280+ Japanese Names That Mean “Star” For Boys & Girls

Looking for a name that sparkles with meaning and beauty?

Japanese names inspired by stars carry a special magic that connects your child to the vast night sky. These names blend cultural richness with celestial wonder, making them perfect for parents who want something meaningful yet unique. 

In this guide, you’ll discover over 280 authentic Japanese star names for boys, girls, and everyone in between, plus learn how to pick the perfect one that truly shines.

Best Japanese Names That Mean Star

These top picks blend beautiful sounds with stellar meanings that parents love everywhere.

• Hoshi – The most direct word for “star” in Japanese, simple and timeless
• Akari – Means “light” or “brightness,” like a star illuminating darkness
• Hikari – Translates to “radiance” or “light beam”
• Seiya – Combines “star” and “arrow,” suggesting a shooting star
• Kirari – Means “sparkling” or “twinkling,” just like stars do
• Subaru – Named after the Pleiades star cluster, also a famous car brand
• Hoshiko – Direct translation: “star child”
• Reiji – Means “star ruler” or “one who governs stars”
• Tsubasa – While meaning “wing,” it connects to soaring toward stars
• Ryusei – Literally translates to “shooting star” or “meteor”
• Akira – Means “bright” and “clear,” like starlight
• Kohaku – References “amber,” which glows like distant stars
• Seira – Combines “star” with “good” or “lovely”
• Hoshimi – Means “seeing stars” or “star viewer”
• Astra – A modern Japanese adaptation meaning “of the stars”
• Kaito – Means “sea and flying,” connecting ocean depths to starry heights
• Yuki – Translates to “snow,” which sparkles like stars
• Ran – Means “orchid,” a flower that blooms under moonlight and stars
• Sora – Directly means “sky,” the canvas where stars appear
• Natsuki – Combines “summer” with “hope,” like warm starry nights
• Haruka – Means “distant” or “far away,” like stars across space
• Shiori – Translates to “bookmark” or “guide,” like stars guiding sailors
• Mei – Means “bright” or “beautiful,” reflecting starlight qualities
• Sakura – Cherry blossom that blooms under spring stars
• Kazuki – Combines “harmony” with “hope,” like constellations working together
• Yui – Means “bind” or “connect,” like stars forming patterns
• Misaki – Translates to “beautiful blossom,” glowing under night stars
• Ren – Means “lotus,” a flower associated with purity and celestial beauty
• Aoi – Translates to “blue,” the color of twilight when stars emerge
• Hinata – Means “sunny place,” connecting day’s light to night’s stars
• Takumi – Translates to “artisan,” crafting beauty like stars in the sky

Japanese Names Meaning Star For Boys

Strong names with cosmic meanings that work perfectly for baby boys.

• Seiji – Combines “star” with “second” or “next,” like a rising star
• Hoshinari – Means “to become a star”
• Daiki – Translates to “great radiance” or “shining greatly”
• Ryuto – Combines “dragon” with “soar,” reaching for the stars
• Kenshin – Means “humble truth,” grounded yet reaching skyward
• Haruto – Translates to “sun flying,” connecting solar and stellar themes
• Yuto – Means “gentle person,” calm as starlight
• Hayato – Translates to “falcon person,” swift as shooting stars
• Riku – Means “land,” providing ground beneath the starry sky
• Sota – Translates to “sudden” or “thick,” like a star appearing
• Kenji – Means “intelligent second son,” bright as a star
• Shinji – Translates to “true second son,” steady as the North Star
• Kaoru – Means “fragrance,” spreading like starlight
• Makoto – Translates to “sincerity” or “truth,” pure as starshine
• Norio – Means “lawful man,” ordered like constellations
• Raiden – Translates to “thunder and lightning,” bright as exploding stars
• Masaru – Means “victory,” triumphant as a guiding star
• Koji – Translates to “radiant second son”
• Satoshi – Means “wise” or “intelligent,” knowledgeable about stars
• Tetsuya – Combines “iron” with “night,” strong under stars
• Hideaki – Translates to “excellent brightness”
• Noboru – Means “ascend” or “climb,” rising toward stars
• Osamu – Translates to “disciplined,” focused as star gazers
• Yukio – Means “snow boy,” sparkling like frozen starlight
• Kiyoshi – Translates to “pure” or “clean,” clear as starry nights
• Takeshi – Means “warrior” or “fierce,” bold as blazing stars
• Minoru – Translates to “bear fruit,” producing light like stars
• Junichi – Means “obedient first son,” faithful as returning constellations
• Takeo – Translates to “warrior man,” strong under the stars
• Yoshiro – Means “good son,” shining with goodness like stars

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

Japanese Names that Mean Star For Girls

Delicate and beautiful names perfect for baby girls with stellar meanings.

