"crimson beauty (alternate kanji)"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Akemi
Does Akemi flow with your last name?
A luminous Japanese name meaning 'dawn beauty'
Japanese
Japanese American
Elegant
Unique
Earthy
Spiritual
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Akemi
Akemi (明美 or 朱美) is a Japanese feminine name typically written with kanji combining 'ake' (明, brightness, dawn) and 'mi' (美, beauty). Together they convey the image of 'dawn beauty' or 'brilliant beauty.' Another common writing uses 'ake' (朱, vermilion red) + 'mi' (美, beauty), giving the meaning 'crimson beauty.' The name has been used in Japan for centuries and carries poetic associations with the clear light of dawn.
Akemi was particularly popular in Japan in the mid-20th century and is associated with the postwar generation. In the United States, it appears primarily among Japanese American families maintaining cultural naming traditions. It gained some international visibility through manga and anime characters.
In Japanese culture, names combining elements of light (明) and beauty (美) are considered auspicious and feminine. 'Akemi' evokes the image of morning light—pure, fresh, and beautiful—making it an aspirational name for daughters. The name appears in classical Japanese poetry and literature.
Historical Record
Akemi first appeared in US Social Security records in 1966.
Over 892 babies have been named Akemi in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Akemi is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,322 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The kanji 明 (bright) is also used in the Japanese word for 'tomorrow' (明日, ashita)
- Akemi is a common name for female characters in manga and anime, often depicted as graceful and artistic
- The name's dawn imagery connects to the Japanese concept of 'ake' (明け), the breaking of dawn
Akemi in Other Languages
Chinese
阿可美 (phonetic)
English
Akemi
Spanish
Akemi
Japanese
明美 / 朱美 (Akemi)
Popularity Over Time
#4,322
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Akemi
A
Akemi Okamura
Entertainer
1969
Japanese voice actress known for voicing Nami in the long-running anime One Piece
A
Akemi Homura Fictional
Other
Iconic anime character from Puella Magi Madoka Magica, known for her complex and tragic arc
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #4,322
- Total SSA Count
- 33
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese Japanese American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Ake
Kemi
Emi
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Akemi
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Akemi is also used as a boy name, ranked #32467.
View Akemi as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Akemi
What does the name Akemi mean?
"crimson beauty (alternate kanji)" (from Japanese). Akemi (明美 or 朱美) is a Japanese feminine name typically written with kanji combining 'ake' (明, brightness, dawn) and 'mi' (美, beauty). Together they convey the image of 'dawn beauty' or 'brilliant beauty.' Another common writing uses 'ake' (朱, vermilion red) + 'mi' (美, beauty), giving the meaning 'crimson beauty.' The name has been used in Japan for centuries and carries poetic associations with the clear light of dawn.
What is the origin of the name Akemi?
Akemi has Japanese and Japanese American origins. In Japanese, it means "crimson beauty (alternate kanji)".
Is Akemi a boy or girl name?
Akemi is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4322. As a boy name, it is ranked #32467. Akemi is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Akemi?
Akemi is currently ranked #4322 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Akemi?
Common nicknames for Akemi include Ake, Kemi, and Emi.
What are good middle names for Akemi?
Popular middle name pairings include Akemi Marie, Akemi Rose, Akemi Lynn, Akemi Joy, Akemi Jade, Akemi Pearl, and Akemi Grace.
What are good sibling names for Akemi?
Names that pair well with Akemi as siblings include Haruki, Kenji, Yuki, Hana, Sakura, Naomi, and Aiko.
How many syllables does Akemi have?
Akemi has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Akemi a common or rare name?
Akemi is an uncommon name, ranked #4322 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Akemi
Akemi is a girl name with Japanese and Japanese American origins . The name means "crimson beauty (alternate kanji)" in Japanese .
Is Akemi a boy or girl name? Akemi is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,322 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #32,467. Akemi is more commonly used as a girl name.
Akemi is currently ranked #4,322 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Akemi has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Akemi include Ake, Kemi, and Emi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis