84 Shinto Baby Names With Meanings
Embracing the tradition of names rooted in Japanese spirituality and culture.
Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Picking a Shinto baby name has never been so easy. Our baby name tool offers a comprehensive collection of Shinto baby names with meanings. Shinto is one of the most followed religious convictions in Japan. It isn’t a religion per se. Its spirituality is based on the Japanese idea of ‘kami,’ which means a divine spirit (1). The followers of Shintoism do not have any holy scriptures in the truest sense, but they do follow Japanese classics like Kojiki and Nihongi. Shinto and Buddhism are very similar to each other. Both address the worldview questions, and both aim to attain salvation. In fact, Shinto did not have a name until Buddhism was introduced in Japan. On the 31st day of the birth of baby boys and the 32nd day of the birth of baby girls, the parents and the grandparents of the child visit a Shinto shrine for the baby naming ceremony. The priest, in between all the prayers, announces the baby’s name. The parents then carry the baby in their arms and bow to the altar. Spirituality, nature, ancestral figures, and cultural heritage inspire the Shinto baby names. These names are usually traditional and represent the connection with Japanese and Buddhist traditions and heritage, which makes them significant and unique. For example, the name Hagrama, which stands for ‘dense forest,’ here the name signifies the importance of living in harmony with nature and highlights qualities like serenity and purity. The name Sora, which means ‘sky’ or ‘heaven,’ symbolizes divine strength and vastness, which are believed to be important concepts in Shinto beliefs. Another name Chouko, which means ‘butterfly child,’ evokes the image of beautiful nature marvels, which connects to the cycle of life celebrated in Shintoism. With such amazing connections and deep-rooted meanings, these Shinto baby names look like a good fit for any baby. Below, we have listed the most common and popular Shinto names for you to select from. Take a look and pick a favorite.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Chizue |  Girl | Long life; Endurance; Durability | |
| Cho | Girl | Butterfly | |
| Chouko | Girl | Butterfly; an insect that feeds on nectar of flowers | |
| Giichi | Boy | One rule; The righteous one | |
| Gin | Boy | Silver | |
| Ginjiro | Boy | Good silver | |
| Gringamore | Boy | A person who is not American; A person from Latin America who is settled in America. | |
| Guha | Boy | Cave or heart | |
| Guillem | Boy | A fearless defender who can do anything to protect his beloved | |
| Hagrama | Boy | Dense forest; Thick woodland area; Opaque Jungle | |
| Halbert | Boy | Shining jewel; Dazzling hero | |
| Haleena | Girl | Of the light | |
| Hashan | Boy | Laughter; Lord Chandra (Moon) | |
| Hauba | Girl | A person's individual soul | |
| Havard | Boy | High guardian | |
| Hewitt | Boy | Little smart one | |
| Hilbrand | Boy | Sword used in battles | |
| Hildeth | Girl | She who gives good battle counsel | |
| Huzayma | Boy | He is a firm believer | |
| Jabal | Boy | The one who glides away | |
| Jabez | Boy | Sorrow | |
| Janiett | Girl | God is gracious | |
| Japesa | Boy | Lord of those who recite | |
| Japsher | Boy | A lion | |
| Jennet | Girl | Heaven-sent individual | |
| Jeremi | Boy | Refers to Jeremy | |
| Jereth | Boy | A combination of Jar or Jer and Gareth | |
| Jorden | Boy | To descend; To flow down | |
| Josephin | Girl | May God give | |
| Joshita | Girl | Pleased | |
| Kale | Boy | Affectionate; Calm | |
| Kalpanath | Boy | Imagination, idea | |
| Kalvik | Boy | Sparrow | |
| Kana | Girl | Powerful | |
| Kaushik | Boy | The feeling of love | |
| Kayilai | Boy | The place where God Sivan resides | |
| Kayliana | Girl | Pure one; Summer forest | |
