Japanese names starting with Q
Why no Japanese names start with Q, and the K names to look at instead.
Japanese romanisation does not use Q. The nearest sound is K, which gives some of the most popular names in Japan, such as Kaito and Kanon.
On this page
Names starting with Ka-
9 names. Ka- is most often written 和 (harmony), 一 (one), 海 (sea).
Names starting with Ko-
5 names. Ko- is most often written 心 (heart), 幸 (happiness), 光 (light).
Names starting with Ki-
4 names. Ki- is most often written 清 (pure), 潔 (pure), 聖 (holy).
Names starting with Ke-
4 names. Ke- is most often written 健 (healthy), 謙 (humble), 堅 (solid).
Names starting with Ku-
1 name. Ku- is most often written 久 (long time), 公 (public).
Names starting with Kyo-
1 name. Kyo- is most often written 京 (capital), 恭 (respectful), 今 (now).
How K names are written
Japanese names are chosen for their kanji as much as their sound. These are the kanji that most often begin a K name, counting every spelling on this page. 7 of these names are popular today, and 15 are classics from before 1990.
| Kanji | Meaning | Spellings |
|---|---|---|
| 和 | harmony, peace | 10 |
| 心 | heart, mind | 7 |
| 健 | healthy, strong | 6 |
| 一 | one, first | 6 |
| 清 | pure, clear | 5 |
| 海 | sea | 4 |
| 幸 | happiness | 4 |
| 光 | light | 4 |
Questions
What is a popular Japanese girl name starting with K?
Koharu (心春) is one of the best-known: 心 heart + 春 spring. Popular now · best No. 4.
What is a popular Japanese boy name starting with K?
Kenta (健太) is one of the best-known: 健 healthy + 太 big. Popular now · best No. 1.
Which K names sound old-fashioned in Japan?
Names that were popular before 1990 and have since dropped out of the rankings, such as Kiyoshi, Kazuko, Keiko, Kumiko, now sound like names of parents and grandparents.
Are there any Japanese names that start with Q?
Japanese romanisation does not use Q. The nearest sound is K, which gives some of the most popular names in Japan, such as Kaito and Kanon.