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Name meaning

Akira Name Meaning - Bright (Japanese)

Meaning
Bright, clear (明)
Origin
Japanese
Gender
Unisex
Pronunciation
A-KI-RA

Akira means "Bright, clear (明)" (Japanese). Recorded in Japanese sources, Akira glosses as "Bright." A popular Japanese unisex name meaning clear or bright intelligence.

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Meaning and Linguistic Breakdown

Recorded in Japanese sources, Akira glosses as "Bright." A popular Japanese unisex name meaning clear or bright intelligence.

Origin and Historical Usage

Akira appears in Japanese naming records with the sense "Bright, clear (明)." Usage varies by region and parish or civil registry traditions.

Pronunciation Guide

Phonetic
A-KI-RA
Syllables
3

Geographic and Cultural Usage

The name travels well in international schools and multicultural cities. Japanese origin remains the anchor even when spelling stays unchanged.

Popularity

Akira is not a current top-chart name in most English-speaking registries — a plus for parents avoiding classroom duplicates.

Notable People Named Akira

  • A
    Akira Kurosawa (director)

Variants and Related Names

Frequently Asked Questions about Akira

What does Akira mean?
Akira means "Bright, clear (明)" in Japanese tradition. Recorded in Japanese sources, Akira glosses as "Bright." A popular Japanese unisex name meaning clear or bright intelligence.
How do you pronounce Akira?
Akira is pronounced A-KI-RA (3 syllables).
What language is Akira from?
Akira comes from Japanese. Akira appears in Japanese naming records with the sense "Bright, clear (明)." Usage varies by region and parish or civil registry traditions.
Is Akira a boy or girl name?
Akira is primarily used as a unisex's name and is also used across genders in some regions.
What does Akira mean in English?
English references usually translate Akira as "Bright, clear (明)." It is not an English word; the gloss comes from Japanese.
Is Akira a rare name?
Akira is not a current top-chart name in most English-speaking registries — a plus for parents avoiding classroom duplicates.
What is the origin of the name Akira?
Akira appears in Japanese naming records with the sense "Bright, clear (明)." Usage varies by region and parish or civil registry traditions.
Who are famous people named Akira?
Notable bearers include Akira Kurosawa (director).

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Names with Similar Meaning or Origin

Aki
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"Autumn, bright (秋/明)"
Haruto
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"Sunlight, flying; sun, soar"
Koji
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"Shining second son (光司)"
Asahi
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"Morning sun (朝日)"
Akemi
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"Bright beautiful (明美)"
Kenji
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"Wise second son (健二)"
Hikari
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"Light (光)"
Haruki
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"Spring radiance (春輝)"