390 Shinto Baby Names That Celebrate Nature And Divinity

Embracing the tradition of names rooted in Japanese spirituality and culture.

Written by Kavita Kankani, MBA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 7 years

Kavita has a diverse background in finance, human resources, and teaching. She did her MBA in Finance and HR at Solapur University, and bachelor in Education at Pune University. After working for three years in the banking industry, Kavita took up teaching before moving to writing.

Read full bio of Kavita Kankani

Edited by Akshay Nair, MA Specialty: Love, Marriage, RelationshipsExperience: 4.5 years

Akshay is an associate editor and former journalist with more than four years of experience. A post graduate in Mass Communication and Journalism, he has strong professional and academic background in the field of content writing and editing.

Read full bio of Akshay Nair

Fact-checked by N Pravenchandra Singh, MA Specialty: Literature and RelationshipsExperience: 2 years

Praven is an English literature expert. He did his bachelors in English from Delhi University and masters in English from Manipur University. Besides, he holds a certificate in multimedia design and content creation from NIELIT Imphal and presented papers at various national and international conferences.

Read full bio of N Pravenchandra Singh

Last Updated on Jul 24, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Picking a Shinto baby name has never been so easy. Our baby name tool offers a comprehensive collection of Shinto baby names with meanings. Shinto is one of the most followed religious convictions in Japan. It isn’t a religion per se. Its spirituality is based on the Japanese idea of ‘kami,’ which means a divine spirit (1). The followers of Shintoism do not have any holy scriptures in the truest sense, but they do follow Japanese classics like Kojiki and Nihongi. Shinto and Buddhism are very similar to each other. Both address the worldview questions, and both aim to attain salvation. In fact, Shinto did not have a name until Buddhism was introduced in Japan. On the 31st day of the birth of baby boys and the 32nd day of the birth of baby girls, the parents and the grandparents of the child visit a Shinto shrine for the baby naming ceremony. The priest, in between all the prayers, announces the baby’s name. The parents then carry the baby in their arms and bow to the altar. Spirituality, nature, ancestral figures, and cultural heritage inspire the Shinto baby names. These names are usually traditional and represent the connection with Japanese and Buddhist traditions and heritage, which makes them significant and unique. For example, the name Hagrama, which stands for ‘dense forest,’ here the name signifies the importance of living in harmony with nature and highlights qualities like serenity and purity. The name Sora, which means ‘sky’ or ‘heaven,’ symbolizes divine strength and vastness, which are believed to be important concepts in Shinto beliefs. Another name Chouko, which means ‘butterfly child,’ evokes the image of beautiful nature marvels, which connects to the cycle of life celebrated in Shintoism. With such amazing connections and deep-rooted meanings, these Shinto baby names look like a good fit for any baby. Below, we have listed the most common and popular Shinto names for you to select from. Take a look and pick a favorite.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Izan	Unisex	To give; Generosity
Kyomi	Unisex	Pure, beautiful spirit
Sora	Girl	Sky; Conch shell; Heaven; Gravel
Eevee	Unisex	Cute and versatile Pokémon
Island	Unisex	A piece of land surrounded by water
Yana	Unisex	God is gracious
Kayliana	Girl	Pure one; Summer forest
Yemaya	Unisex	Goddess of the ocean
Alastor	Boy	Avenger or vengeful spirit
Inari	Unisex	Finnish goddess of fertility and agriculture

Kale	Boy	Affectionate; Calm
Sayori	Unisex	Joyful, cheerful, peaceful
Harvest	Unisex	The process of gathering ripe crops from fields
Oshun	Unisex	Goddess of love and beauty
Akemi	Girl	Bright, beautiful, dawn
Takai	Boy	The next world
Tyden	Unisex	Fortunate; Ambitious; Charismatic
Taiga	Boy	Big; Bud; Gracious
Yomii	Unisex	Unique; Energetic; Adventurous
Yuki	Unisex	Wintery, snow, happiness

Jeremi	Boy	Refers to Jeremy
Hanzo	Boy	Strong, noble warrior
Emperor	Unisex	Ruler, authority, powerful
Konan	Unisex	Strong-willed and determined
Geisha	Boy	Japanese traditional entertainer
Asuna	Unisex	Light, bright, morning
Suki	Girl	A beloved woman
Kaneki	Boy	Wise; Intelligent; Adaptable
Kaomi	Unisex	Beautiful truth
Takeo	Boy	Warrior; One who fights for his kingdom

Izen	Unisex	Word; Saying
Kento	Boy	Strong, determined, talented
Kayori	Unisex	Graceful, delicate, enchanting
Tadashi	Boy	Good; Virtous; Loyalty; Devotion
Taiyo	Unisex	Sun, sunlight, radiant
Temari	Unisex	Hand ball, wind like
Yuto	Boy	Gentle; Kind
Yomi	Unisex	Underworld; Land of the dead
Yui	Unisex	Binding, gentle, delicate
Airi	Unisex	Colorful; Cheerful; Fresh