| Kei |  Unisex | Square jewel; Blessing; Wise; Respect; Excellence | |
| Sora | Girl | Sky; Conch shell; Heaven; Gravel | |
| Souji | Boy | One who is a general director | |
| Souta | Boy | A sudden sound of the wind; Thick; Great | |
| Subaru | Unisex | One who is uniting; A term identifying the Pleiades star cluster in the constellation Taurus | |
| Sueko | Girl | She who is the youngest child in the family | |
| Suguru | Boy | An eminent person | |
| Suki | Girl | A beloved woman | |
| Sumiko | Girl | She is a beautiful child of goodness | |
| Sumire | Girl | A lovely violet | |
| Sushi | Girl | A Japanese dish of vinegared rice | |
| Suzu | Boy | A man who lives long | |
| Suzuki | Unisex | A common surname in Japan; Bell of wood | |
| Tadaaki | Boy | Faithful light | |
| Tadashi | Boy | Good; Virtous; Loyalty; Devotion | |
| Taichi | Boy | Means a thick or big one | |
| Taiga | Boy | Big; Bud; Gracious | |
| Taiki | Boy | Big, great tree; Full of brightness | |
| Taji | Boy | The yellow and silver color | |
| Taka | Girl | Tall; Honorable peregrine | |
| Takahiro | Boy | Abundantly respectful and loving | |
| Takai | Boy | The next world | |
| Takako | Girl | Child who is an aristocrat | |
| Takara | Girl | Beloved jewel; Treasure | |
| Takarra | Girl | Precious item; Precious one | |
| Takashi | Boy | Prosperous; Noble | |
| Takato | Boy | Precious measure of exaltation | |
| Takaya | Boy | One who has much respect for someone | |
| Takeo | Boy | Warrior; One who fights for his kingdom | |
| Taki | Girl | Plunging waterfall | |
| Taku | Boy | Young; Living just for a little time yet | |
| Takuma | Boy | An open truth | |
| Tamaki | Boy | A boy who is a true gem | |
| Tamami | Girl | A woman who is a beautiful gem or jewel | |
| Tamashini | Unisex | A soul; One who is very soulful | |
| Tamiko | Girl | A child of great beauty | |
| Tamiqua | Girl | People | |
| Tamura | Girl | Japanese name meaning rice village | |
| Taney | Girl | Japanese name meaning valley | |
| Taree | Girl | A branch that is bending | |
| Taro | Boy | Great son | |
| Tarou | Boy | A big son | |
| Tatsuo | Girl | A female dragon | |
| Tatsuya | Boy | Sign of the dragon | |
| Taura | Girl | Many lakes; Rivers | |
| Teijo | Boy | A righteous Boy | |
| Tetsuya | Boy | An intelligent philosopher | |
Shinto baby names are straightforward and elegant choices inspired by the Shinto religion. These names are unique and have significant meanings and interesting concepts that pique curiosity. They are often derived from many essential aspects of the faith, like the elements of nature, spirituality, and deities. If you are a parent interested in the Shinto culture and beliefs, then choosing these names would be a great way to appreciate the culture and its values and traditions. Whether you choose these names for their uniqueness or meanings, they will leave a good impression on your little one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do Shinto baby names typically mean or symbolize?
Shinto baby names usually have meanings or symbols connected to nature, such as Cho, meaning ‘butterfly,’ virtue names, such as Guha, meaning ’a delightful person,’ and spiritual names, such as Hashan, denoting Lord Chandra (moon). These names show a strong respect for nature and the spiritual beliefs followed in Shintoism.
2. What is the significance of a baby’s name in Shintoism, and how does it affect their life or destiny?
In Shintoism, baby names often carry a spiritual significance which is believed to mold their destiny and identity. Since the naming ceremony is held under the guidance of a priest, the name is said to invite good energy and blessing for the baby. Moreover, with the involvement of the elderly members in the ceremony, Shinto names also strengthen the family lineage.
References:
- Shinto- A Japanese religion.
https://asiasociety.org/education/shinto
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
