Looking for Japanese boy names that start with M? This list includes 350+ names, from popular choices like Minato, Makoto, and Masaru to traditional and unique options like Mizuhiko and Morito, with pronunciation, example kanji, and meanings.
The names are grouped by style to help you find the right fit.
Japanese names can have different meanings depending on the kanji used, so confirm your preferred spelling before making a final choice.
Confirm the exact kanji and reading with a fluent Japanese speaker before you register a name.
Quick Picks
| Japanese Boy Name | Japanese Writing | Pronunciation | Meaning | Style / Notes |
| Minato | 湊 | mee-nah-toh | Harbor | Modern, calm, and very popular |
| Makoto | 誠 | mah-koh-toh | Sincerity | Classic, with a quiet and honest feel |
| Mitsuki | 光希 | mee-tsoo-kee | Light + hope | Bright and cheerful |
| Masaru | 勝 | mah-sah-roo | Victory | Short and strong |
| Minoru | 実 | mee-noh-roo | Fruit, truth | Grounded and timeless |
| Manabu | 学 | mah-nah-boo | Learn | Ideal for a curious little one |
| Mizuki | 瑞希 | mee-zoo-kee | Auspicious + hope | Soft and gentle; also used for girls |
| Mamoru | 守 | mah-moh-roo | Protect | A name that feels like a promise |
| Masaki | 正樹 | mah-sah-kee | Correct + tree | Steady and well-rooted |
| Momotaro | 桃太郎 | moh-moh-tah-roh | Peach boy | Playful name from a beloved Japanese folktale |
Popular & Modern Japanese Boy Names That Start With M
These names feel fresh and current while still rooted in Japanese naming tradition. If you want something that fits a modern childhood, start here.
| Name | Pronunciation | Kanji | Meaning |
| Minato | mee-nah-toh | 湊 | Harbor, port |
| Mahiro | mah-hee-roh | 真広 | Truth + wide, vast |
| Mitsuki | mee-tsoo-kee | 光希 | Light + hope |
| Manato | mah-nah-toh | 愛翔 | Love + soar |
| Masaki | mah-sah-kee | 正樹 | Correct, just + tree |
| Mizuki | mee-zoo-kee | 瑞希 | Auspicious + hope |
| Mirai | mee-rah-ee | 未来 | Future |
| Mikoto | mee-koh-toh | 尊 | Noble, revered |
| Mitsuru | mee-tsoo-roo | 満 | Full, satisfied |
| Masato | mah-sah-toh | 真人 | Truth + person |
| Manabu | mah-nah-boo | 学 | Learn, study |
| Mutsuki | moo-tsoo-kee | 睦月 | Harmony + moon (the old name for January) |
| Mio | mee-oh | 澪 | Waterway, channel |
| Minori | mee-noh-ree | 稔 | Ripen, harvest |
| Mahito | mah-hee-toh | 真仁 | Truth + benevolence |
| Masaya | mah-sah-yah | 雅也 | Elegant + indeed |
| Mikito | mee-kee-toh | 幹人 | Trunk, strength + person |
| Mizuto | mee-zoo-toh | 瑞斗 | Auspicious + dipper |
| Maki | mah-kee | 真樹 | Truth + tree |
| Mao | mah-oh | 真央 | Truth + center |
| Meguru | meh-goo-roo | 巡 | Go around, circulate |
| Michi | mee-chee | 道 | Path, way |
| Motoki | moh-toh-kee | 基樹 | Foundation + tree |
| Mashiro | mah-shee-roh | 真白 | Pure white |
| Miyabi | mee-yah-bee | 雅 | Elegance, refinement |
| Mikiya | mee-kee-yah | 幹也 | Trunk, strength + indeed |
| Masahiro | mah-sah-hee-roh | 正宏 | Correct + vast |
Mizuki, Mao, Mashiro,, and Mio are also used for girls in Japan, making them a lovely pick if you like a softer, less gendered feel.
