155+ Japanese Names That Mean Moon: Best Boys & Girls

Looking for a name that captures the moon’s magic? You’re in the right place. Japanese moon names carry deep meaning, blending beauty with cultural richness. These names aren’t just pretty sounds – they connect your child to centuries of moon worship, poetry, and celestial wonder.

In this guide, you’ll discover 155+ authentic Japanese names inspired by the moon. From classic picks to rare gems, each name tells its own story. Whether you want something soft and gentle or bold and memorable, we’ve got options for boys, girls, and everyone in between. Let’s find that perfect lunar name together.

Understanding Japanese Moon Names and Their Cultural Roots

Japanese culture has always had a special relationship with the moon. Walk through any Japanese garden at night, and you’ll see why – moon-viewing platforms, called “tsukimi-dai,” sit ready for families to gather and admire the autumn moon.

Tsuki (月) is the Japanese word for moon. This simple character appears in countless names, each with its own twist. Some parents pair it with flower meanings, others with light or night imagery. The beauty? Each combination creates something totally unique.

Moon names in Japan aren’t random picks. They tie back to moon festivals, ancient poems, and seasonal celebrations. When you choose a moon-inspired name, you’re giving your child a piece of this cultural treasure. It’s like wrapping them in moonlight from day one.

Japanese Names That Mean Moon

These names put the moon front and center. Each one celebrates lunar beauty in its own way:

• Tsukiko – “moon child,” perfect for a baby born under a full moon
• Mizuki – “beautiful moon,” blending water imagery with lunar glow
• Hazuki – “leaf moon,” named after August’s moon when leaves start changing
• Mitsuki – “moon beauty,” short and sweet
• Satsuki – “fifth moon,” traditionally the fifth lunar month
• Natsuki – “summer moon,” great for July or August babies
• Akatsuki – “dawn moon,” that pale morning crescent
• Katsuki – “victorious moon,” adding strength to beauty
• Haruki – “spring moon,” light and fresh
• Yuzuki – “gentle moon,” soft and calming
• Mutsuki – “first moon,” January’s traditional name
• Kisaragi – “changing clothes moon,” February’s old name
• Minazuki – “water moon,” June’s poetic label
• Fumizuki – “book moon,” July’s scholarly reference
• Nagatsuki – “long moon,” September’s extended nights
• Kannazuki – “godless moon,” October when gods gather elsewhere
• Shimotsuki – “frost moon,” November’s chill
• Shiwasu – “priests run moon,” busy December
• Raito – modern spelling meaning “moon light”
• Tsukiyomi – moon god from Japanese mythology
• Gekko – another reading for “moonlight”
• Mangetsu – “full moon,” bold and complete
• Mikadzuki – “crescent moon,” delicate and curved
• Shingetsu – “new moon,” fresh starts
• Meigetsu – “bright moon,” autumn’s clearest lunar display
• Tsukimi – “moon viewing,” tied to harvest celebrations
• Getsurin – “moon’s ring,” that glow around the moon
• Tsukikage – “moon shadow,” mysterious and deep
• Getsumei – “moonlight,” illuminating darkness
• Raigetsu – “next moon,” looking forward
• Sengetsu – “last moon,” honoring the past
• Kongetsu – “this moon,” living in the moment
• Getsumatsu – “month’s end,” practical and grounded
• Gessho – “moon phase,” always changing
• Tsukihana – “moon flower,” combining two beauties
• Getsuyobi – “Monday,” literally “moon day”
• Gettan – “moon viewing platform,” architectural beauty
• Tsukitachi – “moon stand,” poetic positioning
• Gessui – “moonlight on water,” double reflection
• Tsukiakari – “moonlit brightness,” guiding light
• Getsurei – “moon spirit,” mystical connection
• Tsukishiro – “white moon,” pure and clean
• Getsuro – “moon dew,” morning moisture
• Tsukikusa – “moon grass,” nature meeting sky
• Getsuzan – “moon mountain,” elevated beauty
• Tsukimori – “moon forest,” where light filters through trees

Japanese Names That Mean Moon Flower

Moon flowers bloom at night, opening their petals to lunar rays. These names blend floral beauty with celestial magic:

• Tsukihana – straight-up “moon flower,” can’t get clearer than that
• Gekka – “under the moon flower,” nighttime blooming
• Karin – “flower moon,” switching the order for flow
• Hanatsuki – “flower of the moon,” emphasis on the bloom
• Kaho – “fragrant moon flower,” adding scent to sight
• Rikka – “moon blossom,” delicate petals
• Kagetsu – “flower moon combination,” balanced pairing
• Tsukibana – regional variation of moon flower
• Gekkabijin – “beauty under the moon,” actual night-blooming cactus
• Hanadzuki – “month of flowers,” spring moonlight
• Karuna – “moon compassion flower,” gentle meaning
• Harutsuki – “spring moon flower,” season specific
• Sayaka – “clear flower moon,” transparent beauty
• Yukika – “snow flower moon,” winter imagery
• Kozue – “tree branch moon flower,” where blooms appear
• Kanon – “flower sound moon,” adding music
• Miyabi – “elegant moon flower,” refined taste
• Sakutsuki – “bloom moon,” cherry blossom reference
• Ayaka – “colorful moon flower,” vibrant petals
• Rinka – “dignified moon flower,” standing tall
• Honoka – “faint moon flower,” subtle presence
• Momoka – “peach flower moon,” fruit tree beauty
• Haruka – “distant moon flower,” far-off beauty
• Madoka – “circular moon flower,” full bloom
• Nodoka – “tranquil moon flower,” peaceful nights
• Shizuka – “quiet moon flower,” stillness
• Sumika – “clear moon flower,” transparency
• Yuriko – “lily moon child,” specific bloom
• Ayame – “iris moon,” purple petals
• Tsubaki – “camellia moon,” winter bloomer
• Ran – “orchid moon,” exotic elegance
• Ume – “plum blossom moon,” early spring
• Botan – “peony moon,” lush fullness
• Kiku – “chrysanthemum moon,” autumn flower
• Hasu – “lotus moon,” water flower
• Suiren – “water lily moon,” floating beauty
• Asagao – “morning glory moon,” dawn flower
• Himawari – “sunflower moon,” interesting contrast
• Nadeshiko – “pink moon,” traditional Japanese flower
• Tachibana – “orange blossom moon,” citrus scent
• Fuji – “wisteria moon,” hanging blooms
• Azami – “thistle moon,” unexpected choice
• Kikyo – “bellflower moon,” star-shaped petals
• Keshi – “poppy moon,” delicate papery petals

Read More: 165+ Japanese Names That Mean “Dark” or “Shadow”

Japanese Girl Names Meaning Moon

These names work beautifully for girls, carrying softness and strength:

• Tsukina – “moon greens,” fresh and growing
• Mizuka – “moon fragrance,” pleasant and memorable
• Runa – “moon’s flow,” smooth and natural
• Himari – “sun moon,” balancing both celestial bodies
• Kaguya – from the moon princess tale, classic choice
• Usagi – “rabbit,” referencing the moon rabbit legend
• Tsukiyo – “moonlit night,” full of atmosphere
• Seira – “star moon,” combining sky lights
• Luna – Western moon name that Japanese speakers adopt
• Tsukumi – “moon beauty,” elegant simplicity
• Haruna – “spring moon,” seasonal freshness
• Akari – “light moon,” illuminating presence
• Hikari – “radiance moon,” bright shine
• Amaya – “night rain moon,” adding weather
• Tsukina – “moon apple,” fruit sweetness
• Mayuki – “true moon,” honest and real
• Yukina – “snow moon,” winter purity
• Kohaku – “amber moon,” warm glow
• Shiori – “poem moon,” literary beauty
• Ayumi – “walking moon,” gentle movement
• Tsukune – “moon sound,” musical quality
• Megumi – “blessing moon,” grateful meaning
• Nozomi – “hope moon,” looking forward
• Kasumi – “mist moon,” soft focus
• Hotaru – “firefly moon,” summer nights
• Yozora – “night sky moon,” full context
• Hoshiko – “star child moon,” cosmic connection
• Sora – “sky moon,” where it lives
• Tsukumo – “ninety-nine moons,” poetic number
• Mirai – “future moon,” forward-looking
• Akemi – “bright beauty moon,” double positive
• Eri – “blessed prize moon,” valued treasure
• Hana – “flower moon,” nature’s gift
• Kaori – “fragrance moon,” sensory experience
• Naomi – “above all moon,” superior choice
• Reiko – “lovely child moon,” affectionate
• Sachiko – “joyful child moon,” happy nature
• Yuki – “happiness moon,” simple joy
• Chiyo – “thousand moons,” longevity wish
• Emiko – “blessed beautiful moon,” triple blessing
• Fumiko – “child of abundant beauty moon,” generous meaning
• Hanako – “flower child moon,” garden imagery
• Keiko – “respected child moon,” honorable
• Mariko – “true village child moon,” rooted community
• Noriko – “law child moon,” principled

