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Looking for Japanese names that start with C? You’re in the right place. C isn’t a common letter in Japanese. But don’t worry. There are still plenty of great options. This guide covers the best Japanese names that start with C for boys, girls, and unisex picks. Each name comes with its meaning. You’ll also learn a bit about the sounds behind them.
Maybe you’re naming a baby. Maybe you’re naming a character. Either way, Japanese names that start with C offer something special. They sound soft. They carry deep meaning. Some come from nature. Others come from old traditions. This list makes it easy. No guesswork needed. Just scroll down and find the perfect Japanese names that start with C for you.
Popular Japanese Names That Start With C for Baby Girls
Choosing a name for your daughter is special. Japanese names that start with C sound soft and meaningful. Many draw from nature and tradition. Here are 30 popular Japanese names that start with C for your baby girl.
Here is the list of 30 Japanese names that start with C
- Chika
- Meaning: Thousand fragrances
- Pronunciation: CHEE-kah
- Script: 千香
- Chiyo
- Meaning: Thousand generations
- Pronunciation: CHEE-yoh
- Script: 千代
- Chinatsu
- Meaning: Thousand summers
- Pronunciation: chee-NAH-tsu
- Script: 千夏
- Chihiro
- Meaning: Thousand fathoms
- Pronunciation: chee-HEE-roh
- Script: 千尋
- Chise
- Meaning: Thousand rapids
- Pronunciation: CHEE-seh
- Script: 千瀬
- Chidori
- Meaning: Plover bird
- Pronunciation: chee-DOH-ree
- Script: 千鳥
- Chizuru
- Meaning: Thousand cranes
- Pronunciation: chee-ZOO-roo
- Script: 千鶴
- Chiharu
- Meaning: Thousand springs
- Pronunciation: chee-HAH-roo
- Script: 千春
- Chiaki
- Meaning: Thousand autumns
- Pronunciation: chee-AH-kee
- Script: 千秋
- Chitose
- Meaning: Thousand years
- Pronunciation: chee-TOH-seh
- Script: 千歳
- Chinami
- Meaning: Thousand waves
- Pronunciation: chee-NAH-mee
- Script: 千波
- Chikako
- Meaning: Child of a thousand flowers
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-koh
- Script: 千花子
- Chieko
- Meaning: Child of wisdom
- Pronunciation: chee-EH-koh
- Script: 智恵子
- Chiyoko
- Meaning: Child of a thousand generations
- Pronunciation: chee-YOH-koh
- Script: 千代子
- Chikage
- Meaning: Thousand shadows, graceful shade
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-geh
- Script: 千陰
- Chimari
- Meaning: Thousand balls (symbol of friendship)
- Pronunciation: chee-MAH-ree
- Script: 千毬
- Chisato
- Meaning: A thousand miles
- Pronunciation: chee-SAH-toh
- Script: 千里
- Chieri
- Meaning: Wise reasoning
- Pronunciation: chee-EH-ree
- Script: 智恵理
- Chikano
- Meaning: Field of a thousand deer
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-noh
- Script: 千鹿乃
- Chiyuki
- Meaning: Thousand snows
- Pronunciation: chee-YOO-kee
- Script: 千雪
- Chisaki
- Meaning: Thousand blossoms
- Pronunciation: chee-SAH-kee
- Script: 千咲
- Chihana
- Meaning: Thousand flowers
- Pronunciation: chee-HAH-nah
- Script: 千花
- Chisuzu
- Meaning: Thousand bells
- Pronunciation: chee-SOO-zoo
- Script: 千鈴
- Chikoto
- Meaning: Thousand koto strings (harp)
- Pronunciation: chee-KOH-toh
- Script: 千琴
- Chiyuri
- Meaning: Thousand lilies
- Pronunciation: chee-YOO-ree
- Script: 千百合
- Chinaho
- Meaning: Thousand ears of grain
- Pronunciation: chee-NAH-hoh
- Script: 千穂
- Chisumi
- Meaning: Thousand purities
- Pronunciation: chee-SOO-mee
- Script: 千純
- Chikoyo
- Meaning: Small, gentle night
- Pronunciation: chee-KOH-yoh
- Script: 千小夜
- Chimika
- Meaning: Thousand deep fragrances
- Pronunciation: chee-MEE-kah
- Script: 千深香
- Chiyona
- Meaning: Blessing of a thousand generations
- Pronunciation: chee-YOH-nah
- Script: 千代菜
Strong Japanese Names That Start With C for Baby Boys
Choosing a name for your son matters too. Japanese names that start with C often carry strength and honor. Many reflect loyalty, courage, or family legacy.
Here are 30 strong Japanese names that start with C for your baby boy.
