60 Japanese Names That Mean Dragon

For a baby name imbued with strength and wisdom, Japanese names meaning “dragon” make distinctive choices steeped in culture. 

Dragons hold an esteemed place in Japanese iconography, representing courage and longevity. Traditional names like Ryu and Tatsu directly translate to “dragon,” while others like Tomoko poetically reference dragons through ancient mythology and folklore. 

This guide explores 50 remarkable Japanese dragon-inspired names for boys and girls with meanings from “soaring dragon” to “dragon child.” Beyond their commanding imagery, these names lyrically evoke the virtues embodied by dragons across Eastern cultures. Their kanji symbols further reinforce their auspicious significance. 

For parents seeking a name of daring spirit and destiny, these dragon-defined names capture fierce uniqueness.

The introduction focuses on relevant keywords like “Japanese names,” “meaning dragon,” “baby names,” and “Japanese culture.” It also highlights the dragon’s symbolic meaning in Japanese tradition. 

20 Japanese Names That Mean Dragon For Girls

1.   Ryuko

• Kanji:  (龍子)
• Pronunciation: Ree-yu-koh
• Meaning: Dragon child
• Explanation: A powerful and mystical name symbolizing a child with the spirit of a dragon.

2.   Tatsuhi

• Kanji:  (竜姫)
• Pronunciation: Ta-tsu-hee
• Meaning: Dragon princess
• Explanation: Perfect for a regal and strong-willed girl, signifying a royal connection to dragons.

3.   Kairyu

• Kanji:  (海龍)
• Pronunciation: Kai-ryu
• Meaning: Sea dragon
• Explanation: Ideal for a girl with a free spirit, symbolizing the vast and untamed power of the sea dragon.

4.   Ryujin

• Kanji:   (龍神)
• Pronunciation: Ree-yu-jeen
• Meaning: Dragon god
• Explanation: A name reflecting divine qualities, suggesting a girl with a strong and spiritual nature.

5.   Tamaryu

• Kanji:  (玉龍)
• Pronunciation: Ta-ma-ryu
• Meaning: Jewel dragon
• Explanation: Conveys a sense of elegance and preciousness, representing a girl with a unique and valuable essence.

6.   Kokuryu

• Kanji:  (黒龍)
• Pronunciation: Ko-ku-ryu
• Meaning: Black dragon
• Explanation: Symbolizing mystery and strength, a fitting name for a girl with a dark and enigmatic presence.

7.   Hiryu

• Kanji:  (飛龍)
• Pronunciation: Hee-ryu
• Meaning: Flying dragon
• Explanation: Evoking a sense of freedom and adventure, perfect for a girl with a spirited and energetic personality.

8.   Enryu

• Kanji:  (炎龍)
• Pronunciation: En-ryu
• Meaning: Flame dragon
• Explanation: Represents a girl with a fiery and passionate spirit, embodying the intensity and warmth of a dragon’s flame.

9.   Yoruryu

• Kanji:   (夜龍)
• Pronunciation: Yo-ru-ryu
• Meaning: Night dragon
• Explanation: Conjures an image of mystery and beauty, suggesting a girl with a captivating and alluring presence, like the night.

10.   Chisayu

• Kanji:  (千尋龍)
• Pronunciation: Chi-sa-yu
• Meaning: A dragon with a thousand depths
• Explanation: Implies a girl with profound and multifaceted qualities, embodying the depth and complexity of a dragon’s nature.

11.   Mizuryu

• Kanji:   (水龍)
• Pronunciation: Mi-zu-ryu
• Meaning: Water dragon
• Explanation: Suits a girl with a calm and adaptable personality, reflecting the fluid and versatile nature of a water dragon.

12.   Kazuryu

• Kanji:   (風龍)
• Pronunciation: Ka-zu-ryu
• Meaning: Wind dragon
• Explanation: Ideal for a girl with a breezy and free-spirited demeanor, symbolizing the swift and dynamic qualities of a dragon in the wind.

13.   Soraryu

• Kanji:  (空龍)
• Pronunciation: So-ra-ryu
• Meaning: Sky dragon
• Explanation: Signifies a girl with lofty aspirations and a soaring spirit, capturing the essence of a dragon ruling the skies.

