Akira

Pronunciation: [ uhk-EER-uh ]

Girl Name #961 Most Popular Rising 3 Syllables

A luminous Japanese name that shines across cultures

Japanese American Korean

Modern Strong Bold Unique Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"brilliant, intelligent"

Origin: Japanese

Language: Japanese

Things to Know About This Name

Strongly associated with the iconic 1988 cyberpunk anime film 'Akira'

The Story of Akira

Akira is a Japanese given name with multiple possible kanji, the most common meaning 'bright' (明), 'clear' (晃), or 'brilliant' (聡). It is traditionally a male name in Japan but is used across genders globally. The name evokes clarity, intelligence, and luminosity — a child who shines brightly. In Korean, Akira (아키라) carries similar connotations through the shared East Asian character tradition.

Akira has been gaining traction in Western countries since the late 1980s, when the anime film 'Akira' (1988) became a cult classic and introduced the name to Western audiences. On girls especially, it feels fresh and cross-cultural in an increasingly globalized world.

In Japan, Akira has been a steady top-100 name for both boys and girls. The 1988 anime film Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo is considered one of the most influential animated films ever made, helping to establish anime as a global art form. The name carries both deep traditional Japanese roots and modern pop culture prestige.

Fun Facts

Katsuhiro Otomo's 1988 anime film 'Akira' is widely credited with bringing anime to Western mainstream audiences
The name Akira can be written with over 10 different kanji combinations in Japanese, each with slightly different nuances
Akira Kurosawa, one of cinema's greatest directors, made films that influenced George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese

Akira in Other Languages

Korean 아키라

Romaji Akira

Chinese 亮

English Akira

Japanese 明/晃/聡

Famous People Named Akira

Akira Toriyama

Artist

1955

Japanese manga artist and creator of Dragon Ball, one of the best-selling manga series of all time

Akira Kurosawa

Other

1910

Legendary Japanese film director whose works including Seven Samurai and Rashomon influenced cinema worldwide

Akira (anime character) Fictional

Other

The titular psychic character of Katsuhiro Otomo's 1988 landmark anime film, who possesses catastrophic telekinetic powe...

The titular psychic character of Katsuhiro Otomo's 1988 landmark anime film, who possesses catastrophic telekinetic powers

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #961
Total SSA Count: 272
Cultural Origins: Japanese American Korean
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Aki Kira

Pairs Well With

Akira Jade Akira Rose Akira Lynn Akira Elise Akira Noel Akira Sage Akira Claire

Sibling Names

Hiro Kenji Yuki Sora Naomi Rin Emiko

Also a Boy Name

Akira is also used as a boy name, ranked #2515.

View Akira as a boy name →

Similar Names

Myra Ira Mila Mira Kara Akira Kyra Kari

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Akira

What does the name Akira mean?

"brilliant, intelligent" (from Japanese). Akira is a Japanese given name with multiple possible kanji, the most common meaning 'bright' (明), 'clear' (晃), or 'brilliant' (聡). It is traditionally a male name in Japan but is used across genders globally. The name evokes clarity, intelligence, and luminosity — a child who shines brightly. In Korean, Akira (아키라) carries similar connotations through the shared East Asian character tradition.

What is the origin of the name Akira?

Akira has Japanese, American, and Korean origins. In Japanese, it means "brilliant, intelligent".

Is Akira a boy or girl name?

Akira is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #961. As a boy name, it is ranked #2515. 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 #961 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Akira?

Common nicknames for Akira include Aki and Kira.

What are good middle names for Akira?

Popular middle name pairings include Akira Jade, Akira Rose, Akira Lynn, Akira Elise, Akira Noel, Akira Sage, and Akira Claire.

What are good sibling names for Akira?

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

How many syllables does Akira have?

Akira has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Akira a common or rare name?

Akira is moderately common, ranked #961 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Akira

Akira is a girl name with Japanese, American, and Korean origins . The name means "brilliant, intelligent" in Japanese .

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

Akira is currently ranked #961 in popularity for girl 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 and Kira. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.