170+ Japanese Names That Mean “Love” – With Meanings for Boys & Girls

Love shapes so much of who we are—how we connect, how we hope, how we name the people who matter most. In Japanese culture, this feeling runs even deeper, woven into language with a tenderness that English sometimes struggles to capture. If you’re searching for Japanese names that mean “love” you’re not just picking syllables—you’re choosing a quiet blessing, a word that will follow someone through every introduction, every milestone.

Whether you’re drawn to the quiet strength of names like Ai or the lyrical beauty of Koi, Japanese offers a stunning range of meanings that go beyond romance—think devotion, affection, cherished bonds. Some names are soft and familiar, others feel rare and almost hidden. This list brings together over 170 Japanese names that mean “love” for boys and girls, each one holding a little piece of love’s many faces.

Japanese Girl Names Meaning Love

There’s something undeniably tender about choosing a name that carries love at its core. These Japanese girl names don’t just sound beautiful, they hold meanings that speak to affection, devotion, and all the warmth a parent hopes to give.

• Ai (愛) – Pure love
• Aiko (愛子) – Beloved child
• Manami (愛美) – Affectionate beauty
• Megumi (恵) – Blessing of love
• Narumi (愛海) – Love like the sea
• Yoshiko (愛子) – Good and loving child
• Emi (恵美) – Beautiful blessing
• Kanna (栞愛) – Loving bookmark of life
• Mao (真愛) – True love
• Chiaki (千愛) – Thousand loves
• Kokoro (心) – Heart, spirit, love
• Itsuki (愛月) – Loving moon
• Mayumi (真弓愛) – Gentle, loving truth
• Nozomi (愛望) – Wish filled with love
• Saki (咲愛) – Blossom of love
• Hina (陽愛) – Sunny affection
• Rina (愛奈) – Jasmine love
• Yua (結愛) – Binding love
• Kohana (小愛花) – Little flower of love
• Amane (愛音) – Sound of love
• Misaki (美咲愛) – Beautiful love blossom
• Ayaka (彩愛) – Colorful affection
• Kanon (花愛音) – Melody of loving flowers
• Himari (陽愛莉) – Sunlight and love
• Riko (莉愛) – Jasmine love child
• Ichika (一愛) – One whole love
• Mayu (真愛優) – True gentle love
• Asuka (明日愛) – Tomorrow’s love
• Shiori (詩愛) – Poem of love
• Nana (愛奈) – Seven loves

Japanese Boy Names Meaning Love

Boys’ names that mean love carry a quiet strength; they’re grounded, meaningful, and full of heart. These choices blend tradition with emotion, perfect for parents who want a name that feels both bold and tender.

• Ren (恋) – Romantic love
• Koi (恋) – Love and affection
• Aito (愛斗) – Fighter of love
• Manato (愛人) – Loving person
• Yoshito (愛人) – Beloved one
• Chikara (愛力) – Power of love
• Haruto (愛仁) – Loving kindness
• Meguru (愛) – Love that circles back
• Kouki (愛輝) – Shining with love
• Naoki (直愛) – Honest love
• Makoto (愛誠) – True affection
• Daiki (大愛) – Great love
• Raito (愛翔) – Love that soars
• Yuuto (結愛) – Bound by love
• Souta (愛太) – Thick with love
• Hiro (愛大) – Abundant love
• Kaito (愛斗) – Ocean of love
• Takumi (巧愛) – Skillful love
• Renji (恋次) – Second love
• Shun (愛俊) – Swift love
• Eito (愛人) – Person filled with love
• Kanata (愛方) – Direction of love
• Riku (愛陸) – Land of love
• Iori (愛織) – Weaving love
• Kazuto (一愛) – First love
• Akito (愛輝) – Bright with affection
• Rento (恋斗) – Love warrior
• Yuuma (結愛真) – True connected love
• Jiro (愛次郎) – Second son of love
• Hinata (陽愛) – Sunny love

Unisex Japanese Names That Mean Love

Some names don’t need to choose a side; they carry love in a way that feels universal and free. These unisex Japanese names that mean “love” work beautifully for anyone, blending strength and softness in equal measure.

