【2026 Latest】Trends in Japanese Baby Names: Spotlight on “Eto Names” Using the Character for Horse

*AI Translated

The "January Baby Naming Trends" survey, targeting children born in January 2026, has been released. In Japan, names using the character for "horse"—so-called "zodiac names"—are rapidly increasing! For winter-born babies, "snow names" that evoke images of snow are also popular!

Popular Names Ranking for Girls Born in January

Retro-Style Japanese Names Are Trending

In the ranking of names for girls born in January 2026, "retro names" with a traditional Japanese feel and classic sound stood out.

These names are characterized by their gentle combinations of kanji and sounds that evoke a sense of Japanese emotion. Kanji such as "紬" (Tsumugi), "琴" (Koto), "凪" (Nagi), and "六花" (Rikka), which are associated with nature and traditional culture, are used, giving an impression of calmness and elegance. January, marking the start of a new year, is a time when there is a strong tendency to choose names that are timeless and will be loved for many years. Against this background, retro names that have been cherished across generations may have been chosen frequently for girls born in January.

Examples (Kanji / Main Reading):

• 茉白（ましろ/Mashiro）、柚葉（ゆずは/Yuzuha）、結月（ゆづき/Yuzuki）、紬（つむぎ/Tsumugi）、柚乃（ゆの/Yuno）、琴葉（ことは/Kotoha）、六花（りっか/Rikka）、風花（ふうか/Fuuka）、凪（なぎ/Nagi）、紬希（つむぎ/Tsumugi）、莉子（りこ/Riko）

Increase in "Snow Names" That Evoke Images of Snow

In January, "snow names" inspired by snow became popular.

The sound of "茉白（ましろ/Mashiro）" brings to mind the pure white winter snow scenery and clear air. In January, when the strongest and longest cold wave of the season hit, this name attracted attention as it overlapped with the image of snowy landscapes spreading under severe cold. The pure and clean image, like fresh snow, is also fitting for the start of a new year, making it a popular choice for girls born in January.

"六花（りっか/Rikka）" is a word that originated from the beautiful, flower-like six-sided shape of snow crystals, and has long been used as another name for snow. In January, when heavy snow fell mainly along the Sea of Japan coast, it appears that many names reflecting such snowy scenes were chosen.

Additionally, "風花（ふうか/Fuuka）" is a winter seasonal word that describes the scene of snowflakes fluttering down on the wind from a clear sky. It is a poetic expression that evokes a fleeting and fantastical scene, and is cherished in the world of haiku. As a name, it is attracting attention for its delicate and beautiful impression.

Examples (Kanji / Main Reading):

• 茉白（ましろ/Mashiro）、六花（りっか/Rikka）、風花（ふうか/Fuuka）

Names Using "柚"—"Yuzu Names"—Are Popular

In January, names containing “Yuzu” were especially popular. As seen in the tradition of yuzu baths during the winter solstice, “Yuzu” is one of the fruits that symbolize winter. Its refreshing fragrance, pure impression, and the wish for healthy growth make it a favored choice for naming children at the start of the year.

Examples (Kanji, main reading):

• 柚葉（ゆずは/Yuzuha）、柚乃（ゆの/Yuno）、柚希（ゆずき/Yuzuki）、柚羽（ゆずは/Yuzuha）、柚月（ゆづき/Yuzuki）、柚（ゆず/Yuzu）

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“Kanau” with wishes for the future is the New Year’s trend

In January, there was also a noticeable rise in names using “叶（Kanau）.” The character “叶” means “to make a wish come true” and gives a positive impression. January, marking the beginning of a new year, is a time when people are especially likely to wish for a happy life or hope that dreams will come true. With many opportunities to set goals or make wishes, such as the first shrine visit of the year or the first calligraphy writing, the seasonal atmosphere and the meaning of “叶” seem to overlap.

Examples (Kanji, main reading):

• 叶愛（のあ/Noa）、叶望（かのん/Kanon）、夢叶（ゆめか/Yumeka）、楓叶（ふうか/Fuuka）、絃叶（いとか/Itoka）、叶羽（かのは/Kanoha）、羽叶（わかな/Wakana）

Popular Names Ranking for Boys Born in January

“Hiiragi names” are extremely popular for boys born in winter!

