ThinkabaraAkira: meaning and origin
Akira
“Bright, clear”
- Gender
- 🧒 Unisex
- Origin
- 🌸 Japanese
- Letters · syllables
- 5 · 3
- Starts with
- A
About the name Akira
Akira is a girl or a boy’s name from the Japanese tradition. Its meaning is “bright, clear”. Names from Japanese, where the meaning depends on the characters chosen — like Hana, Kenji, Yuki and Sora.
It has a modern feel and has become more common in the US in recent decades.
More names with a similar meaning: names that mean light.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Japanese names
- Aiko 👧Child of love · Japanese
- Emi 👧Blessed with beauty, smile · Japanese
- Hana 👧Flower · Japanese
- Haruto 👦Sun flying (one common reading) · Japanese
- Kenji 👦Intelligent second son · Japanese
- Ren 👦Lotus, or love (depending on the characters) · Japanese
- Sakura 👧Cherry blossom · Japanese
- Sora 🧒Sky · Japanese
- Yuki 👧Snow, or happiness (depending on the characters) · Japanese
Sibling name ideas (Japanese, girls and boys)
- Aiko 👧Child of love · Japanese
- Emi 👧Blessed with beauty, smile · Japanese
- Hana 👧Flower · Japanese
- Haruto 👦Sun flying (one common reading) · Japanese
- Kenji 👦Intelligent second son · Japanese
- Ren 👦Lotus, or love (depending on the characters) · Japanese
- Sakura 👧Cherry blossom · Japanese
- Yuki 👧Snow, or happiness (depending on the characters) · Japanese
More unisex names starting with A
- Alex 🧒Defender; a short form of Alexander and Alexandra · Greek
- Amari 🧒Strength, eternal · African
- Arden 🧒Valley of the eagle · English
- Ash 🧒The ash tree · English
- Avery 🧒Ruler of the elves · English
Questions and answers
What does the name Akira mean?
Akira is a name of Japanese origin. It means: bright, clear.
Is Akira a boy or girl name?
Akira is used for both girls and boys in the US.
How many syllables does Akira have?
Akira has 5 letters and about 3 syllables.