• Ai (愛) – Love itself
• Ren (恋) – Romance and longing
• Koi (恋) – Affection and attachment
• Mana (愛菜) – Love and greens
• Kokoro (心) – Heart filled with love
• Yua (結愛) – Tied by love
• Haru (愛春) – Loving spring
• Sora (愛空) – Sky of love
• Nao (愛央) – Center of love
• Akira (愛輝) – Bright love
• Rei (愛礼) – Lovely courtesy
• Kaoru (愛薫) – Fragrance of love
• Yuki (愛幸) – Loving happiness
• Hikari (愛光) – Light of love
• Tsubasa (愛翼) – Wings of affection
• Izumi (愛泉) – Fountain of love
• Aoi (愛生) – Born from love
• Minori (愛里) – Village of love
• Shion (愛音) – Sound of devotion
• Rui (愛唯) – Only love
• Haruki (愛輝) – Radiant affection
• Sakura (愛桜) – Cherry blossom love
• Nagi (愛凪) – Calm love
• Asahi (愛陽) – Morning sun love
• Mizuki (愛月) – Beautiful loving moon

Japanese Last Names Meaning Love

Family names can carry love too, passed down like heirlooms through generations. These Japanese last names meaning “love” are rare finds, but they exist rooted in history, geography, and emotion.

• Aida (愛田) – Field of love
• Aikawa (愛川) – River of love
• Aimoto (愛本) – Origin of love
• Aiyama (愛山) – Mountain of love
• Aoki (愛木) – Tree of love
• Aino (愛野) – Field of affection
• Yoshida (愛田) – Rice field of goodness and love
• Manabe (愛部) – Loving section
• Koisumi (恋住) – Dwelling in love
• Aiuchi (愛内) – Inside love
• Aihara (愛原) – Plain of love
• Koizumi (小泉愛) – Small spring of love
• Manaka (愛中) – Within love
• Yoshikawa (愛川) – Good river of love
• Aizawa (愛沢) – Swamp of love
• Aizaki (愛崎) – Cape of love
• Aihana (愛花) – Flower of love
• Koimura (恋村) – Village of love
• Aimura (愛村) – Love village
• Aiura (愛浦) – Bay of love
• Yoshino (愛野) – Good field of love
• Manase (愛瀬) – Rapids of love
• Aika (愛香) – Fragrance of love
• Aishima (愛島) – Island of love
• Koitani (恋谷) – Valley of love

Things You Must Know About Japanese Names Meaning Love

Choosing Japanese names meaning “love” is more than just picking something pretty. There’s a whole world of kanji combinations, cultural nuances, and pronunciation quirks to consider. Here’s what makes these names special and what you should keep in mind before you fall in love with one.

• Kanji matters – The same sound can mean different things depending on the characters used
• Ai vs. Koi – “Ai” (愛) means deep love; “Koi” (恋) is romantic longing
• Gender flexibility – Many love names work for both boys and girls
• Multiple readings – One kanji can be pronounced several ways
• Cultural weight – Love names carry emotional significance in Japan
• Compound meanings – Combining kanji creates layered, poetic meanings
• Pronunciation ease – Some names are easier for non-Japanese speakers
• Modern vs. traditional – Classic love names feel different from trendy ones
• Nickname potential – Longer names often shorten naturally
• Kanji complexity – Some characters are harder to write than others
• Regional variations – Certain names are more popular in specific areas
• Family harmony – Sibling names often share thematic elements
• Seasonal connections – Love can blend with nature imagery
• Historical context – Some names have samurai or literary roots
• Western appeal – Names like “Ren” and “Ai” travel well internationally
• Middle name pairing – Consider how it flows with other names
• Meaning depth – Love names often symbolize wishes for the child’s future
• Writing systems – Names appear in kanji, hiragana, and romaji
• Celebrity influence – Popular figures shape naming trends
• Generational shifts – What grandparents chose differs from today’s picks
• Spiritual elements – Some love names tie to Buddhist or Shinto concepts
• Phonetic beauty – The sound itself can evoke emotion
• International recognition – Some Japanese names feel familiar globally
• Legal considerations – Japan has rules about acceptable kanji for names
• Personal connection – The best name resonates with your family’s story

Sweet Boy Names That Mean Love

Boys deserve names wrapped in tenderness too. These sweet Japanese names that mean “love” prove that strength and affection aren’t opposites, they’re partners, creating something beautifully balanced.

