370+ Japanese Names with Dark Meanings For Boys and Girls

Names hold immense significance in every culture, often carrying a reflection of the culture’s history, values, and beliefs. In Japan, names are no exception, as they are chosen with meticulous care and thought.

While many Japanese names have beautiful and positive meanings, there is also a fascinating world of Japanese names with dark and mysterious connotations. In this blog post, we will delve into this enigmatic side of Japanese culture by exploring Japanese names with dark meanings.

Let’s dive in!

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Popular Japanese Names with Dark Meanings

Here are some popular Japanese names that have dark and scary meanings:

Akuma (悪魔) – Devil or Demon

The name Akuma is derived from the Japanese word for devil or demon, and it carries a dark and ominous connotation. While it may not be a common name for individuals, it is often used to describe malevolent supernatural entities in Japanese folklore. Despite its dark meaning, some people might find the name Akuma intriguing for its uniqueness and edginess.

Yami (闇) – Darkness

Yami is a name that directly translates to “darkness” in Japanese. It represents the absence of light and is often used metaphorically to symbolize the unknown or the mysterious. This name may appeal to those who appreciate the enigmatic and symbolic aspects of Japanese culture.

Yurei (幽霊) – Ghost or Spirit

Yurei, meaning “ghost” or “spirit,” is a name that carries a strong connection to the supernatural. In Japanese folklore, yurei are restless spirits of the deceased, often depicted as eerie and vengeful. Choosing Yurei as a name could reflect a fascination with the paranormal or a desire to embrace the mysterious.

Akumu (悪夢) – Nightmare

Akumu translates to “nightmare” in Japanese, evoking feelings of fear and unease. While it may not be a common given name, it could be chosen for its uniqueness and as a way to express one’s darker or more complex emotions.

Kuro (黒) – Black

Kuro simply means “black” in Japanese. While it may not have an inherently sinister meaning, black is often associated with darkness, mystery, and the unknown. This name could be chosen for its simplicity and the symbolism it carries.

Ayakashi (妖) – Supernatural Being

Ayakashi refers to supernatural beings or entities in Japanese mythology. These creatures are often mysterious and possess powers beyond human understanding. Choosing Ayakashi as a name might reflect a fascination with the supernatural or a desire to stand out with an unusual name.

Kage (影) – Shadow

Kage means “shadow” in Japanese and is often used metaphorically to describe something hidden or concealed. The name Kage can symbolize a person who is enigmatic and carries an air of mystery.

Onryo (怨霊) – Grudge Spirit

Onryo is a name associated with vengeful spirits in Japanese folklore. These spirits are said to be fueled by deep-seated grudges or unresolved grievances, seeking retribution on the living. Naming a character or child Onryo would convey a sense of vengeance and unresolved emotions.

Kageboushi (影法師) – Shadow Puppet

Kageboushi combines the words for “shadow” and “puppet.” It can evoke images of manipulation and hidden agendas, making it a name choice for those who enjoy the intrigue of the unknown.

Kurayami (暗闇) – Darkness

Similar to “Yami,” Kurayami means “darkness” but with a slightly different nuance. It can be chosen to reflect one’s affinity for the obscure and the mysteries concealed within the shadows.

Noroi (呪い) – Curse

Noroi translates to “curse” in Japanese. It signifies malevolent magic or supernatural hexes. This name might be favored by those who have an interest in the occult or a fascination with curses and superstitions.

Jigoku (地獄) – Hell

Jigoku means “hell” in Japanese. It is a name that carries a heavy and ominous weight. Choosing this name could symbolize a fascination with the afterlife or a connection to darker aspects of existence.