- Chikara
- Meaning: Strength, power
- Pronunciation: CHEE-kah-rah
- Script: 力
- Chuta
- Meaning: Great loyalty
- Pronunciation: CHOO-tah
- Script: 忠太
- Choji
- Meaning: Eternal peace
- Pronunciation: CHOH-jee
- Script: 長治
- Chikao
- Meaning: Affectionate man
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-oh
- Script: 親男
- Choichi
- Meaning: Eldest, first growth
- Pronunciation: choh-EE-chee
- Script: 長一
- Chuji
- Meaning: Second son of loyalty
- Pronunciation: CHOO-jee
- Script: 忠二
- Chikashi
- Meaning: Close-hearted, intimate
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-shee
- Script: 親
- Chikahiro
- Meaning: Wide-hearted closeness
- Pronunciation: chee-kah-HEE-roh
- Script: 親弘
- Chuzo
- Meaning: Third son of loyalty
- Pronunciation: CHOO-zoh
- Script: 忠三
- Chosuke
- Meaning: Helper of growth
- Pronunciation: choh-SOO-keh
- Script: 長助
- Chikatoshi
- Meaning: Talented and close-hearted
- Pronunciation: chee-kah-TOH-shee
- Script: 親俊
- Choта —
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- Chota
- Meaning: Great growth
- Pronunciation: CHOH-tah
- Script: 長太
- Chikayuki
- Meaning: Virtue of closeness
- Pronunciation: chee-kah-YOO-kee
- Script: 親之
- Chuichi
- Meaning: First loyalty
- Pronunciation: choo-EE-chee
- Script: 忠一
- Choki
- Meaning: Tall tree, steady growth
- Pronunciation: CHOH-kee
- Script: 長樹
- Chikanori
- Meaning: Principle of loyalty
- Pronunciation: chee-kah-NOH-ree
- Script: 親則
- Chuhei
- Meaning: Peaceful loyalty
- Pronunciation: CHOO-heh-ee
- Script: 忠平
- Chomaru
- Meaning: Complete growth
- Pronunciation: CHOH-mah-roo
- Script: 長丸
- Chikahisa
- Meaning: Lasting closeness
- Pronunciation: chee-kah-HEE-sah
- Script: 親久
- Choemon
- Meaning: Guardian of growth
- Pronunciation: choh-EH-mon
- Script: 長右衛門
- Chikatane
- Meaning: Lineage of loyalty
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-tah-neh
- Script: 親胤
- Chuzaburo
- Meaning: Third son of loyalty
- Pronunciation: choo-zah-BOO-roh
- Script: 忠三郎
- Choichiro
- Meaning: First son of growth
- Pronunciation: choh-ee-CHEE-roh
- Script: 長一郎
- Chikahide
- Meaning: Excellent closeness
- Pronunciation: chee-kah-HEE-deh
- Script: 親秀
- Chotaro
- Meaning: Eldest son of great growth
- Pronunciation: CHOH-tah-roh
- Script: 長太郎
- Chikamasa
- Meaning: Righteous closeness
- Pronunciation: chee-kah-MAH-sah
- Script: 親正
- Chuhachi
- Meaning: Eighth son of loyalty
- Pronunciation: choo-HAH-chee
- Script: 忠八
- Chikayoshi
- Meaning: Good closeness
- Pronunciation: chee-kah-YOH-shee
- Script: 親良
- Choshiro
- Meaning: Fourth son of growth
- Pronunciation: CHOH-shee-roh
- Script: 長四郎
- Chikahiko
- Meaning: Prince of closeness
- Pronunciation: chee-kah-HEE-koh
- Script: 親彦
Unisex Japanese Names That Start With C
Some names work beautifully for any child. Unisex Japanese names that start with C offer soft sounds and flexible meanings, making them a great choice whether you’re expecting a boy, a girl, or simply want a name with broad appeal.
Here is the list of 30 Japanese names that start with C
- Chio
- Meaning: Center of a thousand
- Pronunciation: CHEE-oh
- Script: 千央
- Chiyu
- Meaning: Gentle wisdom
- Pronunciation: CHEE-yoo
- Script: 知優
- Chikaru
- Meaning: Thousand blessings
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-roo
- Script: 千潤
- Chinari
- Meaning: Thousand achievements
- Pronunciation: chee-NAH-ree
- Script: 千成
- Chikuma
- Meaning: Thousand bears
- Pronunciation: chee-KOO-mah
- Script: 千熊
- Chishun
- Meaning: Thousand swift horses
- Pronunciation: chee-SHOON
- Script: 千駿
- Chiei
- Meaning: Wise brilliance
- Pronunciation: chee-EH-ee
- Script: 智瑛
- Chian
- Meaning: Quiet retreat
- Pronunciation: chee-AHN
- Script: 千庵
- Chiyoshi
- Meaning: Good thousand
- Pronunciation: chee-YOH-shee
- Script: 千良
- Chimoto
- Meaning: Origin of a thousand
- Pronunciation: chee-MOH-toh
- Script: 千元
- Chiro
- Meaning: Wise one
- Pronunciation: CHEE-roh
- Script: 智郎
- Chisei
- Meaning: Intellect
- Pronunciation: chee-SEH-ee
- Script: 知性
- Chinao
- Meaning: Thousand honesty
- Pronunciation: chee-NAH-oh
- Script: 千直
- Chimei
- Meaning: Wise brightness
- Pronunciation: chee-MEH-ee
- Script: 知明
- Chiwa
- Meaning: Thousand harmony
- Pronunciation: CHEE-wah
- Script: 千和
- Chikou
- Meaning: Light of wisdom
- Pronunciation: chee-KOH-oo
- Script: 智光
- Chishio
- Meaning: Thousand tides
- Pronunciation: chee-SHEE-oh
- Script: 千潮
- Chitoshi
- Meaning: Thousand benefits
- Pronunciation: chee-TOH-shee
- Script: 千利
- Chiyori
- Meaning: Thousand reliance
- Pronunciation: chee-YOH-ree
- Script: 千依
- Chihaya
- Meaning: Swift thousand
- Pronunciation: chee-HAH-yah
- Script: 千早
- Chikuni
- Meaning: Thousand countries
- Pronunciation: chee-KOO-nee
- Script: 千国
- Chiyou
- Meaning: Thousand suns
- Pronunciation: chee-YOH-oo
- Script: 千陽
- Chirin
- Meaning: Thousand dignities
- Pronunciation: CHEE-reen
- Script: 千凛
- Chimu
- Meaning: Thousand dreams
- Pronunciation: CHEE-moo
- Script: 千夢
- Chishiro
- Meaning: Historic one
- Pronunciation: chee-SHEE-roh
- Script: 千史郎
- Chizen
- Meaning: Thousand goodness
- Pronunciation: CHEE-zen
- Script: 千善
- Chihide
- Meaning: Thousand excellences
- Pronunciation: chee-HEE-deh
- Script: 千秀
- Chikiyo
- Meaning: Thousand purity
- Pronunciation: chee-KEE-yoh
- Script: 千清
- Chisada
- Meaning: Thousand decisions
- Pronunciation: chee-SAH-dah
- Script: 千定
- Chiyasu
- Meaning: Thousand peace
- Pronunciation: chee-YAH-soo
- Script: 千安
What Japanese Names That Start With C Mean in Kanji
Kanji gives every name its true depth. The same sound can carry different meanings depending on the characters chosen, so understanding kanji helps you pick a name that says exactly what you want.