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Traditional & Classic Japanese Boy Names Starting With M
Timeless, dignified, and deeply familiar in Japan. These names have been loved across generations, and many have a calm, grounded sound.
| Name | Pronunciation | Kanji | Meaning |
| Makoto | mah-koh-toh | 誠 | Sincerity, honesty |
| Minoru | mee-noh-roo | 実 | Fruit, reality, truth |
| Mamoru | mah-moh-roo | 守 | Protect, guard |
| Michio | mee-chee-oh | 道雄 | Path + hero |
| Mikio | mee-kee-oh | 幹夫 | Trunk + man |
| Mitsuo | mee-tsoo-oh | 光男 | Light + man |
| Mutsuo | moo-tsoo-oh | 睦夫 | Harmony + man |
| Matsuo | mah-tsoo-oh | 松雄 | Pine + hero |
| Matsutaro | mah-tsoo-tah-roh | 松太郎 | Pine + great + son |
| Mokichi | moh-kee-chee | 茂吉 | Flourishing + good fortune |
| Mineo | mee-neh-oh | 峰雄 | Peak + hero |
| Mitsuji | mee-tsoo-jee | 光二 | Light + second |
| Matajiro | mah-tah-jee-roh | 又次郎 | Again + next + son |
| Mansaku | mahn-sah-koo | 万作 | Ten thousand + create |
| Manzo | mahn-zoh | 万蔵 | Ten thousand + storehouse |
| Masuo | mah-soo-oh | 益夫 | Benefit + man |
| Mototaro | moh-toh-tah-roh | 元太郎 | Origin + great + son |
| Motoo | moh-toh-oh | 基夫 | Foundation + man |
| Mitsutaro | mee-tsoo-tah-roh | 光太郎 | Light + great + son |
| Morio | moh-ree-oh | 守男 | Protect + man |
| Moriyuki | moh-ree-yoo-kee | 守幸 | Protect + happiness |
| Mataichi | mah-tah-ee-chee | 又一 | Again + one |
| Manjiro | mahn-jee-roh | 万次郎 | Ten thousand + next + son |
| Mutsuhiro | moo-tsoo-hee-roh | 睦宏 | Harmony + vast |
| Mutsuhito | moo-tsoo-hee-toh | 睦仁 | Harmony + benevolence |
| Matsuhiro | mah-tsoo-hee-roh | 松広 | Pine + wide |
| Matsuya | mah-tsoo-yah | 松也 | Pine + indeed |
| Maruo | mah-roo-oh | 丸男 | Round + man |
| Matsuji | mah-tsoo-jee | 松二 | Pine + second |
| Matsunosuke | mah-tsoo-noh-soo-keh | 松之助 | Pine + of + help |
| Mitsunosuke | mee-tsoo-noh-soo-keh | 光之助 | Light + of + help |
| Morisuke | moh-ree-soo-keh | 守介 | Protect + mediate, help |
| Mototsugu | moh-toh-tsoo-goo | 元嗣 | Origin + successor |
| Mansuke | mahn-soo-keh | 万助 | Ten thousand + help |
| Masuji | mah-soo-jee | 益二 | Benefit + second |
Endings like -o (male), -taro (eldest or great son), and -suke (helper) are classic markers of traditional Japanese boy names.
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Strong & Brave Japanese Boy Names That Start With M
Courage, loyalty, victory, and protection run through these names. Several are linked to well-known figures from Japanese history, which is part of why families still choose them for their dignified feel.
| Name | Pronunciation | Kanji | Meaning |
| Masaru | mah-sah-roo | 勝 | Victory, excel |
| Masamune | mah-sah-moo-neh | 正宗 | Correct + lineage |
| Musashi | moo-sah-shee | 武蔵 | Martial + storehouse |
| Mitsunari | mee-tsoo-nah-ree | 三成 | Three + achieve |
| Moritaka | moh-ree-tah-kah | 守隆 | Protect + noble |
| Muneshige | moo-neh-shee-geh | 宗茂 | Lineage + flourishing |
| Motonari | moh-toh-nah-ree | 元就 | Origin + accomplish |
| Masashige | mah-sah-shee-geh | 正成 | Correct + become |
| Mitsuhide | mee-tsoo-hee-deh | 光秀 | Light + excellent |
| Mototada | moh-toh-tah-dah | 元忠 | Origin + loyalty |
| Munehisa | moo-neh-hee-sah | 宗久 | Lineage + enduring |
| Morimasa | moh-ree-mah-sah | 守政 | Protect + govern |
| Moriyoshi | moh-ree-yoh-shee | 守義 | Protect + righteousness |
| Masakado | mah-sah-kah-doh | 将門 | Leader + gate |
| Masakatsu | mah-sah-kah-tsoo | 正勝 | Correct + victory |
| Munekatsu | moo-neh-kah-tsoo | 宗勝 | Lineage + victory |
| Masatora | mah-sah-toh-rah | 将虎 | Leader + tiger |
| Munenaga | moo-neh-nah-gah | 宗長 | Lineage + chief |
| Muneyoshi | moo-neh-yoh-shee | 宗義 | Lineage + righteousness |
| Morihisa | moh-ree-hee-sah | 盛久 | Prosperous + long-lasting |
| Morinaga | moh-ree-nah-gah | 盛長 | Prosperous + long |
| Moritsuna | moh-ree-tsoo-nah | 守綱 | Protect + rope, bond |
| Munemori | moo-neh-moh-ree | 宗盛 | Lineage + prosperous |
| Mitsumori | mee-tsoo-moh-ree | 光盛 | Light + prosperous |
| Mitsunaga | mee-tsoo-nah-gah | 光長 | Light + long |
| Motochika | moh-toh-chee-kah | 元親 | Origin + kinship |
| Masanao | mah-sah-nah-oh | 正直 | Correct + honest |
| Mitsukuni | mee-tsoo-koo-nee | 光圀 | Light + country |
| Munenori | moo-neh-noh-ree | 宗則 | Lineage + rule |
| Moriharu | moh-ree-hah-roo | 守治 | Protect + govern, peace |
If you want a strong meaning with an easy sound, Masaru (victory) and Mamoru (protect, in the classic list above) are the simplest places to begin.