Best Japanese Names with Dark Meanings

Yurei (幽霊) – Ghost
Ankoku no inu (暗黒の犬) – Dark dog
Rengoku (煉獄) – Purgatory
Nekura (ネクラ) – Gloomy (ironic if associated with dark character)
Yūrei (幽霊) – Ghost
Akuro (悪炉) – Evil furnace
Kekkai (結界) – Barrier (can have dark connotations)
Yamiakui (闇喰い) – Darkness eater
Tsumi (罪) – Sin
Akuryo (悪霊) – Evil spirit
Kuroi (黒い) – Black
Inbō (陰謀) – Conspiracy
Shi (死) – Death
Kyōfu (恐怖) – Fear
Urami (怨み) – Resentment
Kanashimi (悲しみ) – Sadness
Maō (魔王) – Demon king
Maikuro (マイクロ) – Micro (ironic if associated with dark character)
Inku (陰駆) – Shadow runner
Yoru (夜) – Night
Namakura (怠け者) – Lazy person (ironic if associated with dark character)
Zankoku (残酷) – Cruelty
Yureizaki (幽霊咲き) – Ghostly bloom
Sennen (千年) – Thousand years (can have dark associations)
Yamiyo (闇夜) – Dark night
Kagami (鏡) – Mirror
Shikkoku (漆黒) – Jet black
Majo (魔女) – Witch
Shippū (疾風) – Gale (ironic if associated with dark character)
Uchū (宇宙) – Universe (can have dark connotations)
Mashin (魔神) – Demon god
Chimamire (血塗れ) – Bloodstained
Kurayami (暗闇) – Pitch darkness
Akuryō (悪霊) – Evil spirit
Kurushimi (苦しみ) – Suffering
Kurohige (黒髭) – Blackbeard
Yabureta (破れた) – Broken
Tsukuyomi (月読) – Moon god (associated with darkness)
Ayakashi (妖) – Monster
Yōkai (妖怪) – Supernatural being
Mayoi (迷い) – Confusion (can have dark undertones)
Shikabane (屍) – Corpse
Kurushimi (苦しみ) – Suffer
Kyōki (狂気) – Madness
Ankoku (暗黒) – Darkness
Akuma (悪魔) – Devil
Abakuro (暴黒) – Violent darkness
Yogensha (予言者) – Prophet
Togabito (刺客) – Assassin

Japanese Boy Names with Dark Meanings

Akira (暗) – Darkness
Akuma (悪魔) – Demon
Bakudan (爆弾) – Bomb (can have dark associations)
Kowai (怖い) – Scary
Kyuketsuki (吸血鬼) – Vampire
Kyomu (虚無) – Nihilism
Kyoshi (巨視) – Gigantism (ironic if associated with dark character)
Meikyu (迷宮) – Labyrinth (can have dark connotations)
Shinigami (死神) – Death god
Zenmetsu (全滅) – Annihilation
Oni (鬼) – Demon
Yabai (やばい) – Dangerous (ironic if associated with dark character)
Yūgure (夕暮れ) – Evening twilight
Damashi (騙し) – Deception
Kakusu (隠す) – To hide (can have dark connotations)
Kurotaka (黒鷹) – Black hawk
Urameshi (浦飯) – Sorrowful
Kyodaina (巨大な) – Giant (can have dark associations)
Jigoku (地獄) – Hell
Akuji (悪事) – Evil act
Kurogane (黒鋼) – Black steel
Kōrudo (コールド) – Cold
Yūsha (勇者) – Hero
Yōsha (妖蛇) – Serpent
Kagehoshi (影星) – Shadow star
Kōri (氷) – Ice
Kirameki (煌めき) – Sparkle
Kurokumo (黒雲) – Black cloud
Kuroyami (黒闇) – Black darkness

Japanese Girl Names Meaning Dark

Maika (魔女香) – Fragrance of a witch
Onryō (怨霊) – Vengeful spirit
Kurobara (黒薔薇) – Black rose
Kyūketsuki (吸血鬼) – Vampire
Kuroneko (黒猫) – Black cat
Kokuen (黒煙) – Black smoke
Kyokotsu (曲骨) – Twisted bone
Kyūshutsu (救出) – Rescue (ironic if associated with dark character)
Kuroko (黒子) – Dark child
Kokoro (心) – Dark heart
Kurai (暗い) – Gloomy
Ankoku (暗黒) – Dark void
Kiri (霧) – Mist
Kurohana (黒花) – Black flower
Yoruhi (夜日) – Dark sun
Kuragari (暗闇) – Darkness
Kageyami (影闇) – Shadow darkness
Yoruhime (夜姫) – Night princess
Kuronuma (黒沼) – Black swamp
Inko (陰子) – Dark child
Ankokubara (暗黒原) – Dark field
Yomidarku (読みダーク) – Dark reader
Kagehime (影姫) – Shadow princess
Yoruakuma (夜アクマ) – Night demon
Kumo (雲) – Cloud
Kurotsuki (黒月) – Black moon

