407+ Samurai Names - With Meanings [Ultimate Guide]

Samurai names were given to members of the Japanese warrior class, known as the samurai, which existed from the 12th to the 19th century.

These names had several distinctive characteristics:

Simplicity: Samurai names were typically very simple, consisting of only one or two kanji characters. This simplicity made the names easy to remember and recognize.
Honorifics: Samurai names often included honorific titles such as “dono” or “sama,” which conveyed respect and reverence for the individual. These titles were also used to distinguish between members of different social classes.
Clan and Family Names: Samurai names often included the family name or clan name, which helped to identify the individual’s lineage and ancestry.
Symbolism: The kanji characters used in samurai names often had symbolic meanings related to qualities such as bravery, strength, or loyalty. These meanings were meant to reflect the values and ideals of the samurai class.
Formality: Samurai names were often used in formal contexts, such as in official documents or in ceremonial situations. As such, they were considered a mark of social status and were treated with great respect and reverence.

Overall, Samurai names were an important aspect of Japanese culture and history, and reflected the values and traditions of the samurai class.

Table of Contents

Cool Samurai Names

Cool Samurai Names:

Akio – meaning “bright” or “clear.”
Haru – meaning “spring” or “sunshine.”
Kaito – meaning “ocean flying.”
Ryo – meaning “good” or “virtuous.”
Shiro – meaning “castle” or “white.”
Tatsuo – meaning “dragon man.”
Yoshi – meaning “good fortune” or “luck.”
Akira – meaning “bright” or “intelligent.”
Genji – meaning “original” or “excellent.”
Kenta – meaning “strong and healthy.”

Female Samurai Names (Girl Samurai Names)

Female Samurai Names:

Hana (花) – meaning “flower”
Yumi (弓) – meaning “bow”
Mei (芽衣) – meaning “sprout of clothing”
Suki (すき) – meaning “beloved”
Kaida (海田) – meaning “ocean rice paddy”
Rei (玲) – meaning “elegant”
Sakura (桜) – meaning “cherry blossom”
Tomoe (巴) – meaning “friendship, companion”
Sayuri (小百合) – meaning “little lily”
Shizuka (静香) – meaning “quiet fragrance”

Male Samurai Names (Boy Samurai Names)

Male Samurai Names:

Akio (昭夫) – meaning “bright man”
Eiji (英二) – meaning “second son, hero”
Genji (源氏) – meaning “Minamoto clan”
Haru (春) – meaning “spring”
Hiro (広) – meaning “generous”
Isamu (勇) – meaning “courageous”
Jiro (二郎) – meaning “second son”
Kenji (健二) – meaning “healthy second son”
Masaru (勝) – meaning “victorious”
Takeo (武男) – meaning “warrior man”

Top 10 Greatest Samurai Warriors

Japanese Samurai Names

Japanese Samurai Names:

Musashi – named after Miyamoto Musashi, a famous samurai warrior and philosopher.
Saito – meaning “small one.”
Uesugi – named after a powerful samurai clan that played a significant role in Japanese history.
Hattori – named after Hattori Hanzo, a famous ninja and samurai warrior.
Tokugawa – named after the Tokugawa shogunate, a powerful ruling dynasty in Japan.
Date – named after the Date clan, a samurai clan from the northern region of Japan.
Oda – named after the Oda clan, a powerful samurai clan from the central region of Japan.
Takeda – named after the Takeda clan, a samurai clan from the central region of Japan.
Honda – named after the Honda clan, a samurai clan from the western region of Japan.
Ito – named after the Ito clan, a samurai clan from the eastern region of Japan.

Samurai Sword Names

Samurai Sword Names:

Muramasa – named after a famous swordsmith who was believed to imbue his swords with a cursed bloodlust.
Masamune – named after a famous swordsmith who was known for creating swords of unparalleled quality and craftsmanship.
Kusanagi – named after a legendary sword in Japanese mythology that was said to have been discovered by the god Susanoo.
Kotetsu – named after a famous swordsmith who created swords that were renowned for their sharpness and durability.
Bizen – named after a region in Japan that was known for producing high-quality swords during the feudal period.
Nihonto – meaning “Japanese sword.”
Hizen – named after a region in Japan that was known for producing swords of excellent quality and craftsmanship.
Shobu – meaning “iris” or “victory.”
Tenka-Goken – meaning “Five Swords Under Heaven,” a reference to five legendary swords in Japanese history.
Yamato – named after the Yamato province in Japan, which was known for its sword-making traditions.