Here is the list of 30 Japanese names that start with C
- Chifumi
- Meaning: Thousand writings
- Pronunciation: chee-FOO-mee
- Script: 千文
- Chikane
- Meaning: Thousand gold, precious one
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-neh
- Script: 千金
- Chiyono
- Meaning: Field of a thousand generations
- Pronunciation: chee-YOH-noh
- Script: 千代乃
- Chisono
- Meaning: Garden of a thousand
- Pronunciation: chee-SOH-noh
- Script: 千園
- Chimako
- Meaning: Child of a thousand truths
- Pronunciation: chee-MAH-koh
- Script: 千真子
- Chisae
- Meaning: Thousand clarities
- Pronunciation: chee-SAH-eh
- Script: 千冴
- Chiyone
- Meaning: Thousand grains of rice
- Pronunciation: chee-YOH-neh
- Script: 千米
- Chihoko
- Meaning: Child of a thousand grain ears
- Pronunciation: chee-HOH-koh
- Script: 千穂子
- Chikami
- Meaning: Above a thousand
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-mee
- Script: 千上
- Chisumire
- Meaning: Thousand violets
- Pronunciation: chee-soo-MEE-reh
- Script: 千菫
- Chitomo
- Meaning: Thousand friends
- Pronunciation: chee-TOH-moh
- Script: 千友
- Chisora
- Meaning: Thousand skies
- Pronunciation: chee-SOH-rah
- Script: 千空
- Chiyuka
- Meaning: Thousand reasons and fragrance
- Pronunciation: chee-YOO-kah
- Script: 千由香
- Chimizu
- Meaning: Thousand waters
- Pronunciation: chee-MEE-zoo
- Script: 千水
- Chiyama
- Meaning: Thousand mountains
- Pronunciation: chee-YAH-mah
- Script: 千山
- Chikawa
- Meaning: Thousand rivers
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-wah
- Script: 千川
- Chimori
- Meaning: Thousand forests
- Pronunciation: chee-MOH-ree
- Script: 千森
- Chiiwa
- Meaning: Thousand rocks
- Pronunciation: chee-EE-wah
- Script: 千岩
- Chitama
- Meaning: Thousand pearls
- Pronunciation: chee-TAH-mah
- Script: 千珠
- Chikiku
- Meaning: Thousand chrysanthemums
- Pronunciation: chee-KEE-koo
- Script: 千菊
- Chigusa
- Meaning: Thousand varieties
- Pronunciation: chee-GOO-sah
- Script: 千種
- Chimatsu
- Meaning: Thousand pines
- Pronunciation: chee-MAH-tsoo
- Script: 千松
- Chitaki
- Meaning: Thousand waterfalls
- Pronunciation: chee-TAH-kee
- Script: 千滝
- Chiyoharu
- Meaning: Spring of a thousand generations
- Pronunciation: chee-yoh-HAH-roo
- Script: 千代春
- Chizakura
- Meaning: Thousand cherry blossoms
- Pronunciation: chee-zah-KOO-rah
- Script: 千桜
- Chihoshi
- Meaning: Thousand stars
- Pronunciation: chee-HOH-shee
- Script: 千星
- Chitsuki
- Meaning: Thousand moons
- Pronunciation: chee-TSOO-kee
- Script: 千月
- Chiumi
- Meaning: Thousand seas
- Pronunciation: chee-OO-mee
- Script: 千海
- Chikaze
- Meaning: Thousand winds
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-zeh
- Script: 千風
- Chisumika
- Meaning: Pure fragrance of a thousand
- Pronunciation: chee-soo-MEE-kah
- Script: 千純香
Traditional vs. Modern Japanese Names That Start With C
Naming styles change with the times. Traditional Japanese names that start with C often lean on old virtues and nature words, while modern versions feel shorter and more stylish.
