The biggest truth in life is death because it comes to everyone one day. If you live in Japan and like names that are related to death, this article is for you. Here, we’ve shared some Japanese names that mean death.
These names aren’t just about the end of life, but also show the special meanings people in Japan give to death.
In this article, I will provide 200+ Japanese names that mean death and their meanings.
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Cool Japanese Names That Mean death
These Japanese name ideas have a strong, mysterious feel, linked to death or the afterlife. They may symbolize the end or darkness, but still sound fresh and interesting.
- Raitei (雷霆) – which means “Thunderbolt” (sudden, destructive end)
- Yamikage (闇影) – which means “Dark Shadow”
- Kurotsuki (黒月) – which means “Black Moon”
- Setsuna (刹那) – which means “Moment” (the instant of death)
- Yami (闇) – which means “Darkness”
- Kietai (消えたい) – which means “Want to Vanish”
- Hajun (破純) – which means “Pure Destruction”
- Ankoku (暗黒) – which means “Darkness”
- Metsurai (滅雷) – which means “Destructive Thunder”
- Zetsumetsu (絶滅) – which means “Extinction”
- Kage (影) – which means “Shadow”
- Yū (幽) – which means “Ghostly”
- Kurayami (暗闇) – which means “Pitch Black”
- Shūen (終焉) – which means “The End”
- Kaimetsu (壊滅) – which means “Annihilation”
- Rinne (輪廻) – which means “Reincarnation Cycle”
- Kesshō (結晶) – which means “Crystallization” (final, frozen form)
- Yomitsu (黄泉津) – which means “Of the Underworld”
- Mugen (夢幻) – which means “Dream Illusion” (ephemeral like life)
- Kuroi (黒井) – which means “Black Well”
- Haka (墓) – which means “Grave”
- Kietegumo (消えていく雲) – which means “Fading Cloud”
- Yami no Ryū (闇の龍) – which means “Dragon of Darkness”
- Shikkoku (漆黒) – which means “Jet Black”
- Metsubō (滅亡) – which means “Downfall”
- Zankoku (残酷) – which means “Cruelty”
- Kūhaku (空白) – which means “Blank Void”
- Yūrei (幽霊) – which means “Ghost”
- Akumu (悪夢) – which means “Nightmare”
- Shigo (死後) – which means “After Death”
Also You can check this article popular Japanese sun related names.
30 Best Famous Japanese Names That Mean Death
These 30 names are famous because they come from historical figures, myths, or pop culture characters connected to death, the underworld, or battles. They carry a powerful and unforgettable meaning, making them stand out in both ancient and modern stories.
- Izanami (伊邪那美) – which means “Underworld Ruler”
- Susanoo (須佐之男) – which means “Storm God”
- Nobunaga (信長) – which means “Trusted Length”
- Masamune (政宗) – which means “Righteous Purpose”
- Hanzō (半蔵) – which means “Ninja Leader”
- Tomoe (巴) – which means “Female Samurai”
- Amaterasu (天照) – which means “Sun Goddess”
- Tsukuyomi (月読) – which means “Moon God”
- Raiden (雷電) – which means “Thunder God”
- Shuten-dōji (酒呑童子) – which means “Demon Leader”
- Goemon (五右衛門) – which means “Famous Outlaw”
- Kiyomori (清盛) – which means “Ruthless Leader”
- Tokimune (時宗) – which means “Great Defender”
- Benkei (弁慶) – which means “Warrior Monk”
- Yoshitsune (義経) – which means “Betrayed General”
- Kenshin (謙信) – which means “God of War”
- Musashi (武蔵) – which means “Legendary Swordsman”
- Kojirō (小次郎) – which means “Master Swordsman”
- Seimei (晴明) – which means “Master Onmyōji”
- Yorimitsu (頼光) – which means “Demon Slayer”
- Shōki (鍾馗) – which means “Demon Queller”
- Enma (閻魔) – which means “Hell King”
- Kagutsuchi (軻遇突智) – which means “Fire God”
- Yamata (八岐) – which means “Giant Serpent”
- Goro (五郎) – which means “Fifth Son”
- Raikō (頼光) – which means “Lightning Minister”
- Kintarō (金太郎) – which means “Golden Boy”
- Toki (土岐) – which means “Time Spirit”
- Akuma (悪魔) – which means “Devil”
- Kuro (黒) – which means “Black”
Also Check out this article Japanese fire names with meanings.