Japanese Boy Names Meaning Moon

Strong names that still carry lunar poetry:

• Tsukito – “moon person,” straightforward and bold
• Raito – “moon light,” modern and bright
• Genji – “two beginnings moon,” historical reference
• Tsukasa – “moon official,” leadership quality
• Haruto – “sun flying moon,” dynamic energy
• Sorata – “sky moon,” expansive feel
• Yukio – “snow moon,” winter strength
• Akihiko – “bright prince moon,” noble bearing
• Daichi – “great land moon,” grounded power
• Hayato – “falcon person moon,” swift and sharp
• Kaito – “ocean flying moon,” adventurous
• Makoto – “sincere moon,” honest character
• Naoki – “honest tree moon,” rooted integrity
• Ren – “lotus moon,” spiritual growth
• Riku – “land moon,” earthly connection
• Sota – “suddenly thick moon,” unexpected strength
• Takumi – “artisan moon,” skilled hands
• Yamato – “great harmony moon,” peaceful power
• Yuto – “gentle person moon,” kind strength
• Kenji – “wise second son moon,” smart choice
• Shinji – “true ruler moon,” leadership
• Koji – “radiant second son moon,” shining presence
• Ryota – “refreshing thick moon,” cool and strong
• Shota – “soaring thick moon,” rising high
• Tomoya – “wise moon,” thoughtful
• Kazuki – “harmony moon,” peaceful nature
• Masaki – “elegant tree moon,” refined strength
• Ryusei – “meteor moon,” shooting star energy
• Sosuke – “rescue moon,” protective instinct
• Yuuki – “courage moon,” brave heart
• Daiki – “great glory moon,” ambitious
• Eiji – “eternity moon,” lasting impact
• Hiroki – “abundant joy moon,” generous spirit
• Katsu – “victory moon,” winning nature
• Minato – “harbor moon,” safe haven
• Satoshi – “wise moon,” intelligent
• Takeshi – “warrior moon,” fighter spirit
• Yoshi – “good luck moon,” fortunate
• Isamu – “courage moon,” fearless
• Jiro – “second son moon,” family position
• Kenzo – “wise three moon,” triple wisdom
• Noboru – “ascend moon,” upward movement
• Osamu – “disciplined moon,” self-control
• Raiden – “thunder moon,” powerful sound

Japanese Unisex Names That Mean Moon

Names that work for anyone, breaking traditional gender boxes:

