Akira

♀ Girl

Pronounced ah-KEER-uh /əˈkɪər.ə/High

Meaning: Japanese name typically written with kanji meaning bright, clear, or intelligent, among other meanings depending on the characters chosen; traditionally a masculine name but increasingly used for girlsHigh

In 30 seconds: Akira is a luminous Japanese name meaning bright and intelligent. Originally masculine in Japan, it has been embraced globally as a unisex name through the landmark 1988 anime film Akira, a touchstone of cyberpunk culture.

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Origin HighJapanese

MeaningJapanese name typically written with kanji meaning bright, clear, or intelligent, among other meanings depending on the characters chosen; traditionally a masculine name but increasingly used for girls

U.S. rank (2025)#983 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births257 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2008

Total births (all-time)≈ 7,812

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Akira has been used in Japan as a masculine given name for centuries. The kanji combinations most commonly used mean bright, clear, dawn, or intelligent. The name was given widely in mid-20th century Japan.

Globally, Akira became associated with the 1988 anime film, expanding its recognition far beyond Japan. In the United States, it has increasingly been used as a girls name, fitting the trend for Japanese names with bright, intellectual meanings.

Did you know? The 1988 anime film Akira, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, is considered one of the greatest animated films ever made and had a major influence on the cyberpunk genre. It helped bring Japanese animation to a global audience decades before anime became mainstream.

Overall data confidence 87%

Behind the Name — Akira — Japanese etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AkirahAkiro

Nicknames

Aki

Famous Bearers

★Akira Kurosawa (1910-1998)
Japanese filmmaker who directed Seven Samurai and Rashomon
★Akira Toriyama (1955-2024)
Japanese manga artist who created Dragon Ball
★Akira Ifukube (1914-2006)
Japanese composer who scored the Godzilla films

If you like Akira…

Hana— shares the Japanese origin and the bright, nature-connected meaning

Kenji— shares the Japanese heritage and cross-cultural international appeal

Nori— same Japanese tradition and crisp, memorable short name quality

Sakura— shares Akira's Japanese roots

Amayah— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Akira

By themeunisex three-syllable japanese bright cross-cultural

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Akira mean?

Akira means bright, clear, or intelligent in Japanese, depending on the kanji chosen. It is a name associated with clarity of mind and luminous character.

How do you pronounce Akira?

It is said ah-KEER-uh, with three syllables and stress on the second.

Is Akira a boy or girl name?

Akira is traditionally a Japanese masculine name but has become popular as a girls name in Western countries, and is widely used as unisex.

Is Akira the same as the anime?

The 1988 anime film Akira, set in a dystopian future, made the name internationally recognized. The film is considered a landmark of animation.