110+ Japanese Names That Start With “K”
Not just in Japan, but all around the world, people dig giving their kids Japanese names, some with Japanese dark and fire meanings, some inspired by the moon, and a bunch that start with a specific letter.
And that’s our topic, Japanese names that begin with a specific letter, the letter? it’s “K” for today! A big reason people gravitate toward these names is that they’re anime fans. They love the names of their favorite anime characters, starting with K, and want to pass that vibe on to their little ones.
Japanese names that start with K usually combine two kanji characters, which gives the name its meaning. These names could represent traits like kindness, intelligence, beauty, flowers, seasons, or Japanese culture might inspire parents.
While on the hunt for Japanese names starting with k, remember that some can sound alike but use different kanji, carrying distinct meanings. Sometimes, the same kanji can be pronounced differently based on the context. For example, the kanji 海 can be read as umi (ocean) or kai but both carry the same meaning.
The most famous Japanese names starting with K include Kazuya, Kazutaka, Keisuke, and many more, which we broke down below. These names are causing a stir, you know why? Well, parents worldwide love these Japanese K names because they sound cool, plus, they have a good meaning and look nice too.
Our comprehensive lists of Japanese names beginning with K have options for all. Whether you’re expecting a baby girl or boy, or just want a name for your fictional character, our collections of K-starting names have the prettiest options you’re bound to love. Plus, we include the meanings and kanji characters, so you can see how to write them in Japanese.
Japanese Boy Names That Start With K
If you are drawn to anime, that might be what brought you here. Whether you’re a teen or an adult about to welcome a baby boy, you probably want to find a Japanese boy name that starts with K. These names aren’t just for newborns, you can set any of these names for yourself or a friend as a nickname. So, go through every name on our list and choose the one that clicks with both you and your baby.
- Kaito
- Meaning: Ocean fly/soar
- Pronunciation: kah-ee-toh
- Kanji: 海翔
- Kenta
- Meaning: Healthy and strong
- Pronunciation: ken-tah
- Kanji: 健太
- Koutarou
- Meaning: Solid, strong, and straightforward
- Pronunciation: koh-tah-roh
- Kanji: 康太郎
- Kazuki
- Meaning: Harmony, peace
- Pronunciation: kah-zoo-kee
- Kanji: 和輝
- Kei
- Meaning: Blessing, wise
- Pronunciation: kay
- Kanji: 慶
- Kiyoshi
- Meaning: Pure, clean
- Pronunciation: kee-yoh-shee
- Kanji: 清
- Kenshin
- Meaning: Strength and faith
- Pronunciation: ken-sheen
- Kanji: 剣心
- Kentaishi
- Meaning: Solid strength and vitality
- Pronunciation: ken-tai-shee
- Kanji: 健大志
- Katsu
- Meaning: Victorious, win
- Pronunciation: kahts
- Kanji: 勝
- Kousei
- Meaning: Bright, star-like, or strong and righteous
- Pronunciation: koh-sei
- Kanji: 光誠
- Kazuya
- Meaning: Harmony and peace
- Pronunciation: kah-zoo-yah
- Kanji: 和也
- Kouta
- Meaning: Harmony and happiness
- Pronunciation: koh-tah
- Kanji: 康多
- Kiyomasa
- Meaning: Pure and just
- Pronunciation: kee-yoh-mah-sah
- Kanji: 清正
- Keitaro
- Meaning: Strong, brave warrior
- Pronunciation: kay-tah-roh
- Kanji: 救太郎
- Kageshiro
- Meaning: Shadow and castle
- Pronunciation: kah-geh-shee-roh
- Kanji: 影城
- Kageyuki
- Meaning: Shadow and good fortune
- Pronunciation: kah-geh-yoo-kee
- Kanji: 影幸
- Kento
- Meaning: Wise, powerful, and strong
- Pronunciation: ken-toh
- Kanji: 健翔
- Kanshiro
- Meaning: Courageous leader
- Pronunciation: kahn-shee-roh
- Kanji: 勇士郎
- Kaoru
- Meaning: Fragrance, subtle
- Pronunciation: kah-o-ru
- Kanji: 薫
- Kenji
- Meaning: Strong and brave
- Pronunciation: ken-jee
- Kanji: 健司
- Kaishiro
- Meaning: Strength and independence
- Pronunciation: kah-ee-shee-roh
- Kanji: 海士郎
- Kaitoji
- Meaning: Peaceful, soaring strength
- Pronunciation: kah-ee-toh-jee
- Kanji: 海翔司
- Kohji
- Meaning: Bright and virtuous
- Pronunciation: koh-jee
- Kanji: 光司
- Kiyoshin
- Meaning: Purity and faith
- Pronunciation: kee-yoh-shin
- Kanji: 清心
- Koutaro
- Meaning: Firm, steady strength
- Pronunciation: koh-tah-roh
- Kanji: 康太郎
- Kaizan
- Meaning: Peaceful ocean
- Pronunciation: kah-ee-zan
- Kanji: 海山
- Kentaoru
- Meaning: Peaceful, victorious
- Pronunciation: ken-tah-oh-roo
- Kanji: 健翔
- Keizuke
- Meaning: Wise and helpful companion
- Pronunciation: kay-zoo-keh
- Kanji: 慶介
- Kensuke
- Meaning: Strength, peace, and support
- Pronunciation: ken-skeh
- Kanji: 健介
- Kenzou
- Meaning: Strong and resilient man
- Pronunciation: ken-zoh
- Kanji: 健三
Japanese Girl Names That Start With K
Girls tend to like anime less than boys, but that doesn’t mean they can’t use a Japanese name starting with K, because girl characters also participate in anime. The following list of Japanese girl names that start with k is for your little princess and girls who want to give themselves an anime vibe, but, honestly, any female can use them. So, explore the following list and opt for the one that suits your personality.
