Japanese names that mean moon?

A1: Japanese names with moon-related meanings include Tsukiko (月子, “moon child”), Mitsuki (美月, “beautiful moon”), Takatsuki (高月, “tall moon”), and Ruka (瑠花, “moon flower”). These names reflect elegance and a connection to nature.

Q2: Why is the moon important in Japanese culture?

A2: The moon represents beauty, tranquility, and reflection in Japanese traditions. Festivals like Tsukimi (月見, “moon viewing”) celebrate the full moon, while poetry and folklore often highlight its quiet charm and influence.

Q3: Are Japanese moon names still popular today?

A3: Yes, names inspired by the moon continue to be chosen for their graceful meanings and timeless appeal. Traditional names like Tsukiko remain well-loved, while modern variations offer fresh options for parents looking for meaningful names.

Q4: Can moon-themed Japanese names be used for both boys and girls?

A4: Some names, like Mitsuki (美月, “beautiful moon”) and Ruka (瑠花, “moon flower”), are used for both genders. Others, such as Tsukiko (月子, “moon child”), are more common for girls, while Takatsuki (高月, “tall moon”) may be preferred for boys.

Q5: What are some Japanese surnames related to the moon?

A5: Some surnames connected to the moon include Tsukishima (月島, “moon island”), Tsukimoto (月本, “origin of the moon”), and Tsukinaga (月永, “eternal moon”). These names are poetic and often linked to nature and history.

Q6: How does Japanese folklore feature the moon?

A6: One of the most well-known legends is the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (竹取物語, Taketori Monogatari), which tells the story of Princess Kaguya, a celestial being from the moon.

This story has inspired literature, anime, and cultural traditions for centuries.