Akari
Akari is a girl name of Japanese origin meaning “Light, brightness”, pronounced ah-KAH-ree. It ranked #542 in the United States in 2025, given to 554 babies, and peaked at #542 in 2025. Common nicknames: Aka, Kari, Ari.
How popular is Akari in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Akari mean, and where does it come from?
Akari is a Japanese name whose meaning depends on the characters chosen for it. Written 灯 it is simply a lamp, the small light left burning in a room; written 明里 it joins "bright" to "village," and 朱里 gives it a vermilion cast. That freedom to pick the kanji is part of why the name has stayed fresh — parents can aim at warmth, clarity or colour without changing the sound. Akari rose steadily through Japanese girls' name rankings from the 1990s onward and travelled with anime and manga, where it is a frequent choice for a gentle, steady character. In English it is easy to say and hard to mistake.
How is Akari used around the world?
Akari is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Akari?
Famous People Named Akari
- Akari Kitō — Japanese voice actress and singer
- Akari Fujinami — Japanese freestyle wrestler and world champion
Similar Names to Akari
If you like Akari, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Akari
Looking for names that pair well with Akari? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Akari mean?
Akari is a girl name of Japanese origin meaning "Light, brightness." Akari is a Japanese name whose meaning depends on the characters chosen for it. Written 灯 it is simply a lamp, the small light left burning in a room; written 明里 it joins "bright" to "village," and 朱里 gives it a vermilion cast.
How do you pronounce Akari?
Akari is pronounced ah-KAH-ree. Common variations include Akaari, Akary, Hikari.
Is Akari a girl name?
Yes, Akari is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Aka, Kari, Ari.