Ever wondered what your favorite anime characters’ names actually mean? Japanese names are written in kanji, and each kanji has its own meaning. Sometimes the name is a hint about the character, and sometimes it is a joke only Japanese fans would catch.
I am a Japanese otaku, and I break down these names one series at a time. Pick a series below to see the names explained.
NEW
Bleach Character Name Meanings: Ichigo, Rukia, Byakuya, Aizen and more.
Requests welcome: Want me to cover a certain anime or character? Leave a comment at the bottom of this page. Your requests help me decide what to add next.
How each page works: Tap a character name to open their section. You get the meaning of each kanji, what the name means in the story, how it sounds to Japanese ears, and whether it is a real name in Japan.
All Series A to Z
The Apothecary Diaries
Poisons, palace mysteries, and Chinese-style names. Maomao, Jinshi, Lakan and more.
Bleach
Soul Reapers, swords, and names hiding strawberries and cherry blossoms. Ichigo, Rukia, Byakuya and more.
Dandadan
Ghosts, aliens, and names full of jokes. Okarun, Momo, Turbo Granny and more.
Demon Slayer
Demons, swords, and Taisho era names. Tanjiro, Nezuko, Rengoku, Muzan and more.
Haikyu!!
Volleyball, rivals, and names built around sun, moon, cats, and owls. Hinata, Kageyama, Kenma and more.
My Hero Academia
Heroes, villains, and names that hide each Quirk. Deku, Bakugo, Todoroki and more.
Naruto
Ninja, ramen, and names hiding everyday words. Naruto, Kakashi, Gaara and more.
More series are on the way. Which anime should I do next? Tell me in the comments.
The Apothecary Diaries © Natsu Hyuga / Imagica Infos. BLEACH © Tite Kubo / Shueisha. DAN DA DAN © Yukinobu Tatsu / Shueisha. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba © Koyoharu Gotouge / Shueisha. Haikyu!! © Haruichi Furudate / Shueisha. Jujutsu Kaisen © Gege Akutami / Shueisha. My Hero Academia © Kohei Horikoshi / Shueisha. NARUTO © Masashi Kishimoto / Shueisha.