75 Best Japanese Names That Mean Dark
What is the meaning of darkness? Evil, Wickedness, Sadness, etc. It can have a negative impact. But Japanese people have a different perspective. Instead of just being scared, they find it profound and exciting.
The use of darkness in their art, culture, and stories interests them. They have been showing darkness for a very long time using different methods. One of their favorite methods is just to use dark-meaning names.
It shows strength, power, knowledge, and confidence. People find it mysterious and become curious about it. Below are some dark-meaning names for your child (Boys & Girls). It might be ditto to match your expectations and may build a mysterious character for your child.
40 Japanese Boys Names With Dark Meanings
Below are some mystical dark-themed names for your cute male child.
- Kagehiro
- Kanji (影宏)
- Meaning (Vast Shadow)
- Pronunciation (Kah-geh-hee-roh)
- A name that gives the vibe of a significant and mysterious character.
- Yamigumo
- Kanji (闇雲)
- Meaning (Dark Cloud)
- Pronunciation (Yah-mee-goo-moh)
- It signifies a picture of gloom and mystery.
- Yoruichi
- Kanji (夜)
- Meaning (Night)
- Pronunciation (Yoh-roo-ee-chi)
- It can evoke a sense of intrigue and darkness in a single word.
- Shunsui
- Kanji (俊水)
- Meaning (Deep Water)
- Pronunciation (Shoon-soo-ee)
- Deep water contains a lot of dark things and fears in it.
- Kurogane
- Kanji (黒鉄)
- Meaning (Black Iron)
- Pronunciation (Kuroh-gah-neh)
- It shows strength and durability with a sleek & timeless appearance.
- Yamihito
- Kanji (闇人)
- Meaning (Straightforward Person)
- Pronunciation (Yah-mee-hee-toh)
- It shows a character who talks without beating around the bush.
- Itsuki
- Kanji (逸月)
- Meaning (Moon in Darkness)
- Pronunciation (Ee-tsoo-ki)
- It creates a mysterious atmosphere around the people.
- Akihito
- Kanji (暗仁)
- Meaning (Dark Kindness)
- Pronunciation (Ah-ki-hee-toh)
- It shows a man who is well hidden in the dark.
- Takeru
- Kanji (猛流)
- Meaning (Intense Current)
- Pronunciation (Tah-keh-roo)
- It symbolizes the power within a man or character.
- Kageo
- Kanji (影雄)
- Meaning (Hero within a shadow)
- Pronunciation (Kah-geh-oh)
- It portrays a hero living in a shadow to protect all.
- Yasha
- Kanji (夜叉)
- Meaning (Demon of the Night)
- Pronunciation (Yah-shah)
- A Demon who feared the whole village to get out of home at night.
- Tsubura
- Kanji (弦)
- Meaning (Skilled Archer)
- Pronunciation (Tsoo-boo-rah)
- A skilled archer who operates within the shadow.
- Oni
- Kanji (鬼)
- Meaning (Demon)
- Pronunciation (Oh-ni)
- A bold name for a bold character.
- Yowane
- Kanji (夜羽)
- Meaning (Feather Night)
- Pronunciation (Yoh-wah-neh)
- It emphasizes the lightness and darkness in contrast.
- Shinku
- Kanji (深空)
- Meaning (Deep Sky)
- Pronunciation (Shin-koo)
- It means the vast and profound depths of the sky.
- Yami no Yaiba
- Kanji (闇の刃)
- Meaning (Blade of Darkness)
- Pronunciation (Yah-mee noh Yah-ee-bah)
- It describes a person who uses darkness as a weapon.
- Kenzan
- Kanji (剣山)
- Meaning (Sword of Mountain)
- Pronunciation (Ken-zahn)
- A name for a solid and imposing figure.
- Raizen
- Kanji (雷蔵)
- Meaning (Storehouse of a Thunder)
- Pronunciation (Rai-zen)
- It describes the hidden power of a storm.
- Tora
- Kanji (虎)
- Meaning (Tiger)
- Pronunciation (Torah)
- A powerful and brave animal who rules a jungle.