Japanese Names That Mean Death For Boys
Here are some Japanese names for males that are linked to death, the afterlife, or dark themes. These names carry strong, mysterious meanings, often evoking a sense of power or intimidation.
- Shigo (死後) – which means “After Death”
- Shi (死) – which means “Death”
- Yami (闇) – which means “Darkness”
- Ankoku (暗黒) – which means “Darkness”
- Makai (魔界) – which means “Underworld” or “Demon World”
- Yamīyo (闇夜) – which means “Dark World” or “Night of Darkness”
- Shikyo (死去) – which means “Death” (as in passing away)
- Shinigami (死神) – which means “Death God”
- Kuro (黒) – which means “Black”
- Yūrei (幽霊) – which means “Ghost”
- Botsuraku (没落) – which means “Ruin” or “Fall”
- Metsubō (滅亡) – which means “Ruin” or “Destruction”
- Haijo (排除) – which means “Obliteration” or “Elimination”
- Kegare (穢れ) – which means “Defilement” or “Impurity”
- Akuma (悪魔) – which means “Devil” or “Demon”
- Ma (魔) – which means “Demon” or “Evil”
- Jigoku (地獄) – which means “Hell”
- Enma (閻魔) – which means “King of Hell” (Yama)
- Kage (影) – which means “Shadow”
- Yomi (黄泉) – which means “Underworld”
- Munashii (空しい) – which means “Empty” or “Futile”
- Horobi (滅び) – which means “Ruin” or “Destruction”
- Kesshi (決死) – which means “Death in Battle” or “Desperate”
- Zetsumei (絶命) – which means “Death”
- Bōkoku (亡国) – which means “Ruin of a Country”
- Hametsu (破滅) – which means “Ruin” or “Downfall”
- Shūen (終焉) – which means “Finale” or “Demise”
- Kaimetsu (壊滅) – which means “Annihilation”
- Metsui (滅夷) – which means “Annihilation”
- Shidan (死談) – which means “Death Talk”
Japanese Names That Mean Death For Girls
These Japanese names for females are linked to death in a poetic way. They use ideas like endings, darkness, or the beauty of things that don’t last long. These names feel deep and mysterious.
- Yūgen (幽玄) – which means “Mysterious Depth” (a profound, dark beauty)
- Yami (闇) – which means “Darkness”
- Kage (影) – which means “Shadow”
- Kurayami (暗闇) – which means “Pitch Black” or “Darkness”
- Rinne (輪廻) – which means “Cycle of Reincarnation” (Samsara)
- Shizuka (静) – which means “Quiet” or “Stillness” (as in the end)
- Kurai (暗い) – which means “Dark” or “Gloomy”
- Yoru (夜) – which means “Night”
- An (暗) – which means “Darkness”
- Kietai (消えたい) – which means “Want to Disappear” or “Want to Vanish”
- Kagerou (陽炎) – which means “Heat Haze”
- Mujina (貉) – which means “Badger”
- Yamiyo (闇夜) – which means “Dark Night”
- Kietashi (消えたい) – which means “Ephemeral” or “Fleeting”
- Haka (墓) – which means “Grave”
- Bōrei (亡霊) – which means “Wraith” or “Apparition”
- Chinura (血斑) – which means “Bloodstained”
- Kūkyo (空虚) – which means “Emptiness” or “Void”
- Miren (未練) – which means “Unresolved Attachment” (of a spirit)
- Shōmetsu (消滅) – which means “Extinction” or “Vanishing”
- Yūrei (幽霊) – which means “Ghost”
- Kumo (蜘蛛) – which means “Spider”
- Ushinatta (失った) – which means “Lost”
- Kieteku (消えてく) – which means “Fading Away”
- Munasā (空さ) – which means “Emptiness”
- Zetsubō (絶望) – which means “Despair”
- Kōmetsu (壊滅) – which means “Extinction” or “Death”
- Metsubō (滅亡) – which means “Vanishing” or “Death”
- Shien (死炎) – which means “Death Flame”
- Kagerī (陰り) – which means “Glimmer” or “Fading Light”
Japanese Last Names That Mean Death
These Japanese last names come from places, natural features, or ideas that are connected to death, endings, or the afterlife. They carry meanings tied to darkness or the unknown, making them unique in their symbolism.