14.   Genryu

• Kanji:   (元龍)
• Pronunciation: Gen-ryu
• Meaning: Origin dragon
• Explanation: Conveys a sense of primal power and strength, perfect for a girl with a strong and foundational character.

15.   Yukiryu

• Kanji:   (雪龍)
• Pronunciation: Yu-ki-ryu
• Meaning: Snow dragon
• Explanation: Evokes a serene and magical atmosphere, suggesting a girl with a cool and graceful presence, like the gentle fall of snow.

16.   Kouryuu

• Kanji:   (光龍)
• Pronunciation: Ko-u-ryu
• Meaning: Light dragon
• Explanation: Represents a girl with a radiant and illuminating personality, embodying the positive and guiding qualities of light.

17.   Seiryu

• Kanji:   (青龍)
• Pronunciation: Sei-ryu
• Meaning: Blue-green dragon
• Explanation: Symbolizes calmness and balance, perfect for a girl with a serene and harmonious presence, like the soothing colors of a blue-green dragon.

18.   Shinryu

• Kanji:   (神龍)
• Pronunciation: Shin-ryu
• Meaning: Divine dragon
• Explanation: Implies a girl with a sacred and extraordinary nature, embodying the awe-inspiring qualities of a dragon with divine origins.

19.   Hakuryu

• Kanji:  (白龍)
• Pronunciation: Ha-ku-ryu
• Meaning: White dragon
• Explanation: Represents purity and elegance, suitable for a girl with a pristine and graceful demeanor, like the white dragon’s immaculate scales.

20.   Furyu

• Kanji:  (風流)
• Pronunciation: Fu-ryu
• Meaning: Elegant dragon
• Explanation: Ideal for a girl with refined and sophisticated qualities, embodying the grace and charm associated with a dragon of elegance.

20 Japanese Names That Mean Dragon For Boys

1.   Ryuji

• Kanji:   (龍二)
• Pronunciation: Roo-jee
• Meaning: Dragon child (second son)
• Explanation: A strong and straightforward name for a boy symbolizing the dragon’s power and lineage.

2.   Tatsuya

• Kanji:    (竜也)
• Pronunciation: Taht-soo-yah
• Meaning: Achieve like a dragon
• Explanation: Suggests determination and success, reflecting the ambitious nature associated with dragons.

3.   Kaida

• Kanji:   (海竜)
• Pronunciation: Kai-dah
• Meaning: Ocean dragon
• Explanation: A name representing strength and adaptability, like a dragon navigating the vastness of the ocean.

4.   Ryota

• Kanji:   (龍太)
• Pronunciation: Ree-oh-tah
• Meaning: Big dragon
• Explanation: Implies a boy with a strong and commanding presence, akin to a powerful dragon.

5.   Tamotsu

• Kanji:   (保龍)
• Pronunciation: Tah-moh-tsoo
• Meaning: Protecting dragon
• Explanation: Suits a boy with a caring and guardian-like personality, embodying the protective nature of a dragon.

6.   Kokuryo

• Kanji:   (黒龍夫)
• Pronunciation: Koh-koo-ryoh
• Meaning: Black dragon husband
• Explanation: A unique name conveying strength and mystery, suitable for a boy with a bold and enigmatic character.

7.   Hayato

• Kanji:   (疾龍)
• Pronunciation: Ha-ya-toh
• Meaning: Fast-flying dragon
• Explanation: Ideal for a boy with a dynamic and energetic nature, symbolizing speed and agility like a dragon in flight.

8.   Enshu

• Kanji:    (炎秀)
• Pronunciation: En-shoo
• Meaning: Flame excellence
• Explanation: Represents a boy with outstanding qualities, combining the intensity of flames with the excellence of a dragon.

9.   Yoruichi

• Kanji:   (夜一)
• Pronunciation: Yo-roo-ee-chee
• Meaning: Night one (dragon)
• Explanation: Conveys a sense of uniqueness and mystery, fitting for a boy with a captivating and elusive presence.

10.   Chiyu

• Kanji:   (千勇)
• Pronunciation: Chee-yoo
• Meaning: A thousand brave dragons
• Explanation: Implies courage and strength, suggesting a boy with the bravery and resilience of a thousand dragons.

11.   Mizuki

• Kanji:   (水輝)
• Pronunciation: Mee-zoo-kee
• Meaning: Shining water
• Explanation: Combines the brilliance of water with the dragon’s essence, suitable for a boy with a radiant and dynamic personality.

