Many Japanese names are inspired by water, a symbol of purity and life. Some names, like ‘Mizu’ (水), directly mean water. Others, like ‘Nagisa’ (渚, meaning ‘shore’), ‘Nami’ (波, meaning ‘wave’), and ‘Umiko’ (海子, meaning ‘child of the sea’), are linked to water or the coast. Names such as ‘Izumi’ (泉, meaning ‘fountain’), ‘Ryuu’ (流, meaning ‘flow’), and ‘Kai’ (海, meaning ‘ocean’) also reflect the beauty and power of water.
In this article, we have collected 120 beautiful Japanese names ideas that are inspired by water and its many forms.
Jump to any section
Best Japanese Names That Mean water
Japanese names inspired by water embody purity, serenity, and the natural flow of life. Water holds deep cultural significance in Japan, often symbolizing beauty and tranquility.
- Mizuki (水樹)
- Suijin (水神)
- Nagisa (渚)
- Kairi (海里)
- Minamo (水面)
- Aomi (碧海)
- Shizuku (雫)
- Taki (滝)
- Nami (波)
- Umi (海)
- Kawa (川)
- Mizuho (瑞穂)
- Ryūjin (龍神)
- Sora (空)
- Amane (雨音)
- Kaiyo (海洋)
- Haru (春)
- Manami (愛美)
- Asami (朝海)
- Ruri (瑠璃)
Also check out our article japanese names with fire meanings
Japanese Names That Mean Water For Boys
These Japanese boy names represent the power and calm of water. They carry deep meaning and cultural significance. Ideal for parents looking for a strong yet peaceful name.
- Kaito (海斗)
- Mizuto (水人)
- Suigetsu (水月)
- Ryuto (龍斗)
- Isonade (磯撫で)
- Takeru (猛)
- Mizuki (水希)
- Haruo (春夫)
- Nobu (信)
- Takumi (匠)
- Shinji (真治)
- Hayate (颯)
- Ren (蓮)
- Daiki (大輝)
- Sōta (蒼汰)
- Itsuki (樹)
- Riku (陸)
- Yuto (悠斗)
- Arata (新)
- Hiroto (大翔)
Japanese Names That Mean Water For Girls
These names reflect the calm yet powerful nature of water. Ideal for a girl with a peaceful yet strong personality. Elegant and graceful, they perfectly capture her essence.
- Mizuha (水葉)
- Ame (雨)
- Hana (花)
- Kiyomi (清美)
- Sayuri (小百合)
- Yuriko (百合子)
- Hotaru (蛍)
- Sakura (桜)
- Nozomi (望)
- Akari (明里)
- Koharu (小春)
- Mei (芽生)
- Saki (咲)
- Nanami (七海)
- Yui (結)
- Momo (桃)
- Hina (陽菜)
- Rina (莉奈)
- Airi (愛莉)
- Ayumi (歩)
Unisex Japanese Names That Mean Water
These unisex names are inspired by water, symbolizing flow and adaptability. They work well for any child. Perfect for those seeking a versatile, meaningful name.
- Mizu (水)
- Kai (海)
- Aman (天)
- Niji (虹)
- Sora (宙)
- Haru (晴)
- Rei (零)
- Ren (漣)
- Aki (秋)
- Tomo (友)
- Natsu (夏)
- Fuyu (冬)
- Asa (朝)
- Hoshi (星)
- Tama (珠)
- Yuki (雪)
- Sachi (幸)
- Hiro (広)
- Nao (直)
- Ryo (涼)
Japanese Names That Mean Water Dragon
These names blend the power of water with the strength of a dragon. Perfect for someone bold and spirited. They reflect both mystery and might.
- Ryūta (龍太)
- Suiryū (水龍)
- Mizuchi (蛟)
- Tatsuya (竜也)
- Ryūsei (流星)
- Kairyū (海龍)
- Seiryū (青龍)
- Ryūma (龍馬)
- Suijin (水神)
- Hakuryū (白龍)
- Ryūnosuke (龍之介)
- Mizuryū (水龍)
- Kaijin (海人)
- Ryūhei (龍平)
- Suihō (水鳳)
- Ryūko (龍子)
- Mizukaze (水風)
- Ryūshin (龍心)
- Suiryu (水竜)
- Ryūgan (龍眼)
Japanese surnames meaning water
These surnames reflect Japan’s strong connection with water, inspired by rivers, seas, and rain. They hold both historical and geographical meaning. Water plays a key role in Japan’s culture and landscape.
- Mizushima (水島)
- Kawasaki (川崎)
- Minato (港)
- Nagare (流)
- Umikawa (海川)
- Kawanami (川波)
- Suetsugu (末次)
- Mizumoto (水本)
- Shiozawa (塩沢)
- Amemiya (雨宮)
- Namikawa (波川)
- Mizukami (水上)
- Kawamura (川村)
- Isurugi (石動)
- Mizutani (水谷)
- Kawahara (川原)
- Suenaga (末永)
- Arakawa (荒川)
- Funabashi (船橋)
- Mizoguchi (溝口)
Guide to Choosing a Japanese Name Meaning Water
- Meaning: Decide what aspect of water you like—ocean, wave, or something peaceful like a stream.
- Kanji: Look for water-related kanji like 水 (mizu – water), 海 (kai – ocean), or 波 (nami – wave).
- Pronunciation: Check how the kanji sound together. Some kanji have different pronunciations.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of the cultural meaning behind the name.
- Consult a Native Speaker: Ask a native speaker if you’re unsure about the name’s use.
- Personal Connection: Choose a name that feels meaningful to you.
Examples:
- Kai (海) – ocean
- Nami (波) – wave
- Izumi (泉) – spring
- Shizuku (雫) – droplet
Conclusion
Japanese names that mean water are beautiful and full of meaning. Water represents purity, calm, and change in Japanese culture. Names like Mizu (water) and Kawa (river) are simple but powerful. These names reflect nature’s beauty and strength.
If you want a name that symbolizes peace or energy, water-themed names are a great choice. They carry deep meaning and a strong connection to nature. Also check out our full guide on best japanese usernames.
Share your favorite name in the comments.