Scary Japanese Names

Tsumibukaki (罪深き) – Sinful
Bakemono (化け物) – Ghost
Yami-onna (闇女) – Dark woman
Obake (お化け) – Goblin
Onryo (怨霊) – Vengeful ghost
Yurei (幽霊) – Spirit
Kaidan (怪談) – Ghost story
Yokai (妖怪) – Supernatural creature
Arachne (アラクネ) – Spider
Kuroyasha (黒夜叉) – Black demon
Muma (夢魔) – Nightmare demon
Ayamachi (過ち) – Mistake
Ayakashi (妖) – Magical creature
Kuchisake-onna (口裂け女) – Slit-mouthed woman
Gashadokuro (がしゃどくろ) – Giant skeleton
Onikuma (鬼熊) – Demon bear
Onibaba (鬼婆) – Demon hag
Jubokko (樹木子) – Vampire tree
Tengu (天狗) – Mountain goblin
Yomotsu-shikome (黄泉醜女) – Underworld hag
Nurarihyon (ぬらりひょん) – Shape-shifting yokai
Akaname (垢嘗) – Filth licker

Dark Japanese Last Names

Yamiuchi (闇討ち) – Assassination in the dark
Yamiya (闇夜) – Dark night
Kurotani (黒谷) – Black valley
Ankokuji (暗黒寺) – Dark temple
Kyōfuji (恐怖地) – Terrifying land
Onryōzu (怨霊図) – Vengeful spirit image
Kyōkotsu (狂骨) – Mad bone
Meikyoku (迷極) – Confused extreme
Kyōketsu (狂血) – Mad blood
Yonaki (夜泣き) – Night crying
Yorozuya (夜露坐) – Night dew sit
Kageyama (影山) – Shadow mountain
Kuroishi (黒石) – Black stone
Yogen (妖幻) – Bewitching illusion
Akumatsu (悪松) – Evil pine
Inazuma (稲妻) – Lightning
Mugen (無限) – Infinity
Yoruishi (夜石) – Night stone
Tsumetai (冷たい) – Cold
Utsuro (虚ろ) – Empty
Kurobane (黒羽) – Black feather
Kurogane (黒鉄) – Black Iron
Yoruhashi (夜橋) – Night Bridge
Ankokusha (暗黒者) – Dark One
Yamioka (闇岡) – Dark Hill
Makkuroshi (真っ黒し) – Pitch Black
Shikabanezuka (屍塚) – Corpse Mound
Bakemonoya (化物家) – Monster House
Kagegawa (影川) – Shadow River
Yomigaeru (蘇る) – Resurrect
Yami no tani (闇の谷) – Valley of Darkness
Akumuji (悪夢字) – Nightmare Character
Inugami (犬神) – Dog God
Ayakashi (妖) – Supernatural

Japanese names that start with “A” and may have dark meanings

Arashi (嵐) – Storm
Akuhime (悪姫) – Evil princess
Akaname (垢嘗) – Filth licker (a yokai)
Amikiri (網切り) – Net cutter (a yokai)
Aragami (荒神) – Wrathful god
Anju (暗寿) – Dark long life

Japanese names that start with “B” and may have dark meanings

Bakemono (化け物) – Monster
Batsu (罰) – Punishment
Bōrei (亡霊) – Ghost
Bōkensha (冒険者) – Adventurer
Bureikō (無礼講) – Lack of manners
Batsuichi (罰一) – First punishment
Bōryoku (暴力) – Violence
Bijin (美人) – Beautiful person (ironic if associated with dark character)
Būrei (墓霊) – Graveyard spirit
Buraddo (ブラッド) – Blood

Japanese names that start with “C” and may have dark meanings

Chinmoku (沈黙) – Silence
Chikushō (畜生) – Wretched
Chinurareta (血塗られた) – Bloodstained
Chikara (力) – Power (can have dark connotations)
Chijimu (縮む) – To shrink
Chiryou (治療) – Treatment (can have dark undertones in certain contexts)
Chishi (知死) – Knowledge of death
Chishio (血潮) – Blood
Chirizakura (散桜) – Scattered cherry blossoms
Chōjō (頂上) – Summit (ironic if associated with dark character)

Japanese names that start with “D” and may have dark meanings

Doku (毒) – Poison
Dāku (ダーク) – Dark
Danzai (断罪) – Condemnation
Densen (伝染) – Infection
Dēto (デート) – Date (ironic if associated with dark character)
Daburu (ダブル) – Double (ironic if associated with dark character)
Daibakuhatsu (大爆発) – Big explosion
Dōkutsu (洞窟) – Cave (can have dark connotations)

Japanese names that start with “E” and may have dark meanings

Eikoku (影国) – Shadow realm
Ekimae (駅前) – In front of the station (ironic if associated with dark character)
Eien (永遠) – Eternity
Eirei (英霊) – Heroic spirit (ironic if associated with dark character)
Eikyū (永久) – Perpetuity
Enjin (炎陣) – Ring of flames
Eikoku (英国) – England (ironic if associated with dark character)
Eirian (エイリアン) – Alien (ironic if associated with dark character)
Eiyū (英雄) – Hero (ironic if associated with dark character)

Japanese names that start with “F” and mean dark

Fukushū (復讐) – Revenge
Fukanzen (不完全) – Imperfect
Fuhai (不敗) – Invincible (ironic if associated with dark character)
Fumetsu (不滅) – Immortal (ironic if associated with dark character)
Fūin (封印) – Seal
Fūsoku (不足) – Insufficient
Fūtatsu (風達) – Wind
Fuyū (浮遊) – Levitation
Furimawasu (振り回す) – To manipulate
Fubuki (吹雪) – Blizzard

Japanese names that start with “G” and mean dark

Genwaku (幻惑) – Bewitchment
Genshi (原始) – Primitive
Gen’ei (幻影) – Phantom
Gokuraku (極楽) – Paradise (ironic if associated with dark character)
Gokurōsama (ご苦労様) – Thank you for your hard work (ironic if associated with dark character)
Gōka (豪華) – Luxurious (ironic if associated with dark character)
Gokiburi (ゴキブリ) – Cockroach (ironic if associated with dark character)
Gotsui (豪猪) – Wild boar (ironic if associated with dark character)
Gurimu (グリム) – Grim (as in Grim Reaper)
Gyōten (暁天) – Dawn

Japanese names that start with “H” and mean dark

Higeki (悲劇) – Tragedy
Hishoku (秘色) – Secret color
Hitei (否定) – Denial
Hitsugi (棺) – Coffin
Hokusai (北斎) – North studio (ironic if associated with dark character)
Horobi (滅び) – Destruction
Homura (焰) – Flame
Hōyō (葬儀) – Funeral

Japanese names that start with “I” and mean dark

Itai (痛い) – Painful
Ijiwaru (意地悪) – Mean-spirited
Ijime (いじめ) – Bullying
Ikari (怒り) – Anger
Inō (威能) – Authority
Ikiru (生きる) – To live (ironic if associated with dark character)
Isamashii (勇ましい) – Brave (ironic if associated with dark character)
Iyagarase (いやがらせ) – Harassment
Iyasareru (癒される) – To be healed (ironic if associated with dark character)

Japanese names that start with “J” and may have dark meanings

Jumon (呪文) – Spell or incantation
Jikoku (時刻) – Time
Jishin (自身) – Self
Jishitsu (実質) – Substance
Jūhō (銃砲) – Firearms (ironic if associated with dark character)
Junkan (巡察) – Inspection
Jōtai (状態) – State or condition
Jūnin (重任) – Heavy responsibility
Jikandesu (自己満足) – Self-satisfaction (ironic if associated with dark character)

Japanese names that start with “K” and may have dark meanings

Kuroi (黒い) – Dark or black
Kowai (怖い) – Scary or frightening
Kegare (汚れ) – Stain or impurity
Kiken (危険) – Danger
Kigai (奇怪) – Mysterious
Kudoku (苦毒) – Bitterness
Kowareru (壊れる) – To break
Kowasu (壊す) – To destroy
Kowakunai (怖くない) – Not scared (ironic if associated with dark character)

Japanese names that start with “L” that may have dark meanings

Larmes (ラルム) – Tears (ironic if associated with dark character)
Labyrinth (ラビリンス) – Labyrinth
Lumière (ルミエール) – Light (ironic if associated with dark character)
Lézard (レザード) – Lizard (ironic if associated with dark character)

Japanese names that start with “M” that may have dark meanings

Meiyo (冥王) – Dark ruler or king of the underworld
Makkura (真っ暗) – Pitch-black
Makai (魔界) – Demon world or underworld
Mōmoku (盲目) – Blindness
Mushi (虫) – Insect (ironic if associated with dark character)
Murasaki (紫) – Purple (ironic if associated with dark character)
Maigan (埋岩) – Buried rock