Kenta	Unisex	Strong, spirited, courageous
Howl	Unisex	Eminent; Prominent; To cry out loud
Emiya	Unisex	Archer, Protector, Skillful
Kana	Girl	Powerful; Incense; Excellent; Green
East	Unisex	Direction of the sunrise; Opposite of west
Itachi	Boy	Weasel, Witty, Observer
Katori	Boy	Strong, graceful, warrior
Keigo	Unisex	Respectful, honorable, polite
Kenshin	Boy	Sword saint
Yuma	Unisex	Desert town or son of the chief (Japanese)

Hiromi	Unisex	Exalted, broad view
Kamiko	Unisex	Superior child or superior beauty
Dragon	Unisex	A mythical, usually large creature featuring serpentine or reptilian traits
Samurai	Unisex	Warrior, honor, discipline
Tomoki	Boy	Diligent and bright
Yori	Unisex	Dependable, loyal
Kawai	Unisex	Cute and lovely
Kaze	Unisex	Wind
Halbert	Boy	Shining jewel; Dazzling hero
Seiya	Unisex	Serene night

Jubei	Unisex	The brave one
Yasuke	Unisex	Warrior or Beyond expectation
Tatsuya	Boy	Sign of the dragon
Inori	Unisex	Prayer or wish
Hondo	Unisex	Warrior or loyal warrior
Issei	Boy	First-born or life
Tamura	Girl	Japanese name meaning rice village
Kazuma	Boy	Peaceful and harmonious
Keisuke	Boy	Strength, determined, victorious
Lucario	Unisex	Fighting aura Pokémon

Luffy	Unisex	Energetic, adventurous, determined
Naoto	Girl	Honest, capable, determined
Takarra	Girl	Precious item; Precious one
Ryuji	Boy	Dragon's son
Shinji	Boy	Truth, sincerity, trust
Hylia	Unisex	Divine and sacred
Seiji	Unisex	Pure; Truthful; Sincere
Sosuke	Boy	Courageous, noble warrior
Akeno	Unisex	Bright, shining
Takota	Unisex	The Ally; Friend to everyone

Taro	Boy	Great son
Ayato	Unisex	Versatile and determined
Yuji	Boy	Heroic; Courageous
Yusuke	Unisex	Strong, courageous, warrior
Akiro	Boy	Bright, intelligent, courageous
Atari	Unisex	Japanese word for success or victory
Jereth	Boy	A combination of Jar or Jer and Gareth
Gin	Boy	Silver
Ichiro	Unisex	First son, first born
Kami	Boy	Lord; Loving; Divine; A youth employed in religious services; God

Kakashi	Unisex	Scarecrow or scarecrow ninja
Kazuhiro	Boy	Peaceful, intelligent, respected
Kazuto	Unisex	Harmony or peaceful
Ku	Unisex	Good; Nest
Kohei	Boy	Abundant light
Megumi	Girl	Blessing or grace
Tamiqua	Girl	People
Ryoma	Boy	Lightning, dragon, hero
Takuma	Boy	An open truth
Tajiri	Unisex	Rich; Wealthy

1 2 3 4 »

Shinto baby names are straightforward and elegant choices inspired by the Shinto religion. These names are unique and have significant meanings and interesting concepts that pique curiosity. They are often derived from many essential aspects of the faith, like the elements of nature, spirituality, and deities. If you are a parent interested in the Shinto culture and beliefs, then choosing these names would be a great way to appreciate the culture and its values and traditions. Whether you choose these names for their uniqueness or meanings, they will leave a good impression on your little one.

Infographic: Mesmerizing Shinto Baby Names

Shinto baby names are attractive, with deep meanings, as they are inspired by the indigenous Japanese religion, Shinto. These names reflect cultural and spiritual values and strongly emphasize nature, ancestors, and spirits. If you are looking for a unique title for your adorable little one, go through this infographic and choose your favorite Shinto name.

attractive shinto baby names for your bundle of joy (infographic)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do Shinto baby names typically mean or symbolize?

Shinto baby names usually have meanings or symbols connected to nature, such as Cho, meaning ‘butterfly,’ virtue names, such as Guha, meaning ’a delightful person,’ and spiritual names, such as Hashan, denoting Lord Chandra (moon). These names show a strong respect for nature and the spiritual beliefs followed in Shintoism.

2. What is the significance of a baby’s name in Shintoism, and how does it affect their life or destiny?

In Shintoism, baby names often carry a spiritual significance which is believed to mold their destiny and identity. Since the naming ceremony is held under the guidance of a priest, the name is said to invite good energy and blessing for the baby. Moreover, with the involvement of the elderly members in the ceremony, Shinto names also strengthen the family lineage.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Shinto- A Japanese religion.
https://asiasociety.org/education/shinto

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.