• Hoshina – Combines “star” with “vegetables” or “greens,” nature under stars
• Seira – Translates to “star-good,” beautiful and virtuous
• Kirara – Means “glittering” or “sparkling brightly”
• Hikaru – Gender-neutral name meaning “to shine” or “radiate”
• Mizuki – Combines “beautiful” with “moon,” celestial companion to stars
• Ayaka – Means “colorful flower,” blooming under starlight
• Yuna – Translates to “gentle” or “kind,” soft as starlight
• Rina – Means “jasmine” or “village,” sweet as night flowers under stars
• Kira – Directly means “sparkle” or “twinkle”
• Miyu – Translates to “beautiful gentleness,” soft as distant starshine
• Nana – Means “seven,” connecting to the seven stars of the Big Dipper
• Riko – Translates to “jasmine child,” fragrant under night stars
• Yui – Means “bind together,” like stars forming constellations
• Mio – Translates to “beautiful cherry blossom,” spring stars witness
• Aiko – Means “beloved child,” precious as a star
• Emi – Translates to “beautiful blessing,” gifted like starlight
• Kiko – Means “chronicle child,” recording star movements
• Nao – Translates to “honest” or “straight,” true as starlight
• Saki – Means “blossom,” opening under starry skies
• Yuri – Translates to “lily,” pure white like starlight
• Maki – Means “true hope,” guiding like stars
• Hana – Translates to “flower,” beauty under the stars
• Rena – Means “lotus” or “elegant,” graceful as stars
• Chiyo – Translates to “thousand generations,” eternal as stars
• Kana – Means “powerful,” strong light like bright stars
• Asuka – Translates to “tomorrow’s fragrance,” promising as dawn stars
• Midori – Means “green,” fresh as summer nights under stars
• Sayuri – Translates to “small lily,” delicate as faint stars
• Tomoko – Means “wise child,” knowledgeable about stars
• Yoko – Translates to “ocean child,” deep as space between stars

Japanese Girl Name Meaning Starry Night

Names inspired by the beauty of nights filled with countless stars.

• Seiran – Directly translates to “starry sky” or “blue star”
• Hoshiyoru – Means “star night,” perfect for night sky lovers
• Yozora – Translates to “night sky,” canvas for stars
• Tsukiyo – Means “moonlit night,” when stars shine brightest
• Seira – Combines “star” with “tranquil,” peaceful starry nights
• Yoriko – Translates to “night child,” born under stars
• Yume – Means “dream,” what we do under starry skies
• Shiho – Translates to “sail,” navigating by stars
• Ran – Means “orchid,” blooming in moonlight and starshine
• Yua – Translates to “bind love,” connected under stars
• Mirai – Means “future,” what we wish upon stars
• Natsume – Translates to “summer eye,” viewing warm starry nights
• Rumi – Means “beautiful flow,” like the Milky Way
• Sana – Translates to “help,” stars guiding lost travelers
• Koharu – Means “late autumn,” crisp nights perfect for stargazing
• Akane – Translates to “deep red,” sunset before stars appear
• Hinano – Means “sun field,” day giving way to starry night
• Itsuki – Translates to “tree,” reaching toward stars
• Kaho – Means “fragrant,” sweet as night air under stars
• Ruka – Translates to “bright flower,” visible under starlight
• Sumire – Means “violet,” flower named after a color seen at dusk
• Tsubaki – Translates to “camellia,” winter flower under winter stars
• Wakana – Means “young greens,” fresh as early evening
• Yuzu – Translates to “citrus,” bright and refreshing like stars
• Azusa – Means “catalpa tree,” ancient trees watching stars
• Chihiro – Translates to “thousand questions,” wondering about stars
• Fuyuko – Means “winter child,” born under clear winter stars
• Ibuki – Translates to “breath,” the gasp stars inspire
• Junko – Means “pure child,” innocent as starlight
• Kasumi – Translates to “mist,” the veil stars shine through

Japanese Unisex Names Meaning Star

Perfect names that work beautifully for any child, regardless of gender.