Names using “柊（Hiiragi）,” a classic choice for boys born in winter and known as “Hiiragi names,” also stood out in January. “Hiiragi” is a plant that symbolizes winter, and because its leaves stay green even in the cold, the character carries meanings of strength and warding off evil. Thanks to this seasonality and auspiciousness, it is a popular choice for babies born in January.

Examples (Kanji, main reading):

• 柊（しゅう/Shuu）、柊斗（しゅうと/Shuuto）、柊真（しゅうま/Shuuma）、柊羽（しゅう/Shuu）

“Yuu names” that evoke growth are rapidly increasing

In January, names containing “悠（Yuu）” rose significantly in the rankings. The character “悠” evokes a sense of calmness and gentle growth. It reflects the wish for a peaceful and expansive life, making it one of the notable trends in recent years.

Examples (Kanji, main reading):

• 悠真（はるま/Haruma）、悠人（はると/Haruto）、悠（はる/Haru）、悠翔（ゆうと/Yuuto）、悠斗（ゆうと/Yuuto）、悠希（はるき/Haruki）、悠里（ゆうり/Yuuri）、悠生（はるき/Haruki）、悠晴（ゆうせい/Yuusei）

More zodiac-inspired names! This year, the character for “horse” is in the spotlight

In Japan, there has long been a tradition of incorporating kanji characters related to the Chinese zodiac (eto) into names, a trend especially noticeable in boys’ names. In years associated with zodiac signs that have positive images, such as the Year of the Tiger or the Year of the Dragon, names using kanji connected to those signs—symbolizing strength or progress—tend to become more popular. One reason for choosing a zodiac-inspired name is that including a kanji character related to the birth year makes it easier to imbue the name with special meaning or wishes unique to that year.

The zodiac sign for 2026 is “午（うま/uma）” (Horse). Accordingly, names containing the character “馬” (horse) have also attracted attention. The kanji “馬” (horse) carries positive meanings such as strength, energy, success, and competitiveness, and is widely cherished as a symbol of good fortune.

Examples (Kanji・Main Reading):

• 柊馬（とうま/Touma）、橙馬（とうま/Touma）、冬馬（とうま/Touma）、颯馬（そうま/Souma）

Increase in Seasonal Names Using “冬（ふゆ/fuyu）”

“Seasonal names,” which directly incorporate the season into the name, are a naming style that has long been cherished. Names using the kanji “冬” (winter) have been seen. Naming that values the winter atmosphere unique to January births continues to be well supported.

Examples (Kanji・Main Reading):

• 千冬（ちふゆ/Chifuyu）、冬和（とわ/Towa）、冬馬（とうま/Touma）、桜冬（おと/Oto）

[Results] Top 10 Names for Babies Born in January

Boys

• 1st 碧（あお/Ao）
• 2nd 蓮（れん/Ren） *tie
• 2nd 柊（しゅう/Shuu）*tie
• 4th 朝陽（あさひ/Asahi）
• 5th 結翔（ゆいと/Yuito）
• 6th 湊斗（みなと/Minato）
• 7th 朔（さく/Saku）
• 8th 律（りつ/Ritsu） *tie
• 8th 陽向（ひなた/Hinata）*tie
• 8th 蒼空（そら/Sora） *tie

Girls

• 1st 茉白（ましろ/Mashiro）
• 2nd 柚葉（ゆずは/Yuzuha）
• 3rd 凛（りん/Rin） *tie
• 3rd 陽葵（ひまり/Himari）*tie
• 5th 咲茉（えま/Ema）
• 6th 結月（ゆづき/Yuzuki）*tie
• 6th 結愛（ゆあ/Yua） *tie
• 6th 杏（あん/An） *tie
• 9th 紬（つむぎ/Tsumugi）
• 10th 柚乃（ゆの/Yuno） *tie
• 10th 明莉（あかり/Akari）*tie
• 10th 紗菜（さな/Sana） *tie
• 10th 琴葉（ことは/Kotoha）*tie
• 10th 希帆（きほ/Kiho） *tie

*The main reading is shown in parentheses.

Survey Overview
Survey subjects: Users of the “First Present,” “Ogyaa Photo Studio,” and “Baby Calendar All Members Present” services planned and operated by Baby Calendar Inc. (株式会社ベビーカレンダー)
Survey period: January 1, 2026 (Thu) – January 25, 2026 (Sun)
Number of responses: 6,202 (Boys: 3,092 / Girls: 3,110)

Source: 株式会社ベビーカレンダー（Baby Calendar Inc.）