The nameAkira
Akira is a Japanese name meaning "bright, clear". It is used for boys and girls.
- Unisex name
- Japanese
Meaning
Akira can be written with several Japanese characters meaning "bright, clear, intelligent".
Origin
Japanese.
History
Akira Kurosawa, director of Seven Samurai, made the name famous worldwide, as did the 1988 animated film Akira. In the United States it is now more often given to girls.
Did you know?
- Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon won the Golden Lion in Venice in 1951 and revealed Japanese cinema to the West.
Famous people named Akira
- Akira Kurosawa, film director
- Akira Toriyama, manga artist
Popularity of the name Akira
Akira in the United States
Akira was most popular in the United States in the 2000s, with 2,992 births over the decade, 31% of all recorded babies named Akira. Its rise began around 1927, and it peaked in 2008. Half of all babies named Akira in the United States were born before 2008, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 271 births a year.
Akira in the United Kingdom
Akira was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 381 births over the decade, 46% of all recorded babies named Akira. Half of all babies named Akira in the United Kingdom were born before 2015, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 34 births a year.
Sibling names for Akira
Names from the same generation as Akira, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Akira? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Akira with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Akira side by side with the name of your choice.
Akira in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Akira mean?
Akira can be written with several Japanese characters meaning "bright, clear, intelligent".
What is the origin of the name Akira?
Japanese.
Is Akira a girl's or a boy's name?
Akira is a unisex name, given to both girls and boys. In the United States, 79% of the babies named Akira are girls.
How popular is the name Akira?
In 2024, Akira was the 960th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 272 births.
What are good sibling names for Akira?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Hana, Lilia, Aliya and Paloma for a sister, Aron, Alonso, Julien and Sam for a brother.
Who are famous people named Akira?
Akira Kurosawa, film director; Akira Toriyama, manga artist.