• Hikari – Timeless name meaning “light” or “radiance”
• Sora – Simply means “sky,” where stars live
• Akira – Translates to “bright” and “intelligent”
• Yuki – Means “snow” or “happiness,” both sparkle like stars
• Kaito – Combines “ocean” with “soar,” vast as space
• Haruka – Translates to “distant,” far like stars
• Ren – Means “lotus,” pure and beautiful
• Nao – Translates to “honest” and “straightforward”
• Kyo – Means “capital” or “unite,” bringing stars together
• Rei – Translates to “spirit” or “beautiful”
• Rui – Means “affection” or “precious gem,” valuable as stars
• Tsubasa – Translates to “wing,” flying toward stars
• Aoi – Means “blue,” the twilight sky color
• Izumi – Translates to “spring” or “fountain,” flowing like starlight
• Kei – Means “blessed” or “respectful”
• Makoto – Translates to “sincerity” and “truth”
• Michi – Means “path,” the road stars light
• Minato – Translates to “harbor,” safe under stars
• Natsuki – Means “summer hope,” warm starry nights
• Ritsu – Translates to “rhythm,” the pattern of stars
• Shinobu – Means “endurance,” lasting like stars
• Takumi – Translates to “artisan,” crafting beauty
• Yasu – Means “peaceful,” calm as starlight
• Akane – Translates to “brilliant red,” sunset before stars
• Chika – Means “near,” bringing stars closer
• Haru – Translates to “spring” or “sunlight”
• Kazu – Means “harmony” or “peace”
• Masa – Translates to “elegant” or “just”
• Nori – Means “belief” or “ceremony”
• Tomo – Translates to “friend” or “wisdom”

Japanese Last Names Meaning Star

Family names with celestial connections that honor the night sky.

• Hoshino – Most common surname directly meaning “of the stars”
• Hoshikawa – Combines “star” with “river,” the Milky Way
• Hoshiyama – Translates to “star mountain,” peaks reaching stars
• Seiya – Family name meaning “star house” or “star night”
• Hoshida – Combines “star” with “rice field,” crops under stars
• Hoshizaki – Translates to “star cape” or “star point”
• Hoshimoto – Means “base of the star” or “star origin”
• Hoshimura – Translates to “star village,” community under stars
• Hoshizawa – Combines “star” with “swamp” or “marsh”
• Hoshioka – Means “star hill,” elevated toward the sky
• Hoshitani – Translates to “star valley,” protected space for viewing
• Hoshiuchi – Combines “star” with “inside” or “within”
• Hoshiai – Means “star love” or “star meeting”
• Hoshibata – Translates to “star field,” open space for gazing
• Hoshibe – Combines “star” with “section” or “part”
• Hoshikami – Means “star god” or “divine star”
• Hoshimiya – Translates to “star palace” or “star shrine”
• Hoshisaki – Combines “star” with “previous” or “ahead”
• Hoshisugi – Means “star cedar,” trees reaching skyward
• Hoshitaka – Translates to “star hawk,” soaring high
• Hoshitsuki – Combines “star” with “moon,” celestial pair
• Hoshiwara – Means “star field” or “star meadow”
• Hoshiyasu – Translates to “peaceful star” or “calm star”
• Hoshiyuki – Combines “star” with “snow,” winter brilliance
• Hoshizane – Means “star seed” or “star beginning”
• Seimiya – Translates to “star shrine,” sacred connection
• Seiryu – Combines “star” with “dragon,” mythical power
• Seito – Means “star gate” or “star portal”
• Seiya – Translates to “star house,” family under stars
• Subaru – Famous surname meaning “unite,” the Pleiades cluster

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

Modern Japanese Names Inspired by Stars

Contemporary names blending tradition with fresh, stylish sounds.