Here is the list of 30 Japanese names that start with C
- Chiyozo
- Meaning: Thousand generations of growth
- Pronunciation: chee-YOH-zoh
- Script: 千代蔵
- Chika (Modern)
- Meaning: Near, close
- Pronunciation: CHEE-kah
- Script: 近
- Chiune
- Meaning: Thousand blessings of peace
- Pronunciation: chee-OO-neh
- Script: 千恩
- Cheri (Modern)
- Meaning: Beloved, cherished sound
- Pronunciation: CHEH-ree
- Script: 千莉
- Chiyotaro
- Meaning: Eldest son of a thousand generations
- Pronunciation: chee-yoh-TAH-roh
- Script: 千代太郎
- Chika-ru (Modern)
- Meaning: Radiant closeness
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-roo
- Script: 知瑠
- Chinen
- Meaning: Thousand years of thought
- Pronunciation: CHEE-nen
- Script: 千念
- Coco (Modern, Japanese reading)
- Meaning: Here, present heart
- Pronunciation: KOH-koh
- Script: 心々
- Chikuzen
- Meaning: Old provincial name of goodness
- Pronunciation: chee-koo-ZEN
- Script: 筑前
- Chio-na (Modern)
- Meaning: Vegetable of the center, fresh growth
- Pronunciation: chee-OH-nah
- Script: 千央菜
- Chiharunosuke
- Meaning: Helper of a thousand springs
- Pronunciation: chee-hah-roo-noh-SOO-keh
- Script: 千春之介
- Chiyu-ka (Modern)
- Meaning: Healing fragrance
- Pronunciation: chee-YOO-kah
- Script: 治癒香
- Chuzaemon
- Meaning: Guardian of loyalty
- Pronunciation: choo-zah-EH-mon
- Script: 忠左衛門
- Chie (Modern)
- Meaning: Wisdom
- Pronunciation: CHEE-eh
- Script: 智恵
- Chikamatsu
- Meaning: Close pine, historic surname root
- Pronunciation: chee-kah-MAH-tsoo
- Script: 近松
- Chika-sa (Modern)
- Meaning: Closeness and grace
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-sah
- Script: 近紗
- Choemontaro
- Meaning: Long-standing eldest guardian
- Pronunciation: choh-eh-mon-TAH-roh
- Script: 長右衛門太郎
- Chihi (Modern)
- Meaning: Thousand sunlight, short form
- Pronunciation: CHEE-hee
- Script: 千陽
- Chikuzo
- Meaning: Builder of a thousand
- Pronunciation: chee-KOO-zoh
- Script: 築造
- Chino (Modern)
- Meaning: Field of wisdom
- Pronunciation: CHEE-noh
- Script: 智乃
- Chiyosuke
- Meaning: Helper of a thousand generations
- Pronunciation: chee-yoh-SOO-keh
- Script: 千代助
- Chia (Modern)
- Meaning: Thousand blessings, short form
- Pronunciation: CHEE-ah
- Script: 千愛
- Chuemon
- Meaning: Loyal guardian
- Pronunciation: choo-EH-mon
- Script: 忠右衛門
- Chika-na (Modern)
- Meaning: Closeness and greens
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-nah
- Script: 近菜
- Chiyomatsu
- Meaning: Pine of a thousand generations
- Pronunciation: chee-yoh-MAH-tsoo
- Script: 千代松
- Chiyo (Modern short form)
- Meaning: Generation, era
- Pronunciation: CHEE-yoh
- Script: 千代
- Chubei
- Meaning: Loyal guard
- Pronunciation: CHOO-beh-ee
- Script: 忠兵衛
- Chika-ho (Modern)
- Meaning: Close ear of grain
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-hoh
- Script: 近穂
- Chiyoemon
- Meaning: Guardian of a thousand generations
- Pronunciation: chee-yoh-EH-mon
- Script: 千代右衛門
- Chii (Modern)
- Meaning: Small, gentle one
- Pronunciation: CHEE-ee
- Script: 知衣
Japanese Names That Start With C Inspired by Nature
Nature has always shaped Japanese naming traditions. Names inspired by rivers, mountains, seasons, and creatures carry a sense of beauty and calm, connecting a child to the natural world.
Here is the list of 30 Japanese names that start with C
- Chidori
- Meaning: Plover bird
- Pronunciation: chee-DOH-ree
- Script: 千鳥
- Chizuru
- Meaning: Thousand cranes
- Pronunciation: chee-ZOO-roo
- Script: 千鶴
- Chisumire
- Meaning: Thousand violets
- Pronunciation: chee-soo-MEE-reh
- Script: 千菫
- Chizakura
- Meaning: Thousand cherry blossoms
- Pronunciation: chee-zah-KOO-rah
- Script: 千桜
- Chikiku
- Meaning: Thousand chrysanthemums
- Pronunciation: chee-KEE-koo
- Script: 千菊
- Chimatsu
- Meaning: Thousand pines
- Pronunciation: chee-MAH-tsoo
- Script: 千松
- Chitaki
- Meaning: Thousand waterfalls
- Pronunciation: chee-TAH-kee
- Script: 千滝
- Chiume
- Meaning: Thousand plum blossoms
- Pronunciation: chee-OO-meh
- Script: 千梅
- Chitsubaki
- Meaning: Thousand camellias
- Pronunciation: chee-tsoo-BAH-kee
- Script: 千椿
- Chiyanagi
- Meaning: Thousand willows
- Pronunciation: chee-yah-NAH-gee
- Script: 千柳
- Chikaba
- Meaning: Thousand birch trees
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-bah
- Script: 千樺
- Chisuzume
- Meaning: Thousand sparrows
- Pronunciation: chee-soo-ZOO-meh
- Script: 千雀
- Chiusagi
- Meaning: Thousand rabbits
- Pronunciation: chee-oo-SAH-gee
- Script: 千兎
- Chikamome
- Meaning: Thousand seagulls
- Pronunciation: chee-kah-MOH-meh
- Script: 千鴎
- Chimomiji
- Meaning: Thousand maple leaves
- Pronunciation: chee-moh-MEE-jee
- Script: 千紅葉
- Chiisuzu
- Meaning: Small bell of the thousand
- Pronunciation: chee-EE-soo-zoo
- Script: 千小鈴
- Chiyuki (Nature)
- Meaning: Thousand snows
- Pronunciation: chee-YOO-kee
- Script: 千雪
- Chisora
- Meaning: Thousand skies
- Pronunciation: chee-SOH-rah
- Script: 千空
- Chikawase
- Meaning: Thousand river currents
- Pronunciation: chee-kah-WAH-seh
- Script: 千川瀬
- Chihotaru
- Meaning: Thousand fireflies
- Pronunciation: chee-hoh-TAH-roo
- Script: 千蛍
- Chishio (Nature)
- Meaning: Thousand tides
- Pronunciation: chee-SHEE-oh
- Script: 千潮
- Chikoke
- Meaning: Thousand mosses
- Pronunciation: chee-KOH-keh
- Script: 千苔
- Chinami (Nature)
- Meaning: Thousand waves
- Pronunciation: chee-NAH-mee
- Script: 千波
- Chikiri
- Meaning: Thousand mists
- Pronunciation: chee-KEE-ree
- Script: 千霧
- Chihibari
- Meaning: Thousand skylarks
- Pronunciation: chee-hee-BAH-ree
- Script: 千雲雀
- Chikaede
- Meaning: Thousand maple trees
- Pronunciation: chee-kah-EH-deh
- Script: 千楓
- Chisuisen
- Meaning: Thousand narcissus flowers
- Pronunciation: chee-soo-EE-sen
- Script: 千水仙
- Chiiwashi
- Meaning: Thousand sardines, coastal bounty
- Pronunciation: chee-ee-WAH-shee
- Script: 千鰯
- Chihoshizora
- Meaning: Thousand starry skies
- Pronunciation: chee-hoh-shee-ZOH-rah
- Script: 千星空
- Chiharuka
- Meaning: Distant thousand spring
- Pronunciation: chee-hah-ROO-kah
- Script: 千遥花
Famous People With Japanese Names That Start With C
Real people carrying these names show how versatile “C” names are — spanning entertainment, science, sport, and history.
