"brilliant, intelligent"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Akira
Pronunciation: [ uhk-EER-uh ]
Does Akira flow with your last name?
A luminous Japanese name that shines across cultures
Japanese
American
Korean
Modern
Strong
Bold
Unique
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
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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.
Historical Record
Akira first appeared in US Social Security records in 1973.
Over 7,555 babies have been named Akira in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Akira is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #961 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#961
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Akira
A
Akira Toriyama
Artist
1955
Japanese manga artist and creator of Dragon Ball, one of the best-selling manga series of all time
A
Akira Kurosawa
Other
1910
Legendary Japanese film director whose works including Seven Samurai and Rashomon influenced cinema worldwide
A
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
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See all →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
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
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
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 Boy Name
Akira is also used as a boy name, ranked #2515.
View Akira as a boy name →Similar Names
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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.
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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