"bright, clear, luminous"
Origin: Japanese
Language: English
Akira
Pronunciation: [ uhk-EER-uh ]
Does Akira flow with your last name?
A luminous Japanese name meaning brightness and wisdom
Japanese
American
International
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Unique
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"intelligent, wise"
Origin: Japanese (kanji 智)
Language: Japanese
"shining, brilliant"
Origin: Japanese (kanji 昭)
Language: Japanese
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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.'
Historical Record
Akira first appeared in US Social Security records in 1962.
Over 1,388 babies have been named Akira in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Akira is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #2,515 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#2,515
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Akira
A
Akira Kurosawa
Other
1910
Legendary Japanese film director considered one of the most influential filmmakers in cinema history
A
Akira (film character) Fictional
Other
The titular character of Katsuhiro Otomo's 1988 dystopian anime masterpiece
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Compare Akira with:
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
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, 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
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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
Middle Names
Middle Names for Akira
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Akira is also used as a girl name, ranked #961.
View Akira as a girl name →Similar Names
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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.
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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