- Kairi
- Meaning: Sea and reality
- Pronunciation: kah-ee-ree
- Kanji: 海莉
- Kohana
- Meaning: Little flower
- Pronunciation: koh-hah-nah
- Kanji: 小花
- Kaname
- Meaning: Strength, balance
- Pronunciation: kah-nah-meh
- Kanji: 佳波
- Kiyomi
- Meaning: Pure beauty
- Pronunciation: kee-yoh-mee
- Kanji: 清美
- Kana
- Meaning: Powerful, elegant
- Pronunciation: kah-nah
- Kanji: 加奈
- Kanako
- Meaning: Child of harmony
- Pronunciation: kah-nah-koh
- Kanji: 花子
- Kanshi
- Meaning: Poetic, clear-minded
- Pronunciation: kahn-shee
- Kanji: 感詩
- Kokoro
- Meaning: Heart, spirit
- Pronunciation: koh-koh-roh
- Kanji: 心
- Kanna
- Meaning: Beautiful child
- Pronunciation: kah-nah
- Kanji: 神奈
- Keina
- Meaning: Grace and strength
- Pronunciation: kay-nah
- Kanji: 結奈
- Koharu
- Meaning: Small spring / warm breeze
- Pronunciation: koh-hah-roo
- Kanji: 小春
- Kikyo
- Meaning: Bellflower
- Pronunciation: kee-kyoh
- Kanji: 桔梗
- Kanami
- Meaning: Peaceful wave
- Pronunciation: kah-nah-mee
- Kanji: 佳波
- Kohime
- Meaning: Little princess
- Pronunciation: koh-hee-meh
- Kanji: 小姫
- Kumiko
- Meaning: Beautiful child, harmony
- Pronunciation: koo-mee-koh
- Kanji: 久美子
- Kaori
- Meaning: Fragrance, scent
- Pronunciation: kah-oh-ree
- Kanji: 香織
- Konomi
- Meaning: Favor, liking
- Pronunciation: koh-no-mee
- Kanji: 好乃実
- Keiko
- Meaning: Blessings and happiness
- Pronunciation: kay-koh
- Kanji: 慶子
- Kiki
- Meaning: Happy, joy
- Pronunciation: kee-kee
- Kanji: 喜喜
- Kohime
- Meaning: Little beloved princess
- Pronunciation: koh-hee-meh
- Kanji: 小姫
- Kimiko
- Meaning: Beautiful child
- Pronunciation: kee-mee-koh
- Kanji: 君子
- Koyuki
- Meaning: Little snow
- Pronunciation: koh-yoo-kee
- Kanji: 小雪
- Kirisuna
- Meaning: Gentle breeze and graceful movement
- Pronunciation: kee-ree-soo-nah
- Kanji: 霧須菜
- Kiyora
- Meaning: Clear, calm, and refreshing melody
- Pronunciation: kee-yoh-rah
- Kanji: 清良
- Kensaki
- Meaning: Strong and noble
- Pronunciation: ken-sah-kee
- Kanji: 剣咲
- Kozue
- Meaning: Branches, growth
- Pronunciation: koh-zoo-eh
- Kanji: 梢
- Koharu
- Meaning: Small spring, early summer warmth
- Pronunciation: koh-hah-roo
- Kanji: 小春
- Kairu
- Meaning: Sea breeze, calm waves
- Pronunciation: kah-ee-roo
- Kanji: 海琉
- Kohane
- Meaning: Little feather, delicate
- Pronunciation: koh-hah-neh
- Kanji: 小羽
- Kiyura
- Meaning: Pure, innocent heart
- Pronunciation: kee-yoo-rah
- Kanji: 清空
Japanese Last Names That Start With K
You might love your current name but are also drawn to Japanese names, which can leave you unsure about what to do but we’ve got your back. These Japanese last names that start with K are bound to be added after your actual name. It’ll be a fun addition to your name while keeping your original one. So, give the following list a read and snag the one that looks perfect after your name.
- Kurumada
- Meaning: Carriage field
- Pronunciation: koo-roo-mah-dah
- Kanji: 車田
- Kawasaki
- Meaning: River cape
- Pronunciation: kah-wah-sah-kee
- Kanji: 川崎
- Kobayashi
- Meaning: Small forest
- Pronunciation: koh-bah-yah-shee
- Kanji: 小林
- Kishimoto
- Meaning: Origin of the stone
- Pronunciation: kee-shee-moh-toh
- Kanji: 岸本
- Kamizaki
- Meaning: Peaceful summit
- Pronunciation: kah-mee-zah-kee
- Kanji: 上崎
- Kikumura
- Meaning: Village of chrysanthemums
- Pronunciation: kee-koo-moo-rah
- Kanji: 菊村
- Kotonoha
- Meaning: Words, language
- Pronunciation: koh-toh-no-ha
- Kanji: 言の葉
- Kohno
- Meaning: Little field
- Pronunciation: koh-noh
- Kanji: 河野
- Kashiwagi
- Meaning: Oak and wisteria
- Pronunciation: kah-shee-wah-gee
- Kanji: 柏木
- Kondo
- Meaning: Modern or new path
- Pronunciation: kon-doh
- Kanji: 近藤
- Kugimoto
- Meaning: Rising or strong foundation
- Pronunciation: koo-gee-moh-toh
- Kanji: 久木本
- Kitagawa
- Meaning: North river
- Pronunciation: kee-tah-gah-wah
- Kanji: 北川
- Kowada
- Meaning: Small rice field
- Pronunciation: koh-wah-dah
- Kanji: 小和田
- Kibayashi
- Meaning: Forest with vitality
- Pronunciation: kee-bah-yah-shee
- Kanji: 木林
- Kumagai
- Meaning: Well-watered rice field
- Pronunciation: koo-mah-gah-ee
- Kanji: 熊谷
- Kanemura
- Meaning: Prosperity village
- Pronunciation: kah-neh-moo-rah
- Kanji: 金村
- Kumazawa
- Meaning: Bear river
- Pronunciation: koo-mah-zah-wah
- Kanji: 熊沢
- Kashiwabara
- Meaning: Oak field and woodlands
- Pronunciation: kah-shee-wah-bah-rah
- Kanji: 柏原
- Kamogawa
- Meaning: Wild river or duck river
- Pronunciation: kah-moh-gah-wah
- Kanji: 鴨川
- Kirikami
- Meaning: Sharp stone / edge
- Pronunciation: kee-ree-kah-mee
- Kanji: 桐上
- Kawashima
- Meaning: Island river
- Pronunciation: kah-wah-shee-mah
- Kanji: 川島
- Kugayama
- Meaning: Mountain ridge
- Pronunciation: koo-gah-yah-mah
- Kanji: 久ヶ山
- Kanezawa
- Meaning: Gold and prosperous river
- Pronunciation: kah-neh-zah-wah
- Kanji: 金沢
- Koshigaya
- Meaning: Little village by rice fields
- Pronunciation: koh-shee-gah-yah
- Kanji: 越谷
- Kurozumi
- Meaning: Black ink or water source
- Pronunciation: koo-roh-zoo-mee
- Kanji: 黒住
- Koshimoto
- Meaning: Small origin stone
- Pronunciation: koh-shee-moh-toh
- Kanji: 小下
- Kagamura
- Meaning: Mirror village
- Pronunciation: kah-gah-moo-rah
- Kanji: 鏡村
- Kiyotaki
- Meaning: Pure and strong river
- Pronunciation: kee-yoh-tah-kee
- Kanji: 清滝
- Kamakura
- Meaning: Stone fortress
- Pronunciation: kah-mah-koo-rah
- Kanji: 鎌倉
- Kinjou
- Meaning: Gold castle or prosperity gate
- Pronunciation: keen-joh
- Kanji: 金城
Japanese K Names For Fictional Characters
These names are meant for fictional characters, so anyone making an anime series or any kind of story can use them for their characters. But still, you can use them for anything you want. So take a look at the following list of names and pick one that fits your fictional character’s structure!