12.   Kazeo

• Kanji:   (風夫)
• Pronunciation: Kah-zay-oh
• Meaning: Wind husband (dragon)
• Explanation: Represents a boy with a free-spirited and independent nature, akin to the untamed qualities of a dragon in the wind.

13.   Sora

• Kanji:   (空)
• Pronunciation: Soh-rah
• Meaning: Sky
• Explanation: A simple and elegant name symbolizing openness and freedom, reminiscent of the vast sky where dragons soar.

14.   Genta

• Kanji:    (元太)
• Pronunciation: Gen-tah
• Meaning: Originating greatness
• Explanation: Conveys a sense of foundational strength and greatness, suitable for a boy with a powerful and original character.

15.   Yukio

• Kanji:   (雪夫)
• Pronunciation: Yoo-kee-oh
• Meaning: Snow husband (dragon)
• Explanation: A name evoking a calm and composed nature, similar to the serene presence of a dragon in a snow-covered landscape.

16.   Koki

• Kanji:   (光輝)
• Pronunciation: Koh-kee
• Meaning: Radiant light
• Explanation: Reflects a boy with a bright and shining personality, embodying the positive and illuminating qualities of a dragon.

17.   Seito

• Kanji:    (青斗)
• Pronunciation: Say-toh
• Meaning: Blue fight
• Explanation: Symbolizes determination and strength, perfect for a boy with a resilient and determined spirit, like a blue dragon in battle.

18.   Shinjiro

• Kanji:   (真次郎)
• Pronunciation: Shin-jee-roh
• Meaning: True second son (dragon)
• Explanation: Implies a boy with authentic and honorable qualities, embodying the characteristics of a dragon as the second son.

19.   Haku

• Kanji:   (白)
• Pronunciation: Hah-koo
• Meaning: White
• Explanation: A simple and pure name representing innocence and simplicity, like the pristine scales of a white dragon.

20.   Fujin

• Kanji:   (風刃)
• Pronunciation: Foo-jeen
• Meaning: Wind blade
• Explanation: Signifies a boy with a sharp and cutting-edge personality, combining the swift nature of wind with the fierceness of a dragon’s blade.

20 Gender Neutral Japanese Names That Mean Dragon

1.   Ryu

• Kanji:   (龍)
• Pronunciation: Roo
• Meaning: Dragon
• Explanation: A classic and versatile name suitable for anyone, symbolizing the strength and power associated with dragons.

2.   Kai

• Kanji:   (甲斐)
• Pronunciation: Kai
• Meaning: Worth, valor
• Explanation: A gender-neutral name suggesting courage and significance, reminiscent of the brave qualities of a dragon.

3.   Tamashii

• Kanji:   (魂龍)
• Pronunciation: Ta-ma-shee
• Meaning: Soul dragon
• Explanation: Evokes a sense of inner strength and spirit, making it a unique and meaningful name for anyone.

4.   Yutaka

• Kanji:    (豊龍)
• Pronunciation: Yoo-tah-kah
• Meaning: Abundant dragon
• Explanation: Represents prosperity and abundance, suitable for someone with a rich and fulfilling personality.

5.   Kazan

• Kanji:    (火山)
• Pronunciation: Kah-zahn
• Meaning: Volcano
• Explanation: A name associated with powerful and dynamic forces, like the eruptive nature of a dragon.

6.   Sora

• Kanji:   (蒼龍)
• Pronunciation: Soh-rah
• Meaning: Blue dragon
• Explanation: Symbolizes calmness and strength, fitting for anyone with a serene yet powerful presence.

7.   Haru

• Kanji:   (春)
• Pronunciation: Ha-roo
• Meaning: Spring
• Explanation: A name representing renewal and vitality, reminiscent of the rejuvenating qualities of a dragon.

8.   Kazuki

• Kanji:   (一輝)
• Pronunciation: Ka-zoo-kee
• Meaning: Shining one
• Explanation: Suggests a person with a radiant and bright personality, embodying the luminous qualities of a dragon.

9.   Ren

• Kanji:    (蓮)
• Pronunciation: Ren
• Meaning: Lotus
• Explanation: A name associated with purity and beauty, similar to the graceful presence of a dragon.

