48 Samurai Baby Names
by Nameslist
When you think of samurai, you might think of medieval Japan and warriors in armor. But the truth is, samurai were so much more than that. They were considered to be the elite class of society, and their names reflected that. If you're looking for a unique with a lot of history behind it, consider one of these Samurai names. From famous warriors to powerful clans, these names will give your child a strong start in life.
1. Akechi
This name has a long and proud history in Japan as the surname of one of the most famous samurai families. The Akechi were a noble family who served the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. The head of the family was known as the "daimyo" and they were considered to be some of the most powerful samurai in Japan.
2. Nobushia
This name has a strong meaning in Japanese culture, as it represents a "noble warrior."
3. Jinx
This name conjures up images of a fierce and skilled warrior, one who is not to be messed with. It was a source of great pride and honor, and it was often passed down through the generations. A samurai with a bad name was considered dishonorable, and his name would be stricken from the records. A jinx was an especially bad name, as it brought with it the fear of bad luck.
4. Oda
Oda means "warrior" in Japanese, making it an ideal name for a little boy or girl.
5. Moriyama
The name Moriyama is derived from the Japanese words for forest (mori) and Mountain (yama). The name could therefore be translated to mean "mountain forest".
6. Shimazu
The Shimazu were a powerful samurai clan who ruled over the southernmost part of Japan. The Shimazu family crest is a chrysanthemum, which is also the national flower of Japan.
The name Shimazu means "three islands" and refers to the three islands that make up the Okinawa prefecture: Okinawa, Miyako, and Yaeyama.
7. Asakura
The name "Asakura" means "cherry blossom" in Japanese. The Asakura were known for their skill in archery and swordsmanship.
The Asakura were based in Echizen Province. Their main base of operations was the castle town of Fukui. The Asakura were allies of the Oda clan. Oda Nobunaga was a guest at Fukui Castle on several occasions.
The Asakura clan fell from power after losing a battle to the Tokugawa clan in 1573. The head of the Asakura clan, Asakura Yoshikage, was killed in the battle. The Tokugawa took control of Echizen Province and the Asakura clan ceased to exist.
8. Esumi
The name Esumi means "clear and beautiful." It is a popular name for girls in Japan.
9. Nobunari
It's a traditional Japanese name that means "to rule nobly." It's also the name of famed Japanese figure skater, Nobunari Oda.
10. Eto
Eto, which means “sun” or “star.” This name symbolizes hope, joy, and new beginnings. If you are looking for a name that represents all of these things for your little one, then Eto may be the perfect choice for you.
11. Masako
The name Masako, which means "child of a nobleman." This name is perfect for a baby girl who will one day grow up to be a strong and powerful woman.
12. Yasumi
It means "peace" in Japanese, and is the perfect name for a child who will bring calm and serenity to her parents' lives.
13. Date
When it comes to naming your baby, there are many things to consider. One important factor is the date of birth. In Japan, the practice of using a special calendar to determine the sex of the baby and thus their name is still used today. If you are having a baby girl, she will be named according to the day of the week she was born on. For boys, they are named based on the number of strides taken by the father when he left the house on the day of his son's birth.
14. Minamoto
The Minamoto were one of the four great families that dominated Japanese politics during the Heian period. The name "Minamoto" means "origin of the gate", and refers to the family's tradition of serving as the guards for the emperor's palace.
The Minamoto were known for their bravery and honor, and many of their members rose to become famous samurai warriors.
15. Tsunari
This strong name has roots in Japanese culture and means "harbor."
16. Oyuki
The name Oyuki is said to mean "snow" in Japanese, making it a perfect choice for a baby born in winter.
17. Fujii
Fujii means "wisteria" in Japanese. Wisteria is a beautiful and tough plant, which makes it the perfect name for a baby.
18. Akai
It means "red" in Japanese, and is associated with the color of courage and strength.
19. Rinoie
It means " protetor" and is of Japanese origin.
20. Naru
Naru, which means "to ring" or "to sound." This name was given to babies who were born during the New Year celebrations, when bells were rung to mark the beginning of a new year.
21. Imagawa
The Imagawa were a powerful samurai clan based in Suruga Province during the Sengoku period of Japan. The clan was founded by Imagawa Ujichika, and rose to prominence under his son, Imagawa Yoshimoto. The Imagawa were strong allies of the Oda clan, and played a major role in the unification of Japan under Oda Nobunaga. The Imagawa were known for their opulent lifestyle and their love of literature and art. They were also renowned for their skill in horsemanship and archery.
22. Oichi
Oichi was the name of a 16th-century Japanese noblewoman who was married to Azai Nagamasa, a powerful daimyo.
Oichi is a popular in Japan, particularly among families with samurai heritage. The name has several possible origins, including the Japanese word for "child" (oi), the Chinese character for "love" (ai), and the Buddhist concept of "compassion" (ichi).
23. Tsunade
It means "wave" in Japanese, and is the name of a popular character in the anime series Naruto.