- Kinjirou
- Meaning: Golden path / prosperous journey
- Pronunciation: keen-jee-roh
- Kanji: 金次郎
- Kishiro
- Meaning: Strong and determined warrior with integrity
- Pronunciation: kee-shee-roh
- Kanji: 岸城
- Kureha
- Meaning: Deep autumn leaves
- Pronunciation: koo-reh-ha
- Kanji: 呉葉
- Kurogari
- Meaning: Dark warrior / skilled fighter
- Pronunciation: koo-roh-gah-ree
- Kanji: 黒雁
- Kiyomine
- Meaning: Pure mountain peak
- Pronunciation: kee-yoh-mee-neh
- Kanji: 清峰
- Kamorui
- Meaning: Misty winds or atmospheric changes
- Pronunciation: kah-moh-roo-ee
- Kanji: 神雲
- Kaisoku
- Meaning: Swift speed or quick movement
- Pronunciation: kah-ee-soh-koo
- Kanji: 海速
- Kiryoku
- Meaning: Willpower and determination to achieve goals
- Pronunciation: kee-ryoh-koo
- Kanji: 気力
- Koharuya
- Meaning: Gentle warmth of seasonal change
- Pronunciation: koh-hah-roo-yah
- Kanji: 小春屋
- Kisetsu
- Meaning: Seasons and the beauty of transitions
- Pronunciation: kee-seh-tsoo
- Kanji: 季節
- Kamuyari
- Meaning: A brave, sharp-edged fighter
- Pronunciation: kah-moo-yah-ree
- Kanji: 神槍
- Keirou
- Meaning: Path to success and discovery
- Pronunciation: kay-roh
- Kanji: 慶路
- Kirigawa
- Meaning: Misty river or scenic waterway
- Pronunciation: kee-ree-gah-wah
- Kanji: 霧川
- Kashizumi
- Meaning: Clear waters reflecting beauty
- Pronunciation: kah-shee-zoo-mee
- Kanji: 柏澄
- Kozakura
- Meaning: Gentle cherry blossoms in spring
- Pronunciation: koh-zah-koo-rah
- Kanji: 小桜
- Kiritaka
- Meaning: Strong warrior with a sharp edge
- Pronunciation: kee-ree-tah-kah
- Kanji: 桐鷹
- Kiroto
- Kenshirohime
- Meaning: Noble fighter with strength and grace
- Pronunciation: ken-shee-roh-hee-meh
- Kanji: 剣城姫
- Kishinari
- Meaning: Steadfast leader with resilience
- Pronunciation: kee-shee-nah-ree
- Kanji: 鬼成
- Kawashiro
- Meaning: Shiny river reflecting clarity
- Pronunciation: kah-wah-shee-roh
- Kanji: 川城
- Kozanji
- Meaning: Mountain pathways and adventure
- Pronunciation: koh-zahn-jee
- Kanji: 小山神
- Kiyoshima
- Meaning: Serene island with peace and simplicity
- Pronunciation: kee-yoh-shee-mah
- Kanji: 清島
- Kamuiro
- Meaning: Sparkling, radiant spectrum of colors
- Pronunciation: kah-moo-ee-roh
- Kanji: 神色
- Keishiro
- Meaning: Strong protector with courage
- Pronunciation: kay-shee-roh
- Kanji: 慶士郎
- Kairon
- Meaning: Gentle wind guiding peaceful journeys
- Pronunciation: kah-ee-rohn
- Kanji: 海龍
Conclusion
While every Japanese name looks fascinating, Japanese names that start with the letter “K”, can tug at hearts. With the whole bunch of lists of these Japanese names, I’m quite a bit sure you’d have found a name that makes you smile every time someone calls your little ones by it!
If you are a non-native, all of these names might seem similar to you, but you can clearly see that all have remarkably different meanings and kanji. Japanese names starting with K are a delight for those who are in love with anime and when they have a Japanese name, the joy of watching anime will go triple.
Japanese names starting with “K” not only offer unique sounds and beautiful meanings but also connect us to the heritage of Japan. Whether you are inspired by anime characters or the aesthetic of the names, we believe the plethora of Japanese names that start with k we shared would be more than what you wanted. If you loved this article, you might wanna look at other Japanese names.
If you’re looking for Japanese names that start with a specific letter, stylish S names, amazing A names, heartfelt H names, yummy Y names, meaningful M names, joyful J names, and timeless T names offer a variety of great choices.
Our recommendation: If you’re considering any of these names for your little one, we recommend doing a bit more research on their meanings.