Here is the list of 30 Japanese names that start with C
- Chiyo Uno
Meaning: Thousand generations
Pronunciation: CHEE-yoh OO-noh
Script: 宇野千代
Known for: Novelist and kimono designer - Chieko Baisho
Meaning: Wisdom, blessing
Pronunciation: chee-EH-koh BAI-shoh
Script: 倍賞千恵子
Known for: Actress and singer, known for the Tora-san film series - Chieko Asakawa
Meaning: Wisdom, blessing
Pronunciation: chee-EH-koh ah-sah-KAH-wah
Script: 浅川智恵子
Known for: Blind computer scientist and IBM Fellow - Chiho Aoshima
Meaning: Thousand ears of grain
Pronunciation: CHEE-hoh ah-oh-SHEE-mah
Script: 青島千穂
Known for: Contemporary pop artist - Minori Chihara
Meaning: Thousand fields (surname)
Pronunciation: chee-HAH-rah
Script: 茅原実里
Known for: Voice actress and J-pop singer - Chizuko Mifune
Meaning: Thousand cranes
Pronunciation: chee-ZOO-koh mee-FOO-neh
Script: 御船千鶴子
Known for: Early 20th-century clairvoyant - Chiyoko Shimakura
Meaning: Child of a thousand generations
Pronunciation: chee-YOH-koh shee-mah-KOO-rah
Script: 島倉千代子
Known for: Legendary enka singer - Chiaki Kuriyama
Meaning: Thousand brightness
Pronunciation: chee-AH-kee koo-ree-YAH-mah
Script: 栗山千明
Known for: Actress, Kill Bill and Battle Royale - Chiune Sugihara
Meaning: Thousand blessings
Pronunciation: chee-OO-neh soo-gee-HAH-rah
Script: 杉原千畝
Known for: Diplomat who saved thousands of refugees in WWII - Chiyonofuji Mitsugu
Meaning: Thousand-generation wisteria
Pronunciation: chee-yoh-noh-FOO-jee
Script: 千代の富士 貢
Known for: Legendary sumo yokozuna - Chihiro Onitsuka
Meaning: Thousand paths
Pronunciation: chee-HEE-roh oh-nee-TSOO-kah
Script: 鬼束ちひろ
Known for: Singer-songwriter - Chisato Moritaka
Meaning: Thousand miles
Pronunciation: chee-SAH-toh moh-ree-TAH-kah
Script: 森高千里
Known for: Singer and songwriter - Chitose Hajime
Meaning: A thousand years
Pronunciation: chee-TOH-seh HAH-jee-meh
Script: 元ちとせ
Known for: Singer known for Amami folk-influenced music - Chika Anzai
Meaning: Wisdom and grace
Pronunciation: CHEE-kah AHN-zai
Script: 安済知佳
Known for: Voice actress - Chiyo Miyako
Meaning: Thousand generations
Pronunciation: CHEE-yoh mee-YAH-koh
Script: 宮古チヨ
Known for: Recognized as the world’s oldest living person (2018) - Chiyo Okumura
Meaning: Thousand generations
Pronunciation: CHEE-yoh oh-koo-MOO-rah
Script: 奥村チヨ
Known for: 1960s–70s pop singer - Kaga no Chiyo
Meaning: Thousand generations
Pronunciation: KAH-gah noh CHEE-yoh
Script: 加賀千代女
Known for: Edo-period haiku poet and Buddhist nun - Chieko Higashiyama
Meaning: Thousand blessings
Pronunciation: chee-EH-koh hee-gah-shee-YAH-mah
Script: 東山千栄子
Known for: Stage and film actress - Chieko Hara
Meaning: Wisdom, blessing
Pronunciation: chee-EH-koh HAH-rah
Script: 原千恵子
Known for: Classical pianist - Chieko Honda
Meaning: Wisdom, blessing
Pronunciation: chee-EH-koh HOHN-dah
Script: 本多知恵子
Known for: Voice actress - Chieko Matsubara
Meaning: Wisdom, blessing
Pronunciation: chee-EH-koh mah-tsoo-BAH-rah
Script: 松原智恵子
Known for: Film actress - Chieko Kawabe
Meaning: Wisdom, blessing
Pronunciation: chee-EH-koh kah-WAH-beh
Script: 河辺千恵子
Known for: Singer, model, and actress - Chizuko Hoshino
Meaning: Thousand long lives
Pronunciation: chee-ZOO-koh hoh-SHEE-noh
Script: 星野千寿子
Known for: Voice actress - Chiyoko Fukada
Meaning: Child of a thousand generations
Pronunciation: chee-YOH-koh foo-KAH-dah
Script: 深田千代子
Known for: Founder of the Ennōkyō religious movement - Chiyoko Nakatani
Meaning: Child of a thousand generations
Pronunciation: chee-YOH-koh nah-kah-TAH-nee
Script: 中谷千代子
Known for: Picture book author and illustrator - Chiyoko Sakamoto
Meaning: Child of a thousand generations
Pronunciation: chee-YOH-koh sah-kah-MOH-toh
Script: 千代子
Known for: First Japanese American female lawyer - Chiyo Tsutsumi
Meaning: Thousand generations
Pronunciation: CHEE-yoh tsoo-TSOO-mee
Script: 堤千代
Known for: Short story writer - Chiyo Sakakibara
Meaning: Thousand generations
Pronunciation: CHEE-yoh sah-kah-kee-BAH-rah
Script: 榊原千代
Known for: Journalist, educator, and politician - Chiyo Mikami
Meaning: Thousand generations
Pronunciation: CHEE-yoh mee-KAH-mee
Script: 三上千代
Known for: Pioneering nurse - Hideki Chihara
Meaning: Thousand fields (surname)
Pronunciation: hee-DEH-kee chee-HAH-rah
Script: 茅原英樹
Known for: Contemporary classical composer
Japanese Names That Start With C in Anime and Pop Culture
Anime has made many “C” names instantly recognizable worldwide. These characters range from fan-favorite heroines to comic relief and iconic mascots.