Nature-Inspired Japanese Boy Names Starting With M
Pine trees, mountain peaks, forests, water, and spring all appear in Japanese names. These are perfect if you want a name that feels calm and connected to the outdoors.
| Name | Pronunciation | Kanji | Meaning |
| Mizuho | mee-zoo-hoh | 瑞穂 | Auspicious + ear of rice |
| Mori | moh-ree | 森 | Forest |
| Mine | mee-neh | 峰 | Mountain peak |
| Matsu | mah-tsoo | 松 | Pine tree |
| Mugi | moo-gee | 麦 | Wheat, barley |
| Mikazuki | mee-kah-zoo-kee | 三日月 | Crescent moon |
| Momotaro | moh-moh-tah-roh | 桃太郎 | Peach + great + son (folk hero “Peach Boy”) |
| Mizuhiko | mee-zoo-hee-koh | 水彦 | Water + boy |
| Matsuki | mah-tsoo-kee | 松樹 | Pine + tree |
| Moriki | moh-ree-kee | 森樹 | Forest + tree |
| Morito | moh-ree-toh | 森人 | Forest + person |
| Minehiko | mee-neh-hee-koh | 峰彦 | Peak + boy |
| Michiharu | mee-chee-hah-roo | 道春 | Path + spring |
| Mitsuharu | mee-tsoo-hah-roo | 光春 | Light + spring |
| Matsuhiko | mah-tsoo-hee-koh | 松彦 | Pine + boy |
| Mizuo | mee-zoo-oh | 水雄 | Water + hero |
| Mizuhiro | mee-zoo-hee-roh | 瑞広 | Auspicious + wide |
| Mizuaki | mee-zoo-ah-kee | 瑞明 | Auspicious + bright |
| Mizuya | mee-zoo-yah | 瑞也 | Auspicious + indeed |
| Mizuma | mee-zoo-mah | 水真 | Water + truth |
| Minekazu | mee-neh-kah-zoo | 峰和 | Peak + harmony |
| Mineyuki | mee-neh-yoo-kee | 峰幸 | Peak + happiness |
| Mikiharu | mee-kee-hah-roo | 幹春 | Trunk + spring |
| Miyuki | mee-yoo-kee | 深雪 | Deep + snow |
| Morihiko | moh-ree-hee-koh | 森彦 | Forest + boy |
| Moriaki | moh-ree-ah-kee | 森昭 | Forest + bright |
| Mineaki | mee-neh-ah-kee | 峰明 | Peak + bright |
| Minetoshi | mee-neh-toh-shee | 峰俊 | Peak + talented |
| Mizuharu | mee-zoo-hah-roo | 瑞春 | Auspicious + spring |
| Matsukichi | mah-tsoo-kee-chee | 松吉 | Pine + good fortune |
| Matsugoro | mah-tsoo-goh-roh | 松五郎 | Pine + five + son |
| Morimichi | moh-ree-mee-chee | 森道 | Forest + path |
| Minehisa | mee-neh-hee-sah | 峰久 | Peak + enduring |
In Japanese culture, the pine (matsu) is a symbol of longevity and resilience, which is why it appears in so many names.