• Aito (愛斗) – Loving warrior
• Ren (恋) – Pure romance
• Manato (愛人) – Beloved soul
• Kouki (愛輝) – Love’s radiance
• Haruto (愛仁) – Kind-hearted love
• Yuuto (結愛) – Bound by affection
• Raito (愛翔) – Love taking flight
• Aoto (愛音) – Sound of love
• Kaito (愛斗) – Ocean’s embrace
• Hinata (陽愛) – Warm, sunny love
• Sorato (愛空) – Sky full of love
• Renji (恋次) – Love’s second chance
• Makoto (愛誠) – Sincere affection
• Daiki (大愛) – Grand love
• Naoto (愛人) – Honest lover
• Akito (愛輝) – Bright with love
• Rento (恋斗) – Fighter for love
• Haruki (愛輝) – Shining spring love
• Yuuma (結愛真) – True connected love
• Kouta (愛太) – Abundantly loving
• Itsuki (愛月) – Moon of affection
• Minato (愛港) – Harbor of love
• Riku (愛陸) – Loving earth
• Takumi (愛巧) – Artful love
• Shunto (愛俊) – Swift, graceful love

Boy Names That Mean Love and Strength

Sometimes you want a name that holds both tenderness and power, something that says your son can be brave and caring at once. These Japanese boy names combine love with strength, creating meanings that feel protective, grounded, and deeply masculine.

• Aito (愛斗) – Love warrior
• Takuai (拓愛) – Pioneering love
• Kenai (健愛) – Healthy, strong love
• Ryuai (竜愛) – Dragon’s love
• Goro (愛護) – Protective love
• Tsuyoai (強愛) – Powerful affection
• Katsuai (勝愛) – Victorious love
• Masamori (愛守) – Guardian of love
• Isamu (愛勇) – Brave love
• Takeshi (愛武) – Warrior’s love
• Kenta (健愛太) – Strong, abundant love
• Daisuke (大愛助) – Great love helper
• Hayato (隼愛人) – Swift falcon of love
• Masaru (愛勝) – Conquering with love
• Raiden (愛雷) – Thunder of love
• Kyoai (強愛) – Mighty affection
• Noboru (愛昇) – Rising love
• Katsuro (勝愛郎) – Son of victorious love
• Takeo (愛武夫) – Loving warrior man
• Kaoru (愛勲) – Distinguished love
• Yukio (愛勇雄) – Courageous loving hero
• Kenichi (健愛一) – First strong love
• Mamoru (愛守) – Defender of love
• Taiga (愛虎我) – Tiger’s loving spirit
• Akio (愛輝雄) – Bright heroic love
• Kenzo (健愛蔵) – Strong love treasure
• Jiro (愛仁郎) – Kind second son
• Tetsu (愛哲) – Wise love
• Gento (愛源斗) – Source warrior of love
• Masato (愛勇人) – Brave loving person

Boy Names That Mean Heart

The heart is where love lives, beats, and transforms everything it touches. These Japanese boy names meaning “heart” speak to emotion, courage, and the kind of depth that shapes a person from the inside out.

• Kokoro (心) – Heart and soul
• Shinichi (心一) – First heart
• Shintaro (心太郎) – Heart’s eldest son
• Kouta (心太) – Big-hearted
• Shinji (心次) – Heart’s second
• Shinnosuke (心之助) – Helper with heart
• Shinya (心也) – Also the heart
• Kouki (心輝) – Shining heart
• Shingo (心吾) – My heart
• Ryoshin (良心) – Good conscience
• Makoto (真心) – True heart
• Manaka (心中) – Within the heart
• Kouki (心基) – Heart’s foundation
• Shinpei (心平) – Peaceful heart
• Kokoa (心愛) – Heart full of love
• Shinta (心大) – Great heart
• Tomoki (心希) – Heart’s hope
• Kento (心斗) – Heart warrior
• Kouhei (心平) – Fair-hearted
• Shinsei (心晴) – Clear heart
• Shin (心) – Simply heart
• Kouma (心真) – True-hearted
• Shinri (心理) – Heart’s wisdom
• Shunki (心輝) – Heart’s brilliance
• Kouto (心翔) – Soaring heart
• Shinki (心希) – Hopeful heart
• Kokuto (心人) – Person of heart
• Shinsuke (心介) – Heart’s mediator
• Kouro (心朗) – Bright-hearted
• Shinteru (心輝) – Heart that shines

Male Names That Mean Beloved

Being someone’s beloved isn’t just about romance, it’s about being treasured, valued, and held close to the heart. These Japanese male names capture that feeling of being deeply cherished, the kind of love that stays constant through every season of life.