Here Here is the list of 30 Japanese names that start with C
- Chihiro Fujisaki
- Meaning: Thousand journeys
- Pronunciation: chee-HEE-roh foo-jee-SAH-kee
- Script: 藤崎千尋
- Appears in: Danganronpa
- Chihiro Ogino
- Meaning: Thousand journeys
- Pronunciation: chee-HEE-roh oh-GHEE-noh
- Script: 荻野千尋
- Appears in: Spirited Away
- Chika Fujiwara
- Meaning: Wisdom and grace
- Pronunciation: CHEE-kah foo-jee-WAH-rah
- Script: 藤原千花
- Appears in: Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
- Chiyo Sakura
- Meaning: Thousand generations
- Pronunciation: CHEE-yoh sah-KOO-rah
- Script: 佐倉千代
- Appears in: Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun
- Chitanda Eru
- Meaning: Surname reference, no direct translation
- Pronunciation: chee-TAHN-dah EH-roo
- Script: 千反田える
- Appears in: Hyouka
- Chizuru Mizuhara
- Meaning: Thousand cranes
- Pronunciation: chee-ZOO-roo mee-zoo-HAH-rah
- Script: 水原千鶴
- Appears in: Rent-a-Girlfriend
- Chise Hatori
- Meaning: Thousand generations, alternate reading
- Pronunciation: CHEE-seh hah-TOH-ree
- Script: 羽鳥智世
- Appears in: The Ancient Magus’ Bride
- Chitose Hasegawa
- Meaning: A thousand years
- Pronunciation: chee-TOH-seh hah-seh-GAH-wah
- Script: 長谷川千歳
- Appears in: Classroom of the Elite
- Chi
- Meaning: Playful sound, kitten’s name
- Pronunciation: CHEE
- Script: No official kanji
- Appears in: Chi’s Sweet Home
- Chi-Chi
- Meaning: Playful repetition
- Pronunciation: CHEE-chee
- Script: チチ (katakana only)
- Appears in: Dragon Ball
- Chiaki Nanami
- Meaning: Thousand brightness
- Pronunciation: chee-AH-kee nah-NAH-mee
- Script: 七海千秋
- Appears in: Danganronpa 2
- Chiaki Shinichi
- Meaning: Thousand brightness
- Pronunciation: chee-AH-kee shee-NEE-chee
- Script: 千秋真一
- Appears in: Nodame Cantabile
- Chiyo (Elder Chiyo)
- Meaning: Thousand generations
- Pronunciation: CHEE-yoh
- Script: チヨ
- Appears in: Naruto
- Choji Akimichi
- Meaning: Butterfly, thousand roads
- Pronunciation: CHOH-jee ah-kee-MEE-chee
- Script: 秋道チョウジ
- Appears in: Naruto
- Chojuro
- Meaning: Butterfly, eldest son
- Pronunciation: choh-JOO-roh
- Script: 長十郎
- Appears in: Naruto
- Chibiusa
- Meaning: Small rabbit
- Pronunciation: chee-bee-OO-sah
- Script: ちびうさ
- Appears in: Sailor Moon
- Chihaya Ayase
- Meaning: Swift thousand
- Pronunciation: chee-HAH-yah ah-YAH-seh
- Script: 綾瀬千早
- Appears in: Chihayafuru
- Chidori Kaname
- Meaning: Plover bird
- Pronunciation: chee-DOH-ree kah-NAH-meh
- Script: 我妻千鳥
- Appears in: Full Metal Panic!