Short & Easy-to-Pronounce Japanese Boy Names Starting With M
Short names are easy to say at home, at school, and across languages. Each of these is only one to three syllables long.
| Name | Pronunciation | Kanji | Meaning |
| Mei | may | 明 | Bright (unisex) |
| Mitsu | mee-tsoo | 光 | Light |
| Masa | mah-sah | 正 | Correct, just |
| Maru | mah-roo | 丸 | Round, circle |
| Moto | moh-toh | 元 | Origin, beginning |
| Mutsu | moo-tsoo | 睦 | Harmony, friendly |
| Miki | mee-kee | 幹 | Tree trunk, strength |
| Masu | mah-soo | 益 | Benefit, gain |
| Monta | mohn-tah | 門太 | Gate + great |
| Muku | moo-koo | 椋 | Muku tree (Japanese hackberry) |
| Meito | may-toh | 明人 | Bright + person |
| Mizu | mee-zoo | 瑞 | Auspicious |
| Manta | mahn-tah | 万太 | Ten thousand + great |
| Motoi | moh-toh-ee | 基 | Foundation |
| Maro | mah-roh | 麿 | Classic name element, endearing and old-fashioned |
| Mutsumi | moo-tsoo-mee | 睦 | Harmony, friendliness (unisex) |
Japanese syllables are pronounced evenly, so a name like Mitsu is simply two equal beats: mee-tsoo.
Japanese Boy Names Starting With Masa-
Masa is one of the most common name openings in Japan. It usually carries the meaning of “correct” or “just” (正), or “elegant” (雅), and pairs with many other characters to make a full name.
| Name | Pronunciation | Kanji | Meaning |
| Masao | mah-sah-oh | 正雄 | Correct + hero |
| Masashi | mah-sah-shee | 正志 | Correct + will, aspiration |
| Masayuki | mah-sah-yoo-kee | 正幸 | Correct + happiness |
| Masakazu | mah-sah-kah-zoo | 正和 | Correct + harmony |
| Masanori | mah-sah-noh-ree | 正則 | Correct + rule |
| Masataka | mah-sah-tah-kah | 正孝 | Correct + filial piety |
| Masatoshi | mah-sah-toh-shee | 正敏 | Correct + quick-witted |
| Masamichi | mah-sah-mee-chee | 正道 | Correct + path |
| Masafumi | mah-sah-foo-mee | 雅文 | Elegant + literature |
| Masahiko | mah-sah-hee-koh | 正彦 | Correct + boy |
| Masaharu | mah-sah-hah-roo | 正晴 | Correct + clear weather |
| Masamitsu | mah-sah-mee-tsoo | 正光 | Correct + light |
| Masanobu | mah-sah-noh-boo | 正信 | Correct + trust |
| Masayoshi | mah-sah-yoh-shee | 正義 | Correct + righteousness |
| Masatsugu | mah-sah-tsoo-goo | 正嗣 | Correct + successor |
| Masateru | mah-sah-teh-roo | 正輝 | Correct + brilliance |
| Masayasu | mah-sah-yah-soo | 正康 | Correct + health, peace |
| Masatake | mah-sah-tah-keh | 正武 | Correct + martial |
| Masahito | mah-sah-hee-toh | 雅人 | Elegant + person |
| Masaomi | mah-sah-oh-mee | 正臣 | Correct + retainer |
| Masahide | mah-sah-hee-deh | 雅秀 | Elegant + excellent |
| Masahisa | mah-sah-hee-sah | 正久 | Correct + enduring |
| Masakuni | mah-sah-koo-nee | 正国 | Correct + country |
| Masanari | mah-sah-nah-ree | 雅成 | Elegant + become |
| Masatsune | mah-sah-tsoo-neh | 正常 | Correct + constant |
| Masazumi | mah-sah-zoo-mee | 正澄 | Correct + clear |
| Masaichi | mah-sah-ee-chee | 正一 | Correct + one |
| Masajiro | mah-sah-jee-roh | 正二郎 | Correct + second + son |
| Masataro | mah-sah-tah-roh | 正太郎 | Correct + great + son |
| Masakichi | mah-sah-kee-chee | 正吉 | Correct + good fortune |
| Masatada | mah-sah-tah-dah | 正忠 | Correct + loyalty |
| Masatomo | mah-sah-toh-moh | 正友 | Correct + friend |
| Masamoto | mah-sah-moh-toh | 正基 | Correct + foundation |
| Masamori | mah-sah-moh-ree | 正守 | Correct + protect |
| Masanosuke | mah-sah-noh-soo-keh | 正之助 | Correct + of + help |
| Masaaki | mah-sah-ah-kee | 正明 | Correct + bright |
| Masakiyo | mah-sah-kee-yoh | 正清 | Correct + pure |
| Masatoki | mah-sah-toh-kee | 正時 | Correct + time |
More Masa- names appear in the sections for popular, strong, and historical names: Masaki, Masato, Masaya, Masahiro, Masaru, and Masamune, among them.
