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The Japanese insurance company Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance compiles yearly rankings of “the most popular names” given to newborns in Japan. These rankings provide insight into local naming trends. In 2019, one big national event was the era change from Heisei (平成) to Reiwa (令和). After 31 years, the Heisei era ended, and everyone in Japan was excited to welcome Reiwa. Below, we’ll see how such cultural and historical changes may (or may not) have influenced baby naming.
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“蓮 (Ren)” also ranked #1 in 2018. The name “Ren” can be written in various ways, but this particular kanji (蓮) is the most popular. Lotus flowers (蓮) have symbolic importance in Buddhism and are often linked to temples. They also convey strength, as the lotus plant firmly roots itself in the ground. Additionally, the name is short, easy to pronounce, and memorable—factors that likely boost its appeal.
In third place, “新 (Arata)” means “new,” which resonates with the start of the Reiwa era. It didn’t break into the top 10 until 2018, but in 2019—coinciding with the new era—it surged in popularity.
Looking at these results, you’ll notice that single-kanji names are a common preference for boys.
The top-ranked name “凛 (Rin)” rose from #5 the previous year. Besides having a cute sound, it also means “gallant” or “dignified,” suggesting parents want their daughters to be strong and independent women.
People in Japan were abuzz over the new Reiwa era, derived from an ancient poetry anthology. This spotlight on “traditional Japanese style” could explain why old-fashioned names like “紬 (Tsumugi)” or “莉子 (Riko)” gained traction. (For instance, 紬 references a traditional textile, and “子 (ko)” endings were mainstream from the 1980s.)
Similar to boys’ names, single-kanji names are also a hit among girls.
At this point, we’ve covered the most recent name rankings. Now let’s take a look at some older data from 1912 (the very start of the Taisho era).
In 1912, Japan was transitioning from Meiji to Taishō (大正). The widespread usage of “正 (meaning: right)” in names like 正一, 正雄, 正, 正治, and 正夫 ties in with that Taishō era sense of renewal.
The top name, “正一 (Shōichi),” was typically given to a first son. Notably, in 1913, “正二 (Shōji)” (featuring 二 = two) topped the list for second sons, and in 1914, “正三 (Shōzou)” (三 = three) topped for third sons, continuing this numeric pattern.
Meanwhile, “清 (Kiyoshi),” in second place, remained in the top 10 from 1912 to 1955.
Compare this with modern rankings for girls, and you’ll see major differences. Around half the names are written in hiragana or katakana rather than kanji. Scholars suggest lower literacy rates of parents at that time influenced this trend. Also, while boys often received “prestigious kanji” names, it was more common for girls to be given simpler, non-kanji names. Even today, some families choose only hiragana or katakana for a “feminine” feel.
Tying into the Taishō era name style, “正子 (Masako)” landed fourth, reflecting the popularity of “正” (meaning “right” or “proper”) even among girls.
When “Reiwa (令和)” was adopted in 2019, many people also paid attention to “令 (Rei)” as a possible name element. It translates loosely to “order” or “auspicious,” with a nuance of “beauty/harmony.” For example:
All incorporate this “令 (Rei)” from the new era. Babies born in or after June 2019 saw a spike in these “Reiwa-based” names, similar to how “正” was favored during the early Taishō period.
Curious about how Japanese naming has evolved over time? From the renewed popularity of single-kanji names to the sudden emergence of “令” in Reiwa, naming in Japan always reflects social, historical, and cultural shifts. Whether it’s 1912 or 2019, era changes—and the sense of a “new beginning”—can inspire parents to choose names that symbolize hope, luck, or tradition.
Reference: Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance – Name Rankings men Name Rankings women
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What is Hiragana?
Hiragana is one of the two Japanese syllabaries. Each character represents a sound (mora), not a meaning. It is used for native words, grammatical particles, verb/adjective endings (okurigana), and to show pronunciation above kanji (furigana). It developed from cursive forms of kanji.
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Katakana is one of the two Japanese syllabaries. Each character represents a sound (mora), not a meaning. It is mainly used to write foreign words and names, loanwords, onomatopoeia, and for emphasis.
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