10.   Kiyoshi

• Kanji:    (清)
• Pronunciation: Kee-yoh-shee
• Meaning: Pure, clear
• Explanation: Represents a person with a clear and honest nature, akin to the transparent qualities of a dragon’s spirit.

11.   Saito

• Kanji:    (彩龍)
• Pronunciation: Sai-toh
• Meaning: Colorful dragon
• Explanation: Conveys a vibrant and dynamic personality, symbolizing the varied hues and qualities of a dragon.

12.   Kaito

• Kanji:   (海渡)
• Pronunciation: Kai-toh
• Meaning: Ocean crossing
• Explanation: Suggests a person with a courageous and adventurous spirit, much like a dragon navigating vast waters.

13.   Yujin

• Kanji:    (勇仁)
• Pronunciation: Yoo-jeen
• Meaning: Brave kindness
• Explanation: Combines bravery with compassion, reflecting the noble qualities associated with dragons.

14.   Ryoku

• Kanji:   (力龍)
• Pronunciation: Ryo-ku
• Meaning: Powerful dragon
• Explanation: Signifies strength and might, suitable for someone with a robust and influential presence.

15.   Hikari

• Kanji:   (光輝)
• Pronunciation: Hee-ka-ree
• Meaning: Radiant light
• Explanation: A name representing brilliance and positivity, embodying the illuminating qualities of a dragon’s light.

16.   Kaze

• Kanji:   (風)
• Pronunciation: Kah-zeh
• Meaning: Wind
• Explanation: Simple and evocative, symbolizing the free-spirited and dynamic nature of a dragon in the wind.

17.   Yuki

• Kanji:    (雪)
• Pronunciation: Yoo–kee
• Meaning: Snow
• Explanation: Captures the serene and pure essence associated with a dragon in a snow-covered landscape.

18.   Ayumu

• Kanji:   (歩夢)
• Pronunciation: Ah-yoo-moo
• Meaning: Walking dream
• Explanation: Suggests a person with a dreamy and imaginative spirit, like the fantastical nature of dragons.

19.   Kumo

• Kanji:    (雲)
• Pronunciation: Koo-mo
• Meaning: Cloud
• Explanation: A name associated with ethereality and freedom, reflecting the airy and elusive nature of dragons.

20.   Tenshi

• Kanji:   (天子)
• Pronunciation: Ten-shee
• Meaning: Heavenly child
• Explanation: Conveys a sense of divine and otherworldly qualities, suitable for someone with a celestial and majestic presence.

Frequently Asked Questions 

5 Ideas to Craft a Perfect Japanese Name that Means Dragon

• Look up the kanji symbols associated with “dragon” and words like “strong,” “brave,” or “soar” to build name meanings.
• Choose kira-kira names that phonetically sound like “dragon” – “Ryuu” and “Tatsu” are common examples.
• Pick names of legendary Japanese dragons like Kiyohime or Watatsumi to connect with folklore.
• Use names meaning “dragon child” or “dragon princess” like Ryuko and Tomoko.
• Incorporate other auspicious elements like water, the moon, or jade to complement the dragon imagery.

5 Reasons to Have a Japanese Name that Means Dragon

• Dragons represent admirable traits like courage, daring, and tenacity in Japanese culture.
• The dragon is one of the revered zodiac animals and a symbol of long life in Japan.
• Japanese dragon names have bold, distinctive phonetics that stand out.
• The dragon kanji itself is highly visual and makes a statement in writing.
• Names carrying dragon symbolism evoke the virtues and mythology of Japanese tradition.

Final Thoughts

Names can carry deep meaning that speak to a child’s essence and ancestry. In Japan, the dragon holds legendary status, conjuring wisdom, strength, and spiritual power. 

This collection of over 60 Japanese names for boys and girls beautifully encapsulates the dragon’s revered legacy. Some directly translate as “dragon” or “imperial dragon.” Others elegantly evoke dragon mythology and symbolism through ancient folklore and poetic kanji.

These lyrical names resonate with tradition and hope for the future. Their dragon spirit stirs the imagination. For parents seeking a culturally resonant name brimming with potency and spirit, one imbued with the dragon’s iconic vigor, these evocative Japanese names present rare and special choices. 

They capture commanding Eastern lore in syllables as delicate as a whisper. Their might simmers below the surface, waiting to be awakened in their legendary bearers.