Japanese Boy Names Starting With Mi-
From the path-themed Michi- names to the light-filled Mitsu- names, the Mi- family is full of warm, hopeful meanings.
| Name | Pronunciation | Kanji | Meaning |
| Michihiro | mee-chee-hee-roh | 道弘 | Path + wide |
| Michiaki | mee-chee-ah-kee | 道明 | Path + bright |
| Michitaka | mee-chee-tah-kah | 道隆 | Path + noble |
| Michiya | mee-chee-yah | 道也 | Path + indeed |
| Michikazu | mee-chee-kah-zoo | 道和 | Path + harmony |
| Michinori | mee-chee-noh-ree | 道則 | Path + rule |
| Michiyuki | mee-chee-yoo-kee | 道行 | Path + go |
| Michimasa | mee-chee-mah-sah | 道正 | Path + correct |
| Michitoshi | mee-chee-toh-shee | 道俊 | Path + talented |
| Michinobu | mee-chee-noh-boo | 道信 | Path + trust |
| Michitsugu | mee-chee-tsoo-goo | 道嗣 | Path + successor |
| Michizo | mee-chee-zoh | 道三 | Path + three |
| Mikihiro | mee-kee-hee-roh | 幹弘 | Trunk + wide |
| Mikihisa | mee-kee-hee-sah | 幹久 | Trunk + enduring |
| Mikihito | mee-kee-hee-toh | 幹仁 | Trunk + benevolence |
| Mikinori | mee-kee-noh-ree | 幹典 | Trunk + code, ceremony |
| Mikihiko | mee-kee-hee-koh | 幹彦 | Trunk + boy |
| Mikijiro | mee-kee-jee-roh | 幹次郎 | Trunk + next + son |
| Mitsuhiro | mee-tsoo-hee-roh | 光弘 | Light + wide |
| Mitsuaki | mee-tsoo-ah-kee | 光明 | Light + bright |
| Mitsuyoshi | mee-tsoo-yoh-shee | 光義 | Light + righteousness |
| Mitsunori | mee-tsoo-noh-ree | 光則 | Light + rule |
| Mitsutoshi | mee-tsoo-toh-shee | 光敏 | Light + quick-witted |
| Mitsuteru | mee-tsoo-teh-roo | 光輝 | Light + brilliance |
| Mitsuya | mee-tsoo-yah | 光也 | Light + indeed |
| Mitsuhiko | mee-tsoo-hee-koh | 光彦 | Light + boy |
| Mitsumasa | mee-tsoo-mah-sah | 光正 | Light + correct |
| Mitsuyasu | mee-tsoo-yah-soo | 光康 | Light + health, peace |
| Mitsunobu | mee-tsoo-noh-boo | 光信 | Light + trust |
| Mitsuhisa | mee-tsoo-hee-sah | 光久 | Light + enduring |
| Mitsutaka | mee-tsoo-tah-kah | 光隆 | Light + noble |
| Mitsuhito | mee-tsoo-hee-toh | 光仁 | Light + benevolence |
| Mitsukazu | mee-tsoo-kah-zoo | 光和 | Light + harmony |
| Mitsuomi | mee-tsoo-oh-mee | 光臣 | Light + retainer |
| Mitsuzo | mee-tsoo-zoh | 光三 | Light + three |
| Misao | mee-sah-oh | 操 | Fidelity, integrity (unisex) |
Michi (道) means “path” and Mitsu (光) means “light”, two of the most hopeful beginnings you can give a name.
Japanese Boy Names Starting With Mu-, Me- & Mo-
A good section for families who want something a little less common. The Mu- names often use 宗 (lineage), the Mo- names use 元 (origin) or 守 (protect), and the Me- names are bright and short.