Coolest Samurai Names

Coolest Samurai Names:

Kenshin – meaning “modest faith” or “humble belief.”
Jubei – meaning “the tenth power.”
Goemon – meaning “man with a strong will.”
Kojiro – meaning “little tree.”
Raiden – meaning “thunder and lightning.”
Hachiman – named after the Japanese god of war and archery.
Toshiro – meaning “talented and intelligent.”
Hideyoshi – meaning “excellence and goodness.”
Nobunaga – meaning “trust and persistence.”
Tomoe – meaning “blessed with beauty and wisdom.”

Why Are Samurai Names So Long?

Badass Samurai Names

Badass Samurai Names:

Ryoma – “dragon horse”
Katsuro – “victorious son”
Takeshi – “fierce warrior”
Akio – “bright man”
Masaru – “victory”
Hachiro – “eighth son”
Shinichi – “true firstborn”
Jiro – “second son”
Kenji – “wise ruler”
Yukio – “blessed with snow”

Samurai Clan Names

Samurai Clan Names:

Date – “rise like the sun”
Takeda – “bamboo rice paddy”
Oda – “many fields”
Tokugawa – “the residence of virtue”
Uesugi – “the mountain that rules”
Shimazu – “island peace”
Mori – “forest”
Hojo – “north castle”
Imagawa – “today’s well”
Saito – “west wisteria”

Samurai Sword Set Names

Samurai Sword Set Names:

Kusanagi – “grasscutter”
Muramasa – “village in a valley”
Masamune – “before the government”
Honjo Masamune – named after a legendary samurai who wielded the sword
Dojigiri – “horse-chopping”
Fudo Masamune – named after the Buddhist deity of fire
Heshikiri – “off with the head”
Kunimune – “province defender”
Onimaru – “demon circle”
Kogarasu – “little crow”

Why Did Samurai Keep Changing and Reusing Names?

Samurai Warrior Names

Samurai Warrior Names:

Minamoto no Yoshitsune – a legendary samurai warrior who fought during the late Heian and early Kamakura periods.
Miyamoto Musashi – a famous Japanese swordsman who is widely considered one of the greatest samurai warriors in history.
Honda Tadakatsu – a samurai warrior who served under the Tokugawa shogunate during the Sengoku period.
Yagyū Munenori – a samurai warrior who was renowned for his expertise in the art of swordsmanship.
Date Masamune – a powerful daimyo and samurai warrior who played a significant role in Japanese history.
Kato Kiyomasa – a samurai warrior who served under Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the late Sengoku period.
Takeda Shingen – a powerful daimyo and samurai warrior who played a significant role in Japanese history.
Uesugi Kenshin – a famous samurai warrior who fought during the Sengoku period.
Sanada Yukimura – a samurai warrior who served under the Toyotomi clan during the late Sengoku period.
Sakamoto Ryōma – a samurai warrior who played a significant role in the Meiji Restoration and the modernization of Japan.

Samurai Names – Elden Ring

Samurai Names – Elden Ring:

Meijo – meaning “bright and shining.”
Kusabira – meaning “grass blade.”
Ren – meaning “lotus” or “love.”
Tsuguri – meaning “sorcery” or “magic.”
Toshu – meaning “one who surpasses.”
Musubi – meaning “connection” or “bond.”
Hishaku – meaning “water ladle” or “dipper.”
Nanako – meaning “apple child.”
Yuzuki – meaning “gentle moon” or “friendly moon.”
Shizuka – meaning “quiet” or “calm.”

Legendary Samurai Names

Legendary Samurai Names:

Yoshitsune – named after Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a legendary samurai warrior who fought during the late Heian and early Kamakura periods.
Benkei – named after Saito Musashibo Benkei, a legendary warrior-monk who served under Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
Tomoe – named after Tomoe Gozen, a legendary female samurai warrior who fought during the late Heian period.
Kojiro – named after Sasaki Kojiro, a legendary swordsman who was renowned for his expertise with the longsword.
Masamune – named after Goro Nyudo Masamune, a legendary swordsmith who created some of the most famous swords in Japanese history.
Ieyasu – named after Tokugawa Ieyasu, a powerful daimyo and the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Nobunaga – named after Oda Nobunaga, a powerful daimyo who played a significant role in the unification of Japan.
Hattori – named after Hattori Hanzo, a famous ninja and samurai warrior who served under Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Takeda – named after Takeda Shingen, a powerful daimyo and samurai warrior who played a significant role in Japanese history.
Uesugi – named after Uesugi Kenshin, a famous samurai warrior who fought during the Sengoku period of Japanese history.
Hōjō – named after the Hōjō clan, a powerful samurai family during Japan’s Sengoku period.
Miyamoto – named after Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary swordsman and martial artist who wrote The Book of Five Rings.
Toyotomi – named after Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful daimyo and samurai warrior who unified Japan under his rule in the late 16th century.

