Top 8 Japanese Water-Inspired Names: Dive into Their Deep Meanings

Hello there, Junko from Japan here! In the Japanese language, ‘MIZU’ symbolizes water and carries cultural significance.

japanese kanji letter mizu, meaning water

Yet, it’s not recommended to use ‘MIZU’ directly for baby names. Wonder why? The phrase ‘MIZUKO’ in our language refers to aborted fetuses and includes the Kanji symbol for water.

As a result, many in Japan avoid this symbol, especially for girls’ names.

There are, however, wonderful alternatives. The beauty and elegance of water have inspired a variety of names in our culture. This curated list presents names that capture the essence of water, without directly mentioning ‘MIZU’.

Each of these names is authentic, both meaningful, and popular in Japan.

INEDEX

For Girls:
For Boys:
1. USHIO: Tide
Unisex Choices:

For Girls:

IZUMI : Fountain

IZUMI means “fountain.” The entire symbol represents water gushing from rocks and making a fountain. The name IZUMI is one of the most traditional and common Japanese names for girls.

It reminds us of serene and clear water. Japanese parents chose this word with the hope that various talents may spring up from the child like a fountain.

MIO: Water Vein, Water Route)

MIO is one of the most popular Japanese names for girls since the 2000s. It has ranked high at popular Japanese names rankings for long time. As you know, we can give different meanings to a name depending on the Kanji combinations in Japanese. This MIO is the one that means “water vein.” MI comes from MIZU (water) and O is for vein.

The same as KAI, the left part with three dots represents water. The right part describes rain and a praying person. The whole symbol represents a sacred water flow given by a god. The word MIO sounds feminine and sophisticated. It’ll be a perfect name for a baby girl.

For your information, the MIO letter can be read as REI, and it’s also a good choice for a given name. REI is unisex while MIO is clearly for girls.

NAGISA: Water’s Edge, Beach

NAGISA is similar to NAGI, but it’s a different word that stands for “water’s edge” and “beach.” Since it gives refreshing and bright impressions, it seems the name NAGISA is popular among Japanese parents who love the sea or summer.

NAGISA is generally regarded as a girl’s name, but it’s possible for a boy’s name too.

SHIZUKU: Dew, Drop of Water

SHIZUKU is a beautiful word that stands for “dewdrop” in Japanese. Though it’s not so common and is a unique name, a drop of water seems like a gem, and it makes a lovely name. If you want a name that means pure water, this one may be the closest.

The top part of the Kanji letter means “rain,” and the bottom one represents “down.” The entire symbol represents a drop of water dripping down. This Kanji became available for person’s names in 2004. As a result, the name SHIZUKU is still rare.

SHIZURU: Calm Flow

SHIZURU is a Japanese first name mainly for girls. The Kanji letter for SHIZU means “quiet” and it’s one of the most popular Kanji characters for girls’ names. The RU is for “water flow.” I think it’s a feminine and elegant name.

For Boys:

USHIO: Tide

USHIO means “tide” and is possibly used for a boy’s name. The left part with three dots represents “sea,” and the right one is for “morning.”

The whole USHIO symbol describes the water level changes in the morning. This is a Kanji character with sturdy and magnificent impressions.

Unisex Choices:

KAI: Sea, Ocean

Sea says UMI in Japanese, and KAI is another reading for the Kanji letter for UMI. The left part with three dots stands for water, and the right part portrays a lady with black hair.

It’s said black symbolizes the deep sea. The word KAI has unisex sound and it can be used as a gender-neutral name. If you’re looking for unisex Japanese names, KAI would be a excellent choice.

NAGI: Calm, Quiet Sea

NAGI means “calm” and “quiet sea.” Since the NAGI symbol exists only in the Japanese language, it would be a great choice if you looking for a name of Japanese origin.

NAGI is a unisex name, and you can choose it for both baby boys and girls. It’s a relatively modern name and is getting popular in recent years, especially among girls.

The NAGI character represents “the wind stops,” and it gives moderate and peaceful impressions. For baby boys, it would be a cool Japanese name with an intellectual impression.

Do You have Water Gods in Japanese Mythology?

photo: a japanese shinto shrine gate standing in a lake

Of course, we have! We can find two water gods in Japanese mythology, MIZUHANOME, and KURAMITSUHA.

Both names are not suitable for a child’s name. If you use it as a first name, MIZUHA from MUZUHANOME or MITSUHA from KURAMITSUHA will make a beautiful and inspiring name.

According to ancient legend, MIZUHANOME is a goddess in the form of a beautiful maiden. KURAMITSUHA is a dragon god who was born from a divine sword.

Considering the background, MIZUHA would be great for females while MITSUHA is best for males.