24. Megohime
This fierce and beautiful name comes from Japanese history and means "princess." Megohime was the name of a legendary female samurai who was famous for her strength, courage, and skill in battle. She is the perfect namesake for your little warrior princess.
25. Henry
A strong and classic name, Henry is derived from the Germanic Heimirich, which means "home ruler." With its royal pedigree and valiant meaning.
26. William
The name William is of English origin and means "resolute protector". It's a strong and powerful name, perfect for a little samurai in training.
27. Toyotomi
The Toyotomi were a Japanese clan that was prominent during the 16th century. They were known for their military prowess and their samurai warriors. The Toyotomi clan was founded by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was a general in the Japanese army. He rose to power after defeating the rival Taira clan in the Battle of Sekigahara. The Toyotomi clan continued to be a powerful force in Japan until they were defeated by the Tokugawa clan at the Battle of Osaka in 1615.
28. Kenji
It means "second son" in Japanese, and is often given to the second son in a family. Kenji is also a popular name in anime and manga.
29. Hiro
This moniker has origins in Japanese culture and means "generous" or "abundant." It's also the name of one of the most famous samurai warriors in history.
30. Uesugi
The Uesugi were known for their skill in battle and their fierce loyalty to their lord. The Uesugi clan produced some of the most famous samurai warrior generals in Japanese history, including Kenshin Uesugi and Kagetora Uesugi.
31. Hikaru
One such name is Hikaru, which means "light" or "bright". This would be an especially fitting name for a baby born in the Summertime.
Hikaru was also the name of an important character in The Tale of the Heike, an epic poem about the 12th-century Genpei War. This could make for an interesting conversation starter when your child is older and learns about their namesake!
32. Ibuki
This name has Japanese origins and means “born in autumn” or “to bear fruit.” It is a perfect name for a child who will be born in the fall season. Ibuki is also the name of a mountain in Japan, which makes it even more special.
33. Raiko
Raiko translates to "child of the sun" and was often given to babies born during the summer months. This name is full of strength and power, making it perfect for any little boy or girl who is destined for greatness.
34. Seiko
Seiko, which means “clear and pure”.
35. Vernita
Vernita means "warrior woman" in Japanese, making it the perfect name for your little girl.
36. Nakano
The word "nakano" means "middle field" in Japanese. It's a strong and powerful name for a boy or girl. And it has a beautiful meaning: the child who is born in the middle field will grow up to be a great warrior.
37. Saigo
Saigo, which means "end" or "final." This name was inspired by the last great samurai leader of Japan, Saigo Takamori. While he ultimately met a tragic end, his legacy lives on in this strong and powerful name.
38. Kusunoki
The name Kusunoki means "tree of the sun" and is of Japanese origin. This name was popularized by Masamune Kusunoki, a 14th-century military leader who was loyal to the emperor. The name can also be given in reference to the kusunoki tree, which is native to Japan.
39. Samurai
A samurai was a member of the military nobility of medieval and early-modern Japan. The term "samurai" is derived from the Japanese verb "saburau", which means "to serve". Samurai were professional warriors who, in addition to fighting on behalf of their lord or daimyo, were also expected to uphold Bushido, the code of honor that governed their lives. While many samurai names are quite serious in nature, some are quite humorous.
40. Miho
Miho means "beautiful" or "wonderful" in Japanese. It is a very popular name for baby girls in Japan, and has been steadily gaining popularity in other countries as well.
41. Sanada
It means "defender" in Japanese, and is the perfect name for a little one who will grow up to be a brave and fearless warrior.
42. Katsumi
This name has its origins in Japan, where it was traditionally given to baby girls born in the month of October. The meaning of Katsumi is "beautiful autumn child."
43. Yasuke
Yasuke was a famous 16th century Japanese samurai who was known as the "black samurai." He was originally from Africa and served under the great daimyo Oda Nobunaga. Yasuke was a brave and skilled warrior who fought in many battles. He eventually met his end during the Battle of Sekigahara. Even though he died in battle, Yasuke's legacy lived on and he became an iconic figure in Japanese history.
44. Jingu
The name Jingu means “sacred” or “divine” in Japanese. It is a popular name for girls in Japan, as it is associated with the legendary Empress Jingu, who is said to have led an army to victory in the third century. The name Jingu is also used for boys, but it is less common.
45. Ran
Ran is a beautiful name for a baby girl. It means "orchid" in Japanese, and is also the name of a legendary Japanese warrior queen.
46. Takeda
Takeda is a strong and powerful name that would be perfect for any little samurai in training. This name has a rich history and meaning, and would be sure to instill a sense of pride in your child.
47. Yamakawa
Yamakawa is a popular in Japan, meaning "mountain river."
48. Ken
It means "strong" or "healthy" in Japanese. Ken is also a popular name in many other cultures, including English-speaking countries.
49. Beatrix
Beatrix is a Latin name meaning "she who brings happiness."