- Chidori Sawa
- Meaning: Plover bird
- Pronunciation: chee-DOH-ree SAH-wah
- Script: 沢ちどり
- Appears in: High School of the Dead
- Chizuru Minamoto
- Meaning: Thousand cranes
- Pronunciation: chee-ZOO-roo mee-nah-MOH-toh
- Script: 源千鶴
- Appears in: Demon Prince of Momochi House
- Chizuru Yukimura
- Meaning: Thousand cranes
- Pronunciation: chee-ZOO-roo yoo-kee-MOO-rah
- Script: 雪村千鶴
- Appears in: Hakuoki
- Chika Amamiya
- Meaning: Wisdom and grace
- Pronunciation: CHEE-kah ah-mah-MEE-yah
- Script: 雨宮千架
- Appears in: Ojamajo Doremi
- Chinatsu Yoshikawa
- Meaning: Thousand summers
- Pronunciation: chee-NAH-tsoo yoh-shee-KAH-wah
- Script: 吉川ちなつ
- Appears in: YuruYuri
- Chise Kujo
- Meaning: Thousand generations, alternate reading
- Pronunciation: CHEE-seh koo-JOH
- Script: 九条千世
- Appears in: Kids on the Slope
- Chikage Kazama
- Meaning: Thousand shadows
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-geh kah-ZAH-mah
- Script: 風間千景
- Appears in: Hakuoki
- Choco (Chocolat)
- Meaning: Playful nickname
- Pronunciation: CHOH-koh
- Script: ショコラ (katakana only)
- Appears in: Sugar Sugar Rune
- Cheza
- Meaning: Stylized non-kanji name
- Pronunciation: CHEH-zah
- Script: No official kanji
- Appears in: Wolf’s Rain
- C.C.
- Meaning: Stylized initials, no kanji
- Pronunciation: SEE-SEE
- Script: No official kanji
- Appears in: Code Geass
- Cure Chocolat
- Meaning: Hero alias, sweets-themed
- Pronunciation: kyoor CHOH-koh-laht
- Script: キュアショコラ (katakana only)
- Appears in: KiraKira Pretty Cure A La Mode
- Chitose Kizaki
- Meaning: A thousand years
- Pronunciation: chee-TOH-seh kee-ZAH-kee
- Script: 木崎千歳
- Appears in: Rent-a-Girlfriend
How to Choose the Right Japanese Name That Starts With C
Picking a “C” name isn’t just about liking the sound — it’s about balancing meaning, pronunciation ease for non-Japanese speakers, gender fit, and how the kanji reads in context. Below are 30 names that illustrate different selection factors, from soft and simple to bold and traditional.
Here is the list of 30 Japanese names that start with C
- Chiharu
- Meaning: Thousand springs
- Pronunciation: chee-HAH-roo
- Script: 千春
- Chieri
- Meaning: Thousand pictures, village
- Pronunciation: CHEE-eh-ree
- Script: 千絵里
- Chisumi
- Meaning: Thousand clarities
- Pronunciation: chee-SOO-mee
- Script: 千澄
- Chiyoka
- Meaning: Flower of a thousand generations
- Pronunciation: chee-YOH-kah
- Script: 千代花
- Chirisa
- Meaning: Thousand miles, gauze
- Pronunciation: chee-REE-sah
- Script: 千里紗
- Chihina
- Meaning: Thousand small dolls
- Pronunciation: chee-HEE-nah
- Script: 千雛
- Chimichi
- Meaning: Thousand paths
- Pronunciation: chee-MEE-chee
- Script: 千道
- Chinatsuki
- Meaning: Hope of a thousand summers
- Pronunciation: chee-nah-TSOO-kee
- Script: 千夏希
- Chisuke
- Meaning: Wise helper
- Pronunciation: chee-SOO-keh
- Script: 智介
- Chishige
- Meaning: Thousand layers
- Pronunciation: chee-SHEE-geh
- Script: 千重
- Chimana
- Meaning: Thousand loves
- Pronunciation: chee-MAH-nah
- Script: 千愛
- Chirei
- Meaning: Thousand beauties
- Pronunciation: chee-REH-ee
- Script: 千麗
- Chisen
- Meaning: Spring of wisdom
- Pronunciation: CHEE-sen
- Script: 智泉
- Chitaka
- Meaning: Thousand devotions
- Pronunciation: chee-TAH-kah
- Script: 千孝
- Chikuko
- Meaning: Child of eternity
- Pronunciation: chee-KOO-koh
- Script: 千久子
- Chiruko
- Meaning: Child of a thousand gems
- Pronunciation: CHEE-roo-koh
- Script: 千琉子
- Chisayo
- Meaning: Small night of a thousand
- Pronunciation: chee-SAH-yoh
- Script: 千小夜
- Chitomi
- Meaning: Thousand beauties and wealth
- Pronunciation: chee-TOH-mee
- Script: 千富美
- Chiaya
- Meaning: Thousand colors
- Pronunciation: chee-AH-yah
- Script: 千彩
- Chikoto
- Meaning: Thousand koto strings
- Pronunciation: chee-KOH-toh
- Script: 千琴
- Chizune
- Meaning: Thousand constants
- Pronunciation: chee-ZOO-neh
- Script: 千恒
- Chiroku
- Meaning: Thousand fortunes
- Pronunciation: chee-ROH-koo
- Script: 千禄
- Chihana
- Meaning: Thousand flowers
- Pronunciation: chee-HAH-nah
- Script: 千花
- Chikari
- Meaning: Radiance of a thousand
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-ree
- Script: 千輝
- Chiruka
- Meaning: Flowing flower of a thousand
- Pronunciation: CHEE-roo-kah
- Script: 千流花
- Chisatoshi
- Meaning: Thousand wisdoms
- Pronunciation: chee-sah-TOH-shee
- Script: 千智
- Chiwaka
- Meaning: Thousand youths
- Pronunciation: chee-WAH-kah
- Script: 千若
- Chiyona
- Meaning: Greens of a thousand generations
- Pronunciation: chee-YOH-nah
- Script: 千代菜
- Chihiko
- Meaning: Wise young man
- Pronunciation: chee-HEE-koh
- Script: 智彦
- Chimoe
- Meaning: Thousand sprouts
- Pronunciation: chee-MOH-eh
- Script: 千萌
Tips for Pairing Japanese Names That Start With C With Surnames
The right surname pairing keeps rhythm and readability smooth — matching syllable count, avoiding repeated sounds, and balancing softer given names with stronger surnames (or vice versa). These 30 names show a range of pairing styles, from classic “-ro” and “-suke” endings to shorter modern forms.