| Name | Pronunciation | Kanji | Meaning |
| Munehiro | moo-neh-hee-roh | 宗弘 | Lineage + wide |
| Muneo | moo-neh-oh | 宗雄 | Lineage + hero |
| Munetaka | moo-neh-tah-kah | 宗孝 | Lineage + filial piety |
| Munemasa | moo-neh-mah-sah | 宗正 | Lineage + correct |
| Munetoshi | moo-neh-toh-shee | 宗俊 | Lineage + talented |
| Munekazu | moo-neh-kah-zoo | 宗和 | Lineage + harmony |
| Munemitsu | moo-neh-mee-tsoo | 宗光 | Lineage + light |
| Munenobu | moo-neh-noh-boo | 宗信 | Lineage + trust |
| Munechika | moo-neh-chee-kah | 宗親 | Lineage + kinship |
| Munehiko | moo-neh-hee-koh | 宗彦 | Lineage + boy |
| Muneaki | moo-neh-ah-kee | 宗明 | Lineage + bright |
| Muneyuki | moo-neh-yoo-kee | 宗幸 | Lineage + happiness |
| Munesuke | moo-neh-soo-keh | 宗助 | Lineage + help |
| Munekiyo | moo-neh-kee-yoh | 宗清 | Lineage + pure |
| Mutsunori | moo-tsoo-noh-ree | 睦則 | Harmony + rule |
| Mutsuyoshi | moo-tsoo-yoh-shee | 睦義 | Harmony + righteousness |
| Mutsuaki | moo-tsoo-ah-kee | 睦明 | Harmony + bright |
| Munetsugu | moo-neh-tsoo-goo | 宗嗣 | Lineage + successor |
| Meiji | may-jee | 明治 | Bright + govern, peace |
| Meisei | may-say | 明星 | Bright + star |
| Megumu | meh-goo-moo | 恵 | Bless, blessing |
| Meiki | may-kee | 明樹 | Bright + tree |
| Motoharu | moh-toh-hah-roo | 元春 | Origin + spring |
| Motoaki | moh-toh-ah-kee | 元明 | Origin + bright |
| Motohiro | moh-toh-hee-roh | 基広 | Foundation + wide |
| Motonori | moh-toh-noh-ree | 基則 | Foundation + rule |
| Motoyuki | moh-toh-yoo-kee | 元幸 | Origin + happiness |
| Motoya | moh-toh-yah | 元也 | Origin + indeed |
| Motomu | moh-toh-moo | 求 | Seek, desire |
| Motosuke | moh-toh-soo-keh | 元助 | Origin + help |
| Motohisa | moh-toh-hee-sah | 元久 | Origin + enduring |
| Motokazu | moh-toh-kah-zoo | 元和 | Origin + harmony |
| Morihiro | moh-ree-hee-roh | 守弘 | Protect + wide |
| Morikazu | moh-ree-kah-zoo | 守和 | Protect + harmony |
| Morikuni | moh-ree-koo-nee | 守国 | Protect + country |
| Morihei | moh-ree-hay | 守平 | Protect + peace |
| Moritoshi | moh-ree-toh-shee | 守俊 | Protect + talented |
| Moriyasu | moh-ree-yah-soo | 守康 | Protect + health, peace |
| Moritake | moh-ree-tah-keh | 守武 | Protect + martial |
| Morimitsu | moh-ree-mee-tsoo | 守光 | Protect + light |
| Morihide | moh-ree-hee-deh | 守秀 | Protect + excellent |
| Motohide | moh-toh-hee-deh | 元秀 | Origin + excellent |
| Motoshige | moh-toh-shee-geh | 元重 | Origin + important |
Meiji is best known as the name of a historical era, so some families prefer to choose a different reading or spelling for a given name.
Japanese Boy Names Starting With Ma- & Mat-
Gentle Ma- names built on truth (真), pasture (牧), and pine (松). Many of these will feel new to international readers while still being easy to say.
| Name | Pronunciation | Kanji | Meaning |
| Mantaro | mahn-tah-roh | 万太郎 | Ten thousand + great + son |
| Manpei | mahn-pay | 万平 | Ten thousand + peace |
| Makio | mah-kee-oh | 牧雄 | Pasture + hero |
| Makiya | mah-kee-yah | 牧也 | Pasture + indeed |
| Makihiko | mah-kee-hee-koh | 牧彦 | Pasture + boy |
| Matsuhisa | mah-tsoo-hee-sah | 松久 | Pine + enduring |
| Matsukazu | mah-tsoo-kah-zoo | 松和 | Pine + harmony |
| Matsutoshi | mah-tsoo-toh-shee | 松俊 | Pine + talented |
| Matsuyoshi | mah-tsoo-yoh-shee | 松義 | Pine + righteousness |
| Matsushige | mah-tsoo-shee-geh | 松重 | Pine + important |
| Matsunori | mah-tsoo-noh-ree | 松則 | Pine + rule |
| Matsuzo | mah-tsoo-zoh | 松蔵 | Pine + storehouse |
| Matahiko | mah-tah-hee-koh | 又彦 | Again + boy |
| Matashiro | mah-tah-shee-roh | 又四郎 | Again + four + son |
| Matazo | mah-tah-zoh | 又三 | Again + three |
| Mahiko | mah-hee-koh | 真彦 | Truth + boy |
| Mahisa | mah-hee-sah | 真久 | Truth + enduring |
| Maharu | mah-hah-roo | 真春 | Truth + spring |
| Makihisa | mah-kee-hee-sah | 牧久 | Pasture + enduring |
| Makikazu | mah-kee-kah-zoo | 牧和 | Pasture + harmony |
Japanese Boy Names Ending in -taro, -jiro, -suke & More
Japanese boy names often follow familiar endings. -taro and -jiro traditionally suggest a first or second son, -saburo a third son, -suke a helper, and -to a person. Pairing an M opening with these endings gives you names that sound instantly Japanese.
| Name | Pronunciation | Kanji | Meaning |
| Mitsusaburo | mee-tsoo-sah-boo-roh | 光三郎 | Light + three + son |
| Masasaburo | mah-sah-sah-boo-roh | 正三郎 | Correct + three + son |
| Matsusaburo | mah-tsoo-sah-boo-roh | 松三郎 | Pine + three + son |
| Michisaburo | mee-chee-sah-boo-roh | 道三郎 | Path + three + son |
| Mitsujiro | mee-tsoo-jee-roh | 光二郎 | Light + second + son |
| Matsujiro | mah-tsoo-jee-roh | 松二郎 | Pine + second + son |
| Motojiro | moh-toh-jee-roh | 元二郎 | Origin + second + son |
| Munejiro | moo-neh-jee-roh | 宗二郎 | Lineage + second + son |
| Michijiro | mee-chee-jee-roh | 道二郎 | Path + second + son |
| Michitaro | mee-chee-tah-roh | 道太郎 | Path + great + son |
| Mikitaro | mee-kee-tah-roh | 幹太郎 | Trunk + great + son |
| Munetaro | moo-neh-tah-roh | 宗太郎 | Lineage + great + son |
| Moritaro | moh-ree-tah-roh | 守太郎 | Protect + great + son |
| Mizutaro | mee-zoo-tah-roh | 瑞太郎 | Auspicious + great + son |
| Mitsusuke | mee-tsoo-soo-keh | 光助 | Light + help |
| Masasuke | mah-sah-soo-keh | 正助 | Correct + help |
| Michisuke | mee-chee-soo-keh | 道助 | Path + help |
| Matsusuke | mah-tsoo-soo-keh | 松助 | Pine + help |
| Masazo | mah-sah-zoh | 正三 | Correct + three |
| Motozo | moh-toh-zoh | 元三 | Origin + three |
| Mitsuhei | mee-tsoo-hay | 光平 | Light + peace |
| Motohei | moh-toh-hay | 元平 | Origin + peace |
| Michito | mee-chee-toh | 道人 | Path + person |
| Mitsuto | mee-tsoo-toh | 光斗 | Light + dipper |
| Mutsuto | moo-tsoo-toh | 睦人 | Harmony + person |
| Munehito | moo-neh-hee-toh | 宗仁 | Lineage + benevolence |
| Motohito | moh-toh-hee-toh | 元仁 | Origin + benevolence |
| Mizuhito | mee-zoo-hee-toh | 瑞人 | Auspicious + person |
| Moriya | moh-ree-yah | 守矢 | Protect + arrow |
| Mitsuyuki | mee-tsoo-yoo-kee | 光幸 | Light + happiness |
These endings reflect traditional naming patterns. Today, parents are free to choose any characters they like, so you can choose the ending purely for its sound and meaning.
Historical & Heritage-Inspired Japanese Boy Names Starting With M
These names have an old-world, classical feel, echoing the style of names from the Heian and Sengoku periods. Michizane and Michinaga, for example, are names of famous historical figures.
| Name | Pronunciation | Kanji | Meaning |
| Michinaga | mee-chee-nah-gah | 道長 | Path + long, chief |
| Michizane | mee-chee-zah-neh | 道真 | Path + truth |
| Mochihiko | moh-chee-hee-koh | 望彦 | Hope, full moon + boy |
| Munesada | moo-neh-sah-dah | 宗貞 | Lineage + upright |
| Munemichi | moo-neh-mee-chee | 宗道 | Lineage + path |
| Munemoto | moo-neh-moh-toh | 宗元 | Lineage + origin |
| Munehide | moo-neh-hee-deh | 宗秀 | Lineage + excellent |
| Munetsune | moo-neh-tsoo-neh | 宗常 | Lineage + constant |
| Muneakira | moo-neh-ah-kee-rah | 宗晃 | Lineage + shining |
| Mitsutsugu | mee-tsoo-tsoo-goo | 光嗣 | Light + successor |
| Mitsutsune | mee-tsoo-tsoo-neh | 光常 | Light + constant |
| Mitsuzane | mee-tsoo-zah-neh | 光実 | Light + truth |
| Mikinaga | mee-kee-nah-gah | 幹長 | Trunk + long |
| Mikimasa | mee-kee-mah-sah | 幹正 | Trunk + correct |
| Minemasa | mee-neh-mah-sah | 峰正 | Peak + correct |
| Minetake | mee-neh-tah-keh | 峰武 | Peak + martial |
| Minenori | mee-neh-noh-ree | 峰則 | Peak + rule |
| Mineshige | mee-neh-shee-geh | 峰重 | Peak + important |
| Michihisa | mee-chee-hee-sah | 道久 | Path + enduring |
| Masatane | mah-sah-tah-neh | 正胤 | Correct + descendant |
| Masachika | mah-sah-chee-kah | 正親 | Correct + kinship |
| Masahei | mah-sah-hay | 正平 | Correct + peace |
| Moritsugu | moh-ree-tsoo-goo | 守嗣 | Protect + successor |
| Motoyoshi | moh-toh-yoh-shee | 元義 | Origin + righteousness |
| Mototsune | moh-toh-tsoo-neh | 基経 | Foundation + pass through |
| Motoyasu | moh-toh-yah-soo | 元康 | Origin + health, peace |
| Morinobu | moh-ree-noh-boo | 盛信 | Prosperous + trust |
| Morisada | moh-ree-sah-dah | 守貞 | Protect + upright |
| Moritsune | moh-ree-tsoo-neh | 守常 | Protect + constant |
| Masayori | mah-sah-yoh-ree | 正頼 | Correct + rely |
| Mitsuyori | mee-tsoo-yoh-ree | 光頼 | Light + rely |
Some longer names in this section are less common today but follow standard Japanese naming patterns. Check the exact reading with a Japanese speaker before you settle on one.
Unique & Uncommon Japanese Boy Names Starting With M
If you want something distinctive, with a story or an image behind it, these are the names to read twice. “Uncommon” here means less familiar to many international readers, not necessarily rare in Japan.
| Name | Pronunciation | Kanji | Meaning |
| Mondo | mohn-doh | 主水 | Master + water |
| Mushin | moo-sheen | 無心 | Without mind, free of distraction |
| Mizuchi | mee-zoo-chee | 蛟 | Water dragon of folklore |
| Murakumo | moo-rah-koo-moh | 叢雲 | Gathering clouds |
| Mikuni | mee-koo-nee | 三国 | Three + country |
| Masumi | mah-soo-mee | 真澄 | Truth + clear (unisex) |
| Murasame | moo-rah-sah-meh | 村雨 | Village + rain (a passing shower) |
| Mizutaka | mee-zoo-tah-kah | 瑞孝 | Auspicious + filial piety |
| Mizukazu | mee-zoo-kah-zoo | 瑞和 | Auspicious + harmony |
| Mikihide | mee-kee-hee-deh | 幹秀 | Trunk + excellent |
| Michimune | mee-chee-moo-neh | 道宗 | Path + lineage |
Japanese M Names for US Families: Middle Names & Spelling Tips
Japanese M names can work beautifully as middle names for American families. For example, Noah Minato, Liam Makoto, Ethan Masaru, and Owen Mamoru combine familiar first names with meaningful Japanese choices.
Spelling tips: Long vowels may use macrons, such as Kōki, but everyday US systems may omit them. Check your state’s birth certificate rules before finalizing the spelling.
Pronunciation tips: Japanese vowels have consistent sounds, making names like Minato, Makoto, and Mamoru relatively approachable for English speakers. Try each name with your surname and consider possible nicknames.
Final Thoughts: Choosing a Japanese Boy Name Starting With M
Explore your favorite names, say them aloud with your surname, and confirm the kanji and meaning before deciding. Whether you prefer Minato, Makoto, or Masaru, choose a name you will love for years to come.
You may also like our guides to unique vintage boy names, vintage girl names, and newborn baby care kits.
Explore more names: Japanese boy names that start with K and Japanese boy names that start with S.
Which Japanese boy name starting with M is your favorite? Share it in the comments.
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