Akira

Akira is a Japanese first name used for both boys and girls. Its meaning can be interpreted as 'the bright one', 'the shining one', and in a freer translation, also as 'the intelligent one'.

What does the name Akira mean?

The name Akira has Japanese roots and can be used for both boys and girls. It means in a figurative sense 'the bright one', 'the shining one', and, in an extended meaning, 'the intelligent one'. The origin of the name can be traced back to the Japanese characters akira (昭), which means 'bright' or 'shining', or akira (亮), which means 'clear'. Furthermore, the name also has a Scottish meaning: 'anchor'.

Where does the name Akira come from?

Akira is a Japanese first name that is used for both men and women and carries the meaning 'the bright one'.

How do you pronounce Akira?

The pronunciation of Akira is three syllables and harmonious. The name is pronounced as 'A-ki-ra' [aˈkiːʁa] or [ˈakiʁa] and begins with an open A sound that conveys clarity. The second syllable has a distinct K sound that sets a clear accent, while the open ending gently rounds off the name. Akira thus appears lively and melodic and possesses a clear structure in sound.

Popularity

In Germany, Akira is a relatively popular first name. Currently, it ranks 3,183rd on the list of the most common male baby names. Its best placement was in 2005 at 827th. In the last ten years, Akira has been chosen as a first name about 70 times, which gives it the 2,830th place in the corresponding statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it holds the 2,733rd place.

Nicknames & pet names

Aki / Akk / Ira / Kiki / Kira / Kiri / Rika

Famous people

• Akira Amano (manga artist)
• Akira Arenth (gay author)
• Akira Asada (Japanese philosopher)
• Akira Fitzgerald (Japanese footballer)
• Akira Fujishima (German chemist)
• Akira Gomi (American photographer)
• Akira Iida (Japanese racing driver)
• Akira Ishida (Japanese voice actor)
• Akira Isogawa (Japanese designer)
• Akira Kaji (Japanese footballer)
• Akira Kakinuma (Japanese cyclist)
• Akira Kamiya (Japanese actor)
• Akira Kenjou (Kirakira PreCure a la Mode (Cure Chocolat))
• Akira Kikuchi (Japanese martial artist)
• Akira Kobayashi (Japanese actor)
• Akira Koga (Japanese badminton player)
• Akira Kume (Japanese actress)
• Akira Kurosawa (director)
• Akira Kurusu (protagonist in the video game Persona 5)
• Akira Kuryu (Japanese architect)