Akira

Pronunciation: [ uhk-EER-uh ]

Boy Name #2,515 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

A luminous Japanese name meaning brightness and wisdom

Japanese American International

Modern Unique Bold Sophisticated Strong

Meaning & Origin

"bright, clear, luminous"

Origin: Japanese

Language: English

"intelligent, wise"

Origin: Japanese (kanji 智)

Language: Japanese

"shining, brilliant"

Origin: Japanese (kanji 昭)

Language: Japanese

Things to Know About This Name

Strongly associated with the iconic 1988 Japanese animated film 'Akira', which features dystopian and violent themes — a selling point for some, a concern for others

The Story of Akira

Akira is a Japanese given name traditionally used for both boys and girls, written in various kanji combinations: 明 (bright, clear), 亮 (clear), 昭 (shining), or 智 (intelligent, wisdom). The most common reading reflects qualities of light, clarity, and intelligence. Akira has been a respected name in Japan for centuries and has gained international recognition through Japanese pop culture.

Outside Japan, Akira rose to prominence through Katsuhiro Otomo's groundbreaking 1988 anime film 'Akira,' considered one of the most influential animated films ever made. The name has since been embraced by parents worldwide who appreciate Japanese culture, anime, and the name's clean, powerful sound.

In Japan, Akira has been used for both male and female names, with the kanji choice reflecting the intended meaning. Famous Akiras include filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, one of the most influential directors in cinema history, whose name means 'bright/clear.'

Fun Facts

Akira Kurosawa is widely regarded as one of the most influential directors in film history
The 1988 anime film 'Akira' is credited with bringing Japanese animation to global mainstream audiences

Akira in Other Languages

Korean 아키라

Chinese 阿基拉

Japanese アキラ / 明 / 昭

Famous People Named Akira

Akira Kurosawa

Other

1910

Legendary Japanese film director considered one of the most influential filmmakers in cinema history

Akira (film character) Fictional

Other

The titular character of Katsuhiro Otomo's 1988 dystopian anime masterpiece

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #2,515
Total SSA Count: 54
Cultural Origins: Japanese American International
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Aki

Pairs Well With

Akira James Akira Kai Akira Lee Akira Ren Akira Grey Akira Dean Akira Cole

Sibling Names

Kenji Hiro Yuki Mika Sora Ren Naomi

Also a Girl Name

Akira is also used as a girl name, ranked #961.

View Akira as a girl name →

Similar Names

Mira Kara Kyra Kari Kira Tara Sierra Shira

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Akira

What does the name Akira mean?

"bright, clear, luminous" (from Japanese). "intelligent, wise" (from Japanese (kanji 智)). "shining, brilliant" (from Japanese (kanji 昭)). Akira is a Japanese given name traditionally used for both boys and girls, written in various kanji combinations: 明 (bright, clear), 亮 (clear), 昭 (shining), or 智 (intelligent, wisdom). The most common reading reflects qualities of light, clarity, and intelligence. Akira has been a respected name in Japan for centuries and has gained international recognition through Japanese pop culture.

What is the origin of the name Akira?

Akira has Japanese, Japanese (kanji 智), Japanese (kanji 昭), American, and International origins. In Japanese, it means "bright, clear, luminous". In Japanese (kanji 智), it means "intelligent, wise". In Japanese (kanji 昭), it means "shining, brilliant".

Is Akira a boy or girl name?

Akira is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2515. As a girl name, it is ranked #961. Akira is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Akira?

Akira is pronounced uhk-EER-uh.

How popular is the name Akira?

Akira is currently ranked #2515 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Akira?

Common nicknames for Akira include Aki.

What are good middle names for Akira?

Popular middle name pairings include Akira James, Akira Kai, Akira Lee, Akira Ren, Akira Grey, Akira Dean, and Akira Cole.

What are good sibling names for Akira?

Names that pair well with Akira as siblings include Kenji, Hiro, Yuki, Mika, Sora, Ren, and Naomi.

How many syllables does Akira have?

Akira has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Akira a common or rare name?

Akira is an uncommon name, ranked #2515 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Akira

Akira is a boy name with Japanese, American, and International origins . The name means "bright, clear, luminous" in Japanese .

Is Akira a boy or girl name? Akira is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,515 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #961. Akira is more commonly used as a girl name.

Akira is currently ranked #2,515 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Akira has 3 syllables and is pronounced uhk-EER-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Akira include Aki. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.