• Aito (愛人) – Beloved person
• Yoshito (愛人) – Beloved and good
• Manato (愛斗) – Beloved warrior
• Itoshi (愛) – Dearly beloved
• Kanato (愛音) – Beloved sound
• Atsuai (篤愛) – Devoted beloved
• Kenji (愛次) – Second beloved son
• Itaru (愛至) – Reaching belovedness
• Yasuhito (愛人) – Peaceful beloved one
• Naoto (愛人) – Honest beloved
• Haruto (愛仁) – Beloved kindness
• Manahito (愛人) – Truly beloved
• Yoshihito (愛仁) – Good beloved person
• Kazuto (愛人) – Harmonious beloved
• Kouhei (愛平) – Beloved peace
• Masato (愛人) – Righteous beloved
• Toshiaki (愛明) – Beloved light
• Nobuhito (愛人) – Noble beloved
• Yukito (愛人) – Happy beloved one
• Akinori (愛典) – Beloved tradition

Names That Mean Loving or Affection for Boys

Some boys are just born with warmth radiating from them gentle souls who lead with kindness. These Japanese names meaning “loving” or “affection” celebrate that softness, reminding us that being tender is its own kind of strength.

• Ren (恋) – Affectionate longing
• Kouki (愛輝) – Loving radiance
• Meguru (愛) – Circling affection
• Yasushi (愛志) – Peaceful loving will
• Naoki (愛樹) – Honest affection tree
• Chikara (愛力) – Power of affection
• Naruto (愛鳴) – Loving sound
• Kento (愛斗) – Affectionate fighter
• Yuuto (愛斗) – Gentle loving warrior
• Arata (愛新) – Fresh affection
• Ryouta (愛太) – Abundantly loving
• Kaname (愛芽) – Sprout of affection
• Shunto (愛俊) – Swift loving one
• Daiki (愛樹) – Great affection tree
• Akihiro (愛弘) – Widespread affection
• Tomoya (愛也) – Friendly affection
• Hiroki (愛樹) – Abundant loving tree
• Yoshiki (愛輝) – Good affectionate light
• Kazuki (愛月) – Harmonious loving moon
• Souma (愛真) – True affection

Names That Mean God’s Love

There’s something sacred about naming a child after divine love; it feels like you’re wrapping them in grace before they even take their first breath. These Japanese names carry the weight of spiritual devotion, blending earthly affection with something that reaches beyond what we can see.

• Shinai (神愛) – God’s love
• Kamito (神愛人) – Person of divine love
• Aimi (愛神) – Love from the divine
• Megumi (恵) – Divine blessing
• Tenji (天愛) – Heavenly love
• Kamishin (神心) – Heart of God
• Tenmei (天愛明) – Bright heavenly love
• Shinmei (神愛命) – Life of God’s love
• Tenai (天愛) – Heaven’s affection
• Keiichi (恵愛一) – First divine blessing
• Amane (天愛音) – Sound of heaven’s love
• Kaminari (神愛成) – Becoming God’s love
• Reiai (礼愛) – Respectful divine love
• Seiai (聖愛) – Sacred love
• Tenma (天愛真) – True heavenly love
• Shinto (神愛斗) – Divine love warrior
• Kenji (恵愛次) – Second blessed love
• Mikoto (神愛命) – Divine loving life
• Tenshin (天心) – Heaven’s heart
• Shinnosuke (神愛之助) – Helper of God’s love
• Kazuma (神愛真) – True harmony with divine love
• Keita (恵愛太) – Abundant blessed love
• Haruka (神愛遥) – Distant divine love
• Tenko (天愛子) – Child of heaven’s love
• Shinya (神愛也) – Also God’s love

Names of Gods Associated With Love

Japanese mythology isn’t overflowing with love gods like Greek or Roman tales, but certain deities do carry themes of creation, connection, and beauty. These names draw from that spiritual tradition, honoring the divine forces that shape relationships and bring souls together.

• Izanami (伊邪那美) – Female creator goddess who birthed the islands
• Izanagi (伊邪那岐) – Male creator god, Izanami’s beloved partner
• Ame-no-Uzume (天宇受売命) – Goddess of dawn, mirth, and joyful connection
• Benzaiten (弁才天) – Goddess of love, eloquence, and arts
• Inari (稲荷) – Deity of prosperity and nurturing relationships
• Amaterasu (天照) – Sun goddess representing warmth and life-giving light
• Konohanasakuya (木花咲耶姫) – Cherry blossom princess of delicate beauty
• Tsukuyomi (月読) – Moon god symbolizing reflection and romance
• Sarutahiko (猿田彦) – Guardian deity of pathways and unions
• Ame-no-Koyane (天児屋命) – God of ritual and sacred bonds
• Susanoo (須佐之男) – Storm god who rescued his beloved princess
• Kushinadahime (櫛名田比売) – Princess saved by love and devotion
• Okuninushi (大国主) – God of nation-building and marriage
• Suserihime (須勢理毘売) – Wife of Okuninushi, goddess of devotion
• Takeminakata (建御名方神) – God of courage in protecting loved ones
• Hachiman (八幡神) – God of warriors who values loyalty
• Ebisu (恵比寿) – God of fortune and happy families
• Daikokuten (大黒天) – God of wealth who blesses households
• Ninigi (瓊瓊杵尊) – Heavenly grandson whose love created dynasties
• Toyotamahime (豊玉姫) – Dragon princess of the sea who loved a mortal
• Otohime (乙姫) – Undersea princess of beauty and longing
• Ame-no-Minaka Nushi (天之御中主神) – Primordial deity of universal connection
• Kunitokotachi (国之常立神) – Ancient earth deity of creation
• Umashiashikabihikoji (宇摩志阿斯訶備比古遅神) – Early deity of life formation
• Takamimusubi (高御産巣日神) – God of creation and divine relationships

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular Japanese name that means love?

Ai is hands down the most recognized among Japanese names that mean “love” . It literally means love and works beautifully as both a standalone name and part of longer combinations.

Can I use a Japanese love name if I’m not Japanese?

Absolutely, and many parents do! Japanese names that mean “love” cross cultural boundaries beautifully. Just make sure you understand the pronunciation and meaning, and choose something that feels authentic to your family’s story.

Do Japanese boy names that mean love sound too soft?

Not at all Japanese names that mean love for boys like Ren, Aito, and Haruto blend strength with tenderness perfectly, proving that boys can carry love in their names without losing any edge.

What’s the difference between Ai and Koi in Japanese names?

Ai represents deep, unconditional love, while Koi leans toward romantic longing and passionate affection—both beautiful, just different flavors of Japanese names that mean “love”.

Are there Japanese last names that mean love?

Yes, though they’re pretty rare! Japanese last names meaning love like Aida and Aikawa exist, usually combining love with natural elements like fields or rivers.

Which Japanese girl name meaning love is easiest to pronounce?

Aiko is a winner here, simple, melodic, and instantly recognizable even to non-Japanese speakers, plus it means beloved child. It’s one of the most accessible Japanese names that mean “love”.

Can Japanese love names work as middle names?

They work wonderfully as middle names! Japanese names that mean “love” like Emma Ai or Lucas Ren add a meaningful touch without overwhelming the full name.

What Japanese name means both love and strength?

Aito nails this combo—it translates to love warrior, bringing together affection and fighting spirit in one powerful package among Japanese names that mean love.

Are unisex Japanese love names common?

More common than you’d think! Unisex Japanese names that mean “love” like Ai, Ren, and Yua cross gender lines naturally, making them flexible choices for any child.

How do I know if a Japanese love name has a good meaning?

Always check the kanji characters used when exploring Japanese names that mean “love” . The same sound can mean totally different things depending on how it’s written, so do your homework before committing.

Last Word

Choosing a name is one of those rare decisions that carries weight long after the moment passes. If you’ve been drawn to Japanese names that mean “love” you’re probably sensing what makes them so special they don’t just label a person, they whisper something about who they might become. There’s poetry in that, don’t you think?

Whether you’re expecting, writing a character, or simply curious about the way language holds emotion, these names offer more than sound. They offer intention. And maybe that’s what love really is choosing something meaningful and hoping it grows into exactly what it was meant to be.