Japanese names that start with “N” that may have dark meanings

Noroi (呪い) – Curse
Naito (ナイト) – Night (ironic if associated with dark character)
Noyami (野闇) – Wilderness darkness
Nikushimi (憎しみ) – Hatred
Namida (涙) – Tears (ironic if associated with dark character)
Netsuryō (熱量) – Heat energy (ironic if associated with dark character)
Nurarihyon (ぬらりひょん) – A yokai that sneaks into homes
Nijimu (滲む) – To blur or spread (can have dark connotations)

Japanese names that start with “O” that may have dark meanings

Onryo (怨霊) – Vengeful spirit
Osore (恐れ) – Fear
Obake (お化け) – Ghost or monster
Oni (鬼) – Demon or ogre
Okashii (おかしい) – Strange or odd (ironic if associated with dark character)
Ochita (堕ちた) – Fallen
Oborozuki (朧月) – Hazy moon
Odayaka (穏やか) – Calm (ironic if associated with dark character)
Osanai (幼い) – Childish (ironic if associated with dark character)

Japanese names that start with “P” that may have dark meanings

Purizumu (プリズム) – Prism (ironic if associated with dark character)
Panikku (パニック) – Panic (ironic if associated with dark character)
Paranoia (パラノイア) – Paranoia
Purgatorio (プルガトリオ) – Purgatory
Punishment (パニッシュメント) – Punishment
Piero (ピエロ) – Clown (ironic if associated with dark character)
Paranormal (パラノーマル) – Paranormal
Purotekutā (プロテクター) – Protector (ironic if associated with dark character)

Japanese names that start with “R” that may have dark meanings

Rinne (輪廻) – Cycle of life, death, and rebirth (can have dark undertones)
Rakka (落下) – Falling (ironic if associated with dark character)
Rengō (連合) – Alliance (ironic if associated with dark character)
Reikon (霊魂) – Soul or spirit
Reijin (麗人) – Beautiful person (ironic if associated with dark character)
Rōnin (浪人) – Masterless samurai (can have dark connotations)
Ryūjin (竜神) – Dragon god (ironic if associated with dark character)

Japanese names that start with “S” that may have dark meanings

Shinigami (死神) – Death god or Grim Reaper
Shura (修羅) – Carnage or battlefield
Sabishii (寂しい) – Lonely or sad (ironic if associated with dark character)
Satsujin (殺人) – Murder
Shokuzai (贖罪) – Atonement
Samayou (彷徨う) – To wander (can have dark connotations)
Satsui (殺意) – Killing intent
Shikai (死界) – Realm of the dead
Shiokaze (潮風) – Salt breeze (ironic if associated with dark character)
Seppuku (切腹) – Ritual suicide (can have dark connotations)

Japanese names that start with “Y” that may have dark meanings

Yūutsu (憂鬱) – Melancholy
Yūsha (勇者) – Hero (ironic if associated with dark character)
Yurusarenai (許されない) – Unforgivable
Yōkai (妖怪) – Supernatural creature or monster
Yūgen (幽玄) – Profound or mysterious beauty
Yotōden (妖闘伝) – Tales of demon fights
Yōso (要素) – Element (can have dark undertones)

Japanese names that start with “Z” that may have dark meanings

Zetsubou (絶望) – Despair
Zangyaku (残虐) – Cruelty
Zettai (絶対) – Absolute (ironic if associated with dark character)
Zōka (増加) – Increase (ironic if associated with dark character)
Zatsuon (雑音) – Noise (can have dark connotations)
Zan’nen (残念) – Regrettable (ironic if associated with dark character)
Zekkyou (絶叫) – Scream
Zōmotsu (雑物) – Clutter (ironic if associated with dark character)
Zenshin (前進) – Advance (ironic if associated with dark character)

Conclusion

Japanese names are a window into the rich cultural tapestry of Japan. While most names carry positive and beautiful meanings, there are also names that delve into the darker, more mysterious aspects of life. Names like “Kuro,” “Yami,” and “Kurayami” may not be for everyone, but they serve as a reminder that Japanese culture, like any other, is multifaceted and rich in symbolism.

Choosing a name with a dark meaning may reflect a parent’s desire to embrace the complexities of life or simply appreciate the aesthetic appeal of these enigmatic words. In the end, what matters most is the love and care that parents provide to their children, regardless of the name they choose. Japanese names, whether dark or light in meaning, continue to captivate the world with their beauty and depth.

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