Akira
Akira is a unisex name of Japanese origin meaning “bright, clear, intelligent.” It ranked #983 in the United States in 2025. A common Japanese given name used for both boys and girls.
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how do you pronounce Akira?
ah-KEE-rah
where does the name Akira come from?
Akira is a unisex, though mostly male, Japanese given name that can be written with several different kanji, so its meaning depends on the characters chosen. Bright or clear is one of several possible readings.
It gained global recognition through the 1988 animated film Akira directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, which became a landmark of anime cinema and influenced science fiction worldwide.
how popular is this name?
Akira has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 10 years since 2002, and fell outside it for 14. It peaked at #707 in 2008, and ranked #983 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #983 |
| 2024 | #952 |
| 2010 | #835 |
| 2008 | #707 |
| 2002 | #923 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Akira fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Akira?
- Akira Kurosawa (filmmaker)
- Akira Toriyama (manga artist, Dragon Ball)
what names are similar to Akira?
what names go well with Akira?
Sibling names that share Akira's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Akira
What does the name Akira mean?
Akira means “bright, clear, intelligent”.
What is the origin of the name Akira?
Akira comes from the Japanese naming tradition.
How popular is the name Akira?
Akira ranked #983 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2008, at #707, and it has spent 10 years in the top 1,000 since 2002.
Is Akira a boy or girl name?
Akira is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.
How do you pronounce Akira?
Akira is pronounced ah-KEE-rah, with 3 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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