• Hikaru – “light moon,” shining for all
• Akira – “bright moon,” clear and strong
• Kaoru – “fragrance moon,” pleasant personality
• Makoto – “truth moon,” honest to the core
• Minori – “truth moon,” harvest connection
• Nao – “honest moon,” straightforward
• Rei – “spirit moon,” soul connection
• Shion – “aster moon,” purple flower
• Tsubasa – “wing moon,” freedom to fly
• Yuki – “snow moon,” pure white
• Haruki – “shining sun moon,” balanced energy
• Izumi – “spring moon,” water source
• Jun – “obedient moon,” respectful nature
• Kaede – “maple moon,” autumn leaves
• Mitsuru – “fulfill moon,” complete satisfaction
• Nagisa – “shore moon,” where water meets land
• Rin – “dignified moon,” composed presence
• Saki – “blossom moon,” flowering moment
• Takara – “treasure moon,” valued possession
• Yui – “bind moon,” connection maker
• Aoi – “blue moon,” rare occurrence
• Kou – “light moon,” simple brightness
• Midori – “green moon,” nature color
• Nori – “belief moon,” faith holder
• Ryo – “cool moon,” refreshing personality
• Sakura – “cherry blossom moon,” spring icon
• Tomo – “friend moon,” companionship
• Yori – “trust moon,” reliable character
• Zen – “good moon,” Buddhist reference
• Haru – “spring moon,” new beginnings
• Kei – “blessed moon,” fortunate
• Michi – “path moon,” journey finder
• Nao – “straight moon,” direct approach
• Suzu – “bell moon,” clear sound
• Yuu – “gentle moon,” soft touch
• Chika – “near moon,” close connection
• Kiri – “mist moon,” mysterious
• Natsu – “summer moon,” warm season
• Shou – “soar moon,” flight capable
• Taka – “honor moon,” respected
• Yasu – “peace moon,” calm spirit
• Asa – “morning moon,” dawn appearance
• Fuyu – “winter moon,” cold season
• Kazu – “harmony moon,” balanced
• Nobu – “faith moon,” believer

Read More: 195+ Rare & Unique Japanese Names With Meanings

Popular Japanese Names That Mean Moon

These names you’ll actually hear in modern Japan:

• Haruto – currently topping boy name charts
• Yui – super common for girls
• Kaito – ocean-flying moon, trending upward
• Himari – gaining popularity fast
• Ren – short, sweet, widely used
• Hina – soft and frequently chosen
• Riku – steady popularity for boys
• Yuna – gentle option parents love
• Sota – classic that never fades
• Mio – beautiful sound, common pick
• Haruki – literary connection boosts appeal
• Aoi – unisex favorite
• Ryo – simple and timeless
• Sakura – cherry blossom power
• Daiki – strong traditional choice

How to Pick the Perfect Moon Name

Start by saying each name out loud. Does it feel natural rolling off your tongue? Names you can’t pronounce easily won’t stick.

Think about nicknames. Japanese names often get shortened – Tsukiko becomes Tsuki, Haruto turns into Haru. Make sure you like both versions.

Consider your family’s heritage. If you’re not Japanese, choosing a moon name shows appreciation for the culture. Just be ready to explain the meaning and pronunciation to others.

Test it with your last name. Some combinations flow better than others. Write it down, say it ten times, see how it feels as a complete package.

Check the kanji meanings if you’re using Japanese characters. Different kanji can create the same sound but totally different meanings. Work with someone who reads Japanese to avoid accidental mix-ups.

Making Your Moon Name Stick

Create a story around the name. Tell your child why you picked it – maybe they were born during a full moon, or you’ve always loved moon-gazing together.

Connect it to moon phases. Celebrate the full moon each month as a family tradition. This builds meaning into the name beyond just pretty sounds.

Use moon imagery in their room. Hang moon prints, get moon-themed books, make it part of their daily environment. The name becomes lived experience, not just a label.

Share the cultural background. As they grow, teach them about Japanese moon festivals, moon-viewing traditions, and why the moon matters in Japanese culture. Knowledge deepens appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Akari mean moon?

Akari means “light” or “brightness” in Japanese. It connects to moonlight but doesn’t directly mean moon itself.

What is the Japanese moon goddess called?

Tsukuyomi is the Japanese moon god. Some regions also recognize Tsukiyomi-no-Mikoto as the primary lunar deity.

Does tsuki mean moon?

Yes, tsuki (月) is the Japanese word for moon. It appears in many names and lunar references.

What does yuna mean in Japanese?

Yuna means “gentle” or “kind moon” depending on kanji used. It combines softness with lunar beauty perfectly.

What does ayano mean in Japanese?

Ayano means “my color” or “colorful design.” It can also mean “silk” depending on the kanji characters chosen.

Conclusion

Picking a Japanese moon name gives your child something special – a connection to night skies, ancient traditions, and timeless beauty. Whether you went with a classic like Tsukiko or something modern like Raito, you’ve chosen a name that carries meaning.

Remember, the best name is the one that feels right to you. Trust your gut, say it out loud, imagine calling it across a playground. These 155+ options give you plenty to explore, but your perfect moon name is the one that makes you smile every time you say it. What’s your favorite from this list?