- Shindo (死度) – which means “Death Door”
- Shibayama (死山) – which means “Death Swamp Mountain”
- Ankokuji (暗黒寺) – which means “Temple of Darkness”
- Kurai (暗井) – which means “Dark Well”
- Yamiuchi (闇内) – which means “Within Darkness”
- Kageyama (影山) – which means “Shadow Mountain”
- Shinigami (死神) – which means “Death God”
- Yomiyama (黄泉山) – which means “Underworld Mountain”
- Kuroiwa (黒岩) – which means “Black Rock”
- Jigokudani (地獄谷) – which means “Hell Valley”
- Shidehara (死出原) – which means “Death Marsh Plain”
- Anzai (安西) – which means “Western Darkness” (from 暗西)
- Kureha (暮羽) – which means “Dark Leaf” or “Twilight Feather”
- Yūreidō (幽霊堂) – which means “Ghost Hall”
- Metsumori (滅森) – which means “Forest of Destruction”
- Horobida (滅び田) – which means “Field of Ruin”
- Zetsubōno (絶望野) – which means “Field of Despair”
- Kegawa (穢川) – which means “River of Defilement”
- Maeda (前田) – which means “Demon Field”
- Akumachi (悪魔地) – which means “Demon Town”
- Kagerō (陽炎) – which means “Heat Haze”
- Kietani (消谷) – which means “Valley of Disappearance”
- Shide (紙垂) – which refers to “Paper Offerings for the Dead”
- Hakaida (墓井田) – which means “Grave Field”
- Bōreisha (亡霊社) – which means “House of the Wraith”
- Kūkō (空鉱) – which means “Empty Mine”
- Munashino (空篠) – which means “Field of Emptiness”
- Shūenmura (終焉村) – which means “Village of Demise”
- Kaimetsu (壊滅) – which means “Annihilation”
- Shideguchi (死出口) – which means “Exit of the Dead”
Unisex Japanese Names Meaning Death
These Japanese names are not tied to any gender and symbolize death, change, and the shortness of life in a simple way. They carry deep meanings about life’s temporary nature.