• Astra – Modern adaptation meaning “of the stars”
• Stella – Western name adopted in Japan, meaning “star”
• Nova – Refers to exploding stars, gaining popularity
• Luna – Moon-inspired name popular in modern Japan
• Celeste – Western name meaning “heavenly,” used in Japan
• Aria – Musical name suggesting celestial harmony
• Kira – Short, modern version of “kirari” (sparkling)
• Leo – Constellation name becoming popular for boys
• Atlas – Titan who held the sky, trendy choice
• Orion – Hunter constellation, strong modern name
• Sirius – Brightest star, bold contemporary choice
• Vega – Star name from Japanese summer triangle
• Lyra – Small constellation, elegant modern option
• Carina – Constellation name gaining traction
• Phoenix – Mythical bird constellation, powerful name
• Aurora – Northern lights, celestial phenomenon name
• Cosmo – Direct reference to cosmos and stars
• Zenith – Highest point in the sky
• Eclipse – Celestial event name, unique choice
• Galaxy – Bold, modern cosmic name
• Nebula – Star-forming cloud, artistic choice
• Quasar – Energetic star object, scientific name
• Pulsar – Rotating star, rhythmic modern name
• Meteor – Shooting star, dynamic choice
• Astrid – Nordic name meaning “divine strength,” star-like
• Estelle – French variant of Stella, elegant
• Esther – Classic name possibly meaning “star”
• Danica – Slavic name meaning “morning star”
• Roxana – Persian name possibly meaning “star” or “dawn”
• Seren – Welsh name meaning “star,” simple and modern

Things You Must Know About Japanese Names Meaning Star

Picking a star name goes beyond just finding something pretty.

Cultural Significance: Stars hold deep meaning in Japanese culture, representing guidance, hope, and destiny. The Tanabata festival celebrates star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi, showing how stars connect to romance and wishes. When you choose a star name, you’re tapping into centuries of cultural storytelling.

Kanji Matters: Japanese names use kanji characters, and different characters create different meanings. The kanji for “star” (星) can combine with other characters to create unique meanings. Always check the kanji combinations because the same pronunciation might have multiple meanings depending on which characters you use.

Pronunciation Guide: Japanese star names often sound softer than English names. The “r” sound sits between an English “r” and “l,” and vowels stay consistent. “Hoshi” sounds like “hoh-shee,” not “hah-shee.” Practice saying names aloud to find ones that feel natural.

Gender Flexibility: Many Japanese names work for any gender, though some lean traditionally masculine or feminine. Star names like Hikari and Akira work perfectly for boys or girls. Don’t feel locked into gender rules if a name speaks to you.

Middle Name Potential: If you’re outside Japan, star names work beautifully as middle names. They add cultural depth without overwhelming unfamiliar family members. A name like “Emma Hikari” or “James Seiji” bridges cultures nicely.

Nickname Options: Longer Japanese names naturally shorten into cute nicknames. Hoshiko becomes “Koko,” Ryusei turns into “Ryu,” and Hikari shortens to “Kari.” Think about nickname potential when choosing.

Spelling Variations: When writing Japanese names in English, you might see different spellings. “Ryusei” could appear as “Ryuusei” or “Ryūsei.” Pick the spelling version that feels clearest for your situation.

Sibling Combinations: If you’re naming multiple children, consider how star names pair together. Names from the same constellation theme or similar meanings create a beautiful connection between siblings without being too matching.

Testing Names: Say the full name out loud multiple times. Try it with your last name. Imagine calling it across a playground. Make sure it flows smoothly and doesn’t create awkward combinations with your surname.

Research Thoroughly: Look up each name’s full meaning and cultural context. Some names carry additional associations beyond their star meaning. Understanding the complete picture helps you make an informed choice.

Conclusion

Choosing a Japanese name that means star gives your child a connection to something timeless and universal.

These names blend cultural heritage with natural beauty, creating meanings that shine through a lifetime. Whether you pick a traditional option like Hoshi or a modern choice like Nova, you’re giving a name that tells a story. Take your time exploring these 280+ options, say them aloud, and trust your instincts. The right star name will feel like it was written in the constellations just for your little one.