- Ryuichi
- Kanji (竜)
- Meaning (Dragon)
- Pronunciation (Ryuu-ee-chi)
- A majestic character shows power and curiosity.
- Kurohyou
- Kanji (黒豹)
- Meaning (Black Panther)
- Pronunciation (Kuroh-hyoh)
- An animal that is a sign of darkness, fear, and power.
- Yoruhiko
- Kanji (夜彦)
- Meaning (Prince of Night)
- Pronunciation (Yoh-roo-hee-koh)
- It describes a person who rules in shadow and night.
- Kagefuyu
- Kanji (影冬)
- Meaning (Shadow of Winter)
- Pronunciation (Kah-geh-foo-yu)
- It describes the nature and cruelty of cold and sizzling winter.
- Kasumi
- Kanji (鴉)
- Meaning (Crow)
- Pronunciation (Kah-soo-mi)
- Crows symbolize darkness and evil.
- Ayakashi
- Kanji (妖)
- Meaning (Monster)
- Pronunciation (Ah-yah-kah-shi)
- A name referencing supernatural and mythical creatures.
- Yoruichimon
- Kanji (夜一門)
- Meaning (Gate of Darkness)
- Pronunciation (Yoh-roo-ee-chi-mon)
- A Gate is the entrance to a dark world.
- Fugai
- Kanji (不ガイ)
- Meaning (Anti Hero)
- Pronunciation (Foo-gai)
- A Hero who has the abilities of a Villain.
- Yamigari no Ken
- Kanji (闇狩りの剣)
- Meaning (Sword for Darkness)
- Pronunciation (Yah-mee-gah-ri-no-ken)
- A sword used for hunting in dark places.
- Shinobi
- Kanji (忍歩)
- Meaning (To Endure)
- Pronunciation (Shi-no-bu)
- A name used in the popular anime “Naruto.”
- Arashi no Yoru
- Kanji (嵐の夜)
- Meaning (Chaos of Storm in Night)
- Pronunciation (Ah-rah-shi noh Yoh-roo)
- It describes the power and chaos of a storm at night.
- Kasumi no Tsubasa
- Kanji (霞の翼)
- Meaning (Misty Wing)
- Pronunciation (Kah-soo-mi-no-tsoo-bah-sah)
- Wings hidden within the mist suggest secrecy and mystery.
- Meifu no Kaze
- Kanji (冥府の風)
- Meaning (Underworld Wind)
- Pronunciation (Mei-foo-no-kah-zeh)
- A chilling wind from the underworld.
- Yami no Shisha
- Kanji (闇の使者)
- Meaning (Dark Messenger)
- Pronunciation (Yah-mee no Shi-sha)
- An enigmatic figure who delivers messages from the darkness.
- Yoru no Shinju
- Kanji (夜の真珠)
- Meaning (Night Pearl)
- Pronunciation (Yoh-roo no Shin-juu)
- It means a hidden treasure found in the darkness, symbolizing something precious and rare.
- Yami no Owari
- Kanji (闇の終わり)
- Meaning (Dark End)
- Pronunciation (Yah-mee no Oh-wah-ri)
- The potential end of darkness suggests a change or new beginning.
- Yamiōkami
- Kanji (闇狼)
- Meaning (Dark Wolf)
- Pronunciation (Yah-mee-oh-kah-mi)
- The wolf is a symbol of a wealthy and robust creature.
- Mukuro
- Kanji (骸)
- Meaning (Skeleton)
- Pronunciation (Moo-koo-roh)
- A stark but unique name representing the emptiness
- Itsuki no Kage
- Kanji (逸黒の影)
- Meaning (Extraordinary Black)
- Pronunciation (Ee-tsoo-kuroh no Kah-geh)
- It represents a mystical and unique presence.
- Kurogane no Ryu
- Kanji (黒鋼の竜)
- Meaning (Dragon of Steel)
- Pronunciation (Kuroh-gah-neh no Ryu)
- A mighty dragon made of steel.
- Kagemusha no Ryu
- Kanji (影武者竜)
- Meaning (Shadow Warrior)
- Pronunciation (Kah-geh-moo-sha no Ryu)
- A mighty warrior with the strength of a dragon.