- Rinne (輪廻) – which means “Samsara” or “Reincarnation Cycle”
- Kage (影) – which means “Shadow”
- Yami (闇) – which means “Darkness”
- Yū (幽) – which means “Ghost” or “Faint”
- Kai (壊) – which means “Oblivion” or “Destruction”
- Kietai (消えたい) – which means “Want to Vanish”
- Ku (空) – which means “Emptiness” or “Void”
- Mayu (繭) – which means “Cocoon” (a state of transition)
- Kagerou (陽炎) – which means “Heat Haze” (something fleeting)
- Yume (夢) – which means “Dream” or “Illusion”
- Kū (空) – which means “Void” or “Sky”
- Maboroshi (幻) – which means “Phantom” or “Illusion”
- Kiri (霧) – which means “Fog” or “Mist”
- Yamiyo (闇夜) – which means “Dark Night”
- Shizuka (静) – which means “Quiet” or “Stillness”
- An (暗) – which means “Darkness”
- Yoru (夜) – which means “Night”
- Metsu (滅) – which means “Extinction”
- Kageori (影織) – which means “Weaving Shadows”
- Mujin (無人) – which means “Uninhabited” or “Godless”
- Kietashi (消えたい) – which means “Ephemeral”
- Zetsu (絶) – which means “Cessation” or “Discontinue”
- Ushiro (後) – which means “Behind” (the after, the next life)
- Kageki (影樹) – which means “Shadow Tree”
- Yūgen (幽玄) – which means “Profound Mystery”
- Kietegumo (消えていく雲) – which means “Fading Cloud”
- Munashi (空) – which means “Empty”
- Shū (終) – which means “Finale” or “End”
- Kagerī (陰り) – which means “Flickering Light”
- Kieteku (消えてく) – which means “Fading Away”
Ancient Japanese Names That Symbolize Death
These names come from old Japanese stories, history, and myths. They carry the meaning of death or the afterlife, reminding us of ancient beliefs and traditions.
- Izanami (伊邪那美) – which means “Underworld Ruler”
- Yomotsu (黄泉津) – which means “Of Yomi”
- Himiko (卑弥呼) – which means “Shaman Queen”
- Yamato (大和) – which means “Great Harmony”
- Susanoo (須佐之男) – which means “Storm God”
- Kagutsuchi (軻遇突智) – which means “Fire God”
- Izanagi (伊邪那岐) – which means “Underworld Visitor”
- Amaterasu (天照) – which means “Sun Goddess”
- Tsukuyomi (月読) – which means “Moon God”
- Orochi (大蛇) – which means “Great Serpent”
- Hoji (禿) – which means “Death Priest”
- Yomotsu-shikome (黄泉醜女) – which means “Underworld Hag”
- Shinigami (死神) – which means “Death God”
- Futakuchi-onna (二口女) – which means “Two-Mouthed Ghost”
- Goryō (御霊) – which means “Vengeful Spirit”
- Yūrei (幽霊) – which means “Ghost”
- Ubume (産女) – which means “Childbirth Ghost”
- Kuchisake-onna (口裂け女) – which means “Slit-Mouthed Woman”
- Noppera-bō (のっぺらぼう) – which means “Faceless Ghost”
- Funayūrei (船幽霊) – which means “Boat Spirit”
- Onryō (怨霊) – which means “Wrathful Spirit”
- Ikiryō (生霊) – which means “Living Ghost”
- Shiryō (死霊) – which means “Dead Spirit”
- Kappa (河童) – which means “Water Imp”
- Nurarihyon (ぬらりひょん) – which means “Slippery Gentry”
- Yuki-onna (雪女) – which means “Snow Woman”
- Tengu (天狗) – which means “Heavenly Dog”
- Raijū (雷獣) – which means “Thunder Beast”
- Ōmukade (大百足) – which means “Giant Centipede”
- Nure-onna (濡女) – which means “Wet Woman”
The Spiritual Connection Between Japanese Names and Death
In Japan, some names aren’t afraid to talk about death. They use words like “yami” (darkness) or even the word for “death” itself. This isn’t to be scary. It’s because people there see death as a normal, peaceful part of life’s journey.
These special names are like a bridge. They connect a person to their family members who have passed away, and to the past. It shows that life and death aren’t completely separate, but are always connected. The name is a quiet reminder of that.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I have shared many Japanese names that mean death and what they stand for. In Japan, death is not just an ending but also a part of life. Names like Yami (darkness) or Izanami “Underworld Ruler” remind us that every ending can bring a new start.
Choosing such a name is not a bad thing. It can give hope, strength, and a special meaning to the person who has it. These names show us that life and death always go together. Also check out our full guide on trending japanese username ideas.
Share your favorite name in the comments.