- Chosuke
- Meaning: Long-lasting helper
- Pronunciation: CHOH-soo-keh
- Script: 長助
- Chotaro
- Meaning: Eldest son of long life
- Pronunciation: choh-TAH-roh
- Script: 長太郎
- Choko
- Meaning: Butterfly child
- Pronunciation: CHOH-koh
- Script: 蝶子
- Chogoro
- Meaning: Fifth son of long life
- Pronunciation: choh-GOH-roh
- Script: 長五郎
- Chojiro
- Meaning: Second son of long life
- Pronunciation: choh-JEE-roh
- Script: 長次郎
- Chuta
- Meaning: Loyal and great
- Pronunciation: CHOO-tah
- Script: 忠太
- Chuji
- Meaning: Loyal successor
- Pronunciation: CHOO-jee
- Script: 忠次
- Chuichi
- Meaning: First loyalty
- Pronunciation: choo-EE-chee
- Script: 忠一
- Chusuke
- Meaning: Loyal helper
- Pronunciation: CHOO-soo-keh
- Script: 忠助
- Chacha
- Meaning: Tea; a well-known historical nickname
- Pronunciation: CHAH-chah
- Script: 茶々
- Chanoko
- Meaning: Child of tea
- Pronunciation: chah-NOH-koh
- Script: 茶乃子
- Chiyata
- Meaning: Great arrow of a thousand
- Pronunciation: chee-YAH-tah
- Script: 千弥太
- Chishirou
- Meaning: Historic son
- Pronunciation: chee-SHEE-roh
- Script: 千史郎
- Chikatsu
- Meaning: Thousand victories
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-tsoo
- Script: 千勝
- Chikura
- Meaning: Thousand storehouses
- Pronunciation: chee-KOO-rah
- Script: 千倉
- Chimaru
- Meaning: Thousand circles, completeness
- Pronunciation: CHEE-mah-roo
- Script: 千丸
- Chinatsuko
- Meaning: Child of a thousand summers
- Pronunciation: chee-NAH-tsoo-koh
- Script: 千夏子
- Chihiromi
- Meaning: Beautiful thousand fathoms
- Pronunciation: chee-hee-ROH-mee
- Script: 千尋美
- Chisadao
- Meaning: Man of a thousand decisions
- Pronunciation: chee-SAH-dah-oh
- Script: 千定男
- Chiakira
- Meaning: Thousand brightness
- Pronunciation: chee-AH-kee-rah
- Script: 千明
- Chihayato
- Meaning: Swift falcon of a thousand
- Pronunciation: chee-hah-YAH-toh
- Script: 千隼人
- Chieno
- Meaning: Field of wisdom
- Pronunciation: chee-EH-noh
- Script: 智恵乃
- Chikayo
- Meaning: Close generation
- Pronunciation: chee-KAH-yoh
- Script: 近世
- Chiyoshige
- Meaning: Weight of a thousand generations
- Pronunciation: chee-yoh-SHEE-geh
- Script: 千代重
- Chizu
- Meaning: Thousand leaders
- Pronunciation: CHEE-zoo
- Script: 千頭
- Chinenori
- Meaning: Thousand principles
- Pronunciation: chee-neh-NOH-ree
- Script: 千則
- Chikuhiro
- Meaning: Broad eternity
- Pronunciation: chee-koo-HEE-roh
- Script: 千久博
- Chishunosuke
- Meaning: Helper of a thousand swift horses
- Pronunciation: chee-shoo-noh-SOO-keh
- Script: 千駿之介
- Chimatsuri
- Meaning: Thousand festivals
- Pronunciation: chee-mah-TSOO-ree
- Script: 千祭
- Chiharuki
- Meaning: Tree of a thousand springs
- Pronunciation: chee-hah-ROO-kee
- Script: 千春樹
Frequently Asked Questions
People searching for these names usually want quick, honest answers. Below, we cover the most common questions readers ask.
What does Chi mean in Japanese names?
It usually means thousand, symbolizing abundance or a long, blessed life. It’s the most common sound for these C-starting names.
Are these names more common for boys or girls?
Both. Many work well for either gender, though softer endings like -ko or -mi tend to lean feminine.
How do you pronounce names like Chihiro or Chiyo correctly?
Break them into syllables and say each clearly. Chi sounds like chee, not chai, which trips up many English speakers.
Can foreigners legally use these names?
Yes, anyone can choose one for a child, pet, or character. Just double-check kanji meaning before committing to it.
Why do so many options start with Chi instead of other C sounds?
Japanese phonetics naturally produce Chi far more than Cho, Chu, or Cha, which limits variety among starting letters.
Do these names always use the same kanji?
No, the same sound can be written with different kanji, changing the meaning entirely. Always confirm the intended characters.
Are anime character names good real-life name choices?
Some work fine, but others are stylized nicknames without real kanji. Check authenticity before using one for a baby.
Conclusion
Choosing among japanese names that start with c gives you real freedom. You get soft sounds, deep meanings, and strong cultural roots. Whether you want something traditional or modern, japanese names that start with c offer both. Nature lovers can pick names tied to flowers, birds, or seasons. Fans of anime will spot familiar names too. Each option carries its own story through kanji.
Before you settle on one, always check the kanji meaning carefully. Japanese names that start with c can look similar but mean very different things. Say the name out loud to test how it flows. Pair it with a surname to see if it sounds balanced. With so many japanese names that start with c to explore, you’re sure to find one that feels right for your child, pet, or character.