25 Japanese Girl Names With Dark Meanings
Here are a few Japanese girl names that go beyond the sunshine and flowers. These names hold more profound meanings, hinting at secrets and inner strength.
- Tsukiyomihime
- Kanji (月読姫)
- Meaning (Moon Reading Princess)
- Pronunciation (Tsuki-yo-mi-hee-meh)
- It represents a girl with a noble birth and unique abilities.
- Hotaruga
- Kanji (蛍我)
- Meaning (My Firefly)
- Pronunciation (Ho-tah-roo-gah)
- It means a girl with gentle and dark behavior.
- Shinayaka
- Kanji (静夜)
- Meaning (Silent Night)
- Pronunciation (Shi-nah-yah-kah)
- A girl with a silent nature.
- Yumemi Hime
- Kanji (夢見姫)
- Meaning (Dream Seer Princess)
- Pronunciation (Yoo-meh-mi Hee-meh)
- A princess with the abilities of vivid imagination and connection to the unseen.
- Mayoi Tsubasa
- Kanji (迷い翼)
- Meaning (Lost Wings)
- Pronunciation (Mah-yo-ee Tsoo-bah-sah)
- It represents a girl on a journey of self-discovery.
- Kumorizora
- Kanji (曇り空)
- Meaning (Overcast Sky)
- Pronunciation (Koo-moh-ri-zoh-rah)
- A girl with hidden depths and emotions.
- Kako no Suzume
- Kanji (過去の雀)
- Meaning (Sparrow of the past)
- Pronunciation (Kah-koh no Soo-zu-meh)
- It evokes a sense of nostalgia and something out of reach.
- Yoru no Kagami no Miko
- Kanji (夜の鏡の巫女)
- Meaning (Priestess of the Night’s Mirror)
- Pronunciation (Yoh-roo no Kah-gah-mi no Mi-ko)
- It represents a girl who reflects on mysteries.
- Amegakure no Hana
- Kanji (雨隠れの華)
- Meaning (Flower Hidden by Rain)
- Pronunciation (Ah-meh-gah-koo-reh no Hah-nah)
- It means a girl who finds comfort in self-analysis.
- Kagehime
- Kanji (影姫)
- Meaning (Shadow Princess)
- Pronunciation (Kah-geh-hee-meh)
- A girl who rules in darkness and shadow.
- Yoru no Uta
- Kanji (夜の歌)
- Meaning (Night Song)
- Pronunciation (Yoh-roo no U-ta)
- A creative girl whose voice resonates in the dark.
- Yoru no Mayoi Neko
- Kanji (夜の迷い猫)
- Meaning (Lost cat of the night)
- Pronunciation (Yoh-roo no Mah-yo-ee Ne-ko)
- It suggests a girl with a sense of adventure and mystery.
- Yoru no Kumori
- Kanji (夜の曇り)
- Meaning (Night Clouds)
- Pronunciation (Yoh-roo no Koo-moh-ri)
- It suggests a girl with a complex personality.
- Kanashi
- Kanji (悲しい)
- Meaning (Sad)
- Pronunciation (Kan-a-si)
- It sounds very nice for girls.
- Shinobi no Hoshi
- Kanji (忍びの星)
- Meaning (Ninja Star)
- Pronunciation (Shi-no-bi no Hoh-shi)
- It makes sense of inner strength and wealth.
- Yoru no Koe
- Kanji (夜の声)
- Meaning (Voice of Night)
- Pronunciation (Yoh-roo no Koe)
- It sounds pretty nice if your child is introverted.
- Yami no Ishi
- Kanji (闇の石)
- Meaning (Stone of Darkness)
- Pronunciation (Yah-mi no Ishi)
- It represents a stone-hearted girl character.
- Akumu
- Kanji (悪夢)
- Meaning (Nightmare)
- Pronunciation (Ah-koo-moo)
- Your girl will be a nightmare to her enemies.
- Kurohana
- Kanji (黒花)
- Meaning (Black Flower)
- Pronunciation (Koo-roh-hah-nah)
- It’s a good sign for a selfish character.
