Akira
- Meaning
- Meaning depends on the Japanese characters
- Origin
- Japanese
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What does Akira mean?
Akira means “Meaning depends on the Japanese characters”.
Akira is a Japanese given name that can be written with different characters. Brightness, clarity, and related ideas appear in some spellings, but the sound Akira alone does not establish one literal meaning. The written form is therefore an important part of the name’s story when a specific Japanese meaning matters.
Film director Akira Kurosawa is a recognizable bearer, while the manga and film Akira give the name a separate cultural association. Aki can work as a short form, though it is also an independent name. Families choosing Akira can consider both its three-syllable sound and the characters or personal connection they want the name to represent.
Nicknames & variations
Explore short forms, spellings, and related names.
Nicknames for Akira
Short forms for everyday use.
How popular is Akira?
United States · 2025Explore how often Akira is used and how its ranking has changed.
- US girls rank
- #983 2025 · #1 is most popular
- Girls named Akira
- 257 Recorded births in 2025
- Change in births
- 6.2% Fewer than 2024
Akira over time
United States · Girls
Recorded births
Hover or tap the chart, or move the slider. You can also use the keyboard arrow keys.
Yearly data & usage
Rankings are calculated separately for girls and boys. The summary highlights girls, the most common recorded usage in 2025. Use the chart’s usage selector to explore both categories.
| Year | Usage | US rank | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Boys | #2,539 | 52 |
| 2025 | Girls | #983 | 257 |
| 2024 | Boys | #2,504 | 54 |
| 2024 | Girls | #952 | 274 |
| 2023 | Boys | #2,660 | 49 |
| 2023 | Girls | #1,018 | 248 |
| 2022 | Boys | #2,830 | 45 |
| 2022 | Girls | #1,259 | 190 |
| 2021 | Boys | #2,864 | 43 |
| 2021 | Girls | #1,191 | 204 |
| 2020 | Boys | #2,689 | 46 |
| 2020 | Girls | #1,152 | 205 |
| 2019 | Boys | #3,641 | 30 |
| 2019 | Girls | #1,145 | 210 |
| 2018 | Boys | #2,711 | 45 |
| 2018 | Girls | #1,135 | 215 |
| 2017 | Boys | #4,108 | 25 |
| 2017 | Girls | #1,030 | 251 |
| 2016 | Boys | #4,202 | 24 |
| 2016 | Girls | #1,014 | 261 |
| 2015 | Boys | #3,299 | 34 |
| 2015 | Girls | #1,026 | 260 |
| 2014 | Boys | #3,154 | 35 |
| 2014 | Girls | #1,092 | 233 |
Years reflect available birth records. Missing records do not mean zero births.
Names like Akira
Explore the connection, then save your favorites to compare.
Noa
Unisex- Meaning
- Motion in Hebrew; other traditions differ
Shares an origin with Akira.
Asa
Unisex- Meaning
- Possibly healer in the Hebrew tradition
Shares an origin with Akira.
Rio
Unisex- Meaning
- River in Spanish and Portuguese; Japanese meanings vary
Shares an origin with Akira.
Akari
Unisex- Meaning
- Meaning depends on Japanese characters; often linked with light
Shares an origin with Akira.
Kairi
Unisex- Meaning
- Meaning depends on Japanese writing; sea is one association
Shares an origin with Akira.
Ren
Unisex- Meaning
- Lotus or love, depending on Japanese characters
Shares an origin with Akira.
Found a few you like?
Save them, then compare up to four names in your shortlist.