- Kokuen
- Kanji (黒煙)
- Meaning (Black Smoke)
- Pronunciation (Koh-koo-ehn)
- It means extreme darkness and mysteriousness.
- Ayamachi
- Kanji (過ち)
- Meaning (Mistake)
- Pronunciation (Ah-yah-mah-chee)
- It’s quite a funny or unique name for your child.
- Kuroneko
- Kanji (黒猫)
- Meaning (Black Cat)
- Pronunciation (Koo-roh-neh-koh)
- You already know what it means.
- Kurozora
- Kanji (黒空)
- Meaning (Black Sky)
- Pronunciation (Koo-roh-zoh-rah)
- It is a symbol of loneliness and deep darkness.
- Akuryō
- Kanji (悪霊)
- Meaning (Evil Spirit)
- Pronunciation (Ah-koo-ryoh)
- This is perfect for those who love to take revenge.
- Uzumaki
- Kanji (渦巻き)
- Meaning (Whirlpool)
- Pronunciation (Oo-zoo-mah-kee)
- It can sink everything in it.
10 Unisex Japanese Names With Dark Meanings
Below is a list of names used for both male & female genders.
- Mugen
- Kanji (無限)
- Meaning (Infinity)
- Pronunciation (Moo-gen)
- Filled your child with infinite strength and power.
- Mayakashi
- Kanji (幻)
- Meaning (Illusion)
- Pronunciation (Mah-yah-kah-shee)
- Suitable for those who know manipulation and illusion.
- Yūrei
- Kanji (幽霊)
- Meaning (Ghost)
- Pronunciation (Yoo-ray)
- It’s a perfect name for a relaxed and mysterious character child.
- Kamen
- Kanji (仮面)
- Meaning (Mask)
- Pronunciation (Kah-men)
- The famous mask movie inspires it.
- Kah-men
- Kanji (幻視)
- Meaning (Hallucination)
- Pronunciation (Gehn-shee)
- It’s better for people who have a strong sixth sense.
- Yoroi
- Kanji (鎧)
- Meaning (Armor)
- Pronunciation (Yoh-roh-ee)
- It represents a character who has protecting abilities.
- Kowareta
- Kanji (壊れた)
- Meaning (Broken)
- Pronunciation (Koh-wah-reh-tah)
- Sometimes, a broken heart is more courageous than others.
- Shinigami
- Kanji (死神)
- Meaning (Death Note)
- Pronunciation (shee-nee-gah-mee)
- It is inspired by the famous anime “Death Note.”
- Rengoku
- Kanji (煉 獄)
- Meaning (Purgatory)
- Pronunciation (Ren-goh-koo)
- It means a place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are exploiting their sins before going to heaven.
- Anri Ritsu
- Kanji (黯 黎)
- Meaning (Gloomy Dawn)
- Pronunciation (Ahn-ree Ree-tsoo)
- Mixes dark colors of the night with soft morning light, showing change and new beginnings.
FAQ’s
What is the significance of Japanese names with dark connotations?
Japanese names with dark connotations often signify strength, mystery, and depth, offering a unique perspective on darkness distinct from Western cultures.
What themes do Japanese names with dark undertones commonly evoke?
Japanese names with dark undertones commonly evoke themes such as shadows, night, mystery, strength, and power.
Can you provide examples of Japanese names with dark themes for boys?
Examples of Japanese names with dark themes for boys include Kagehiro (meaning Vast Shadow), Yamigumo (meaning Dark Cloud), and Takeru (meaning Intense Current).
Are there any Japanese names with dark themes suitable for girls?
Yes, there are Japanese names with dark themes suitable for girls, such as Tsukiyomihime (meaning Moon Reading Princess), Yumemi Hime (meaning Dream Seer Princess), and Kurohana (meaning Black Flower).
Are there unisex Japanese names with dark meanings?
Yes, there are unisex Japanese names with dark meanings, such as Mugen (meaning Infinity), Mayakashi (meaning Illusion), and Rengoku (meaning Purgatory).