Best Samurai Names

Best Samurai Names:

Musashi – “warrior” in Japanese, named after the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
Kiyomasa – “clear justice” in Japanese, named after the famous samurai Kato Kiyomasa.
Yoshitsune – “good fortune” in Japanese, named after the famous warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
Tomoe – “friendship” in Japanese, named after the female samurai Tomoe Gozen.
Hideyoshi – “excellence” in Japanese, named after the powerful daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Uesugi – “upland field” in Japanese, named after the Uesugi clan, one of the most prominent samurai families in Japan.
Hanzo – “spy” in Japanese, named after the famous ninja Hattori Hanzo.
Nobunaga – “faithful” in Japanese, named after the daimyo Oda Nobunaga.
Munenori – “guardian of the gate” in Japanese, named after the samurai Yagyu Munenori.
Masamune – “rightness” in Japanese, named after the famous swordsmith Masamune.

Samurai Blade Names

Samurai Blade Names:

Masamune – This name means “correct faith” and is often associated with one of the greatest Japanese swordsmiths, Goro Nyudo Masamune.
Muramasa – This name means “village of the circle” and was the name of a famous swordsmith known for creating blades with a deadly curse.
Kogarasu-maru – This name means “little crow” and is said to have been wielded by the legendary samurai Minamoto no Yorimitsu.
Kotetsu – This name means “steel” and was the name of a famous swordsmith who was known for creating blades that were incredibly sharp.
Shishi-Oh – This name means “lion king” and was the name of a legendary sword that was said to have been wielded by the samurai hero, Takeda Shingen.
Tomoe – This name means “whirlpool” and was the name of a famous sword that was said to have been wielded by the samurai hero, Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
Honjo Masamune – This name is derived from the swordsmith Goro Nyudo Masamune and was one of the most famous swords in Japanese history, used by the samurai Sasaki Kojiro.
Aoi-ryu – This name means “blue dragon” and was the name of a legendary sword that was said to have been wielded by the samurai hero, Tachibana Muneshige.
Hizen Tadayoshi – This name refers to the swordsmith Tadayoshi, who was known for creating blades with intricate designs and exceptional craftsmanship.
Fudo Masamune – This name means “unwavering faith” and was the name of a famous sword that was said to have been wielded by the samurai hero, Oda Nobunaga.

Ancient Samurai Names

Ancient Samurai Names:

Minamoto no Yoshitsune – This name belongs to a legendary samurai hero who fought in the Genpei War and is known for his bravery and tactical skills.
Taira no Kiyomori – This name belongs to a powerful samurai leader who played a significant role in the Genpei War and founded the Taira clan.
Miyamoto Musashi – This name belongs to one of the most famous samurai in Japanese history, known for his incredible swordsmanship and the author of “The Book of Five Rings.”
Uesugi Kenshin – This name belongs to a legendary samurai who was known for his loyalty and military tactics, particularly in his battles against Takeda Shingen.
Takeda Shingen – This name belongs to a powerful samurai leader who was known for his strategic mind and fierce fighting skills, particularly in his battles against Uesugi Kenshin.
Honda Tadakatsu – This name belongs to a samurai who was known for his incredible strength and bravery in battle, particularly in his service under the Tokugawa clan.
Date Masamune – This name belongs to a powerful samurai leader who was known for his leadership skills and his role in the unification of Japan.
Oda Nobunaga – This name belongs to one of the most powerful samurai lords in Japanese history, known for his military tactics and his efforts to unify Japan.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi – This name belongs to another powerful samurai lord who played a significant role in the unification of Japan and was known for his diplomatic skills.
Tokugawa Ieyasu – This name belongs to the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, who ruled Japan for over 250 years and oversaw

Water Samurai Names

Water Samurai Names:

Mizuki – “beautiful moon” in Japanese, named after the reflection of the moon on water.
Kai – “ocean” in Japanese, named after the vastness of the sea.
Nagisa – “shore” in Japanese, named after the meeting point of land and water.
Ayumi – “walk” in Japanese, named after the way water flows.
Sora – “sky” in Japanese, named after the reflection of the sky on water.
Mizuho – “abundant water” in Japanese, named after the importance of water for life.
Ren – “lotus” in Japanese, named after the flower that grows in water.
Takara – “treasure” in Japanese, named after the value of water as a resource.
Minori – “harvest” in Japanese, named after the fertility that water brings to the land.
Kira – “sparkle” in Japanese, named after the way light reflects on water.

Demon Samurai Names

Demon Samurai Names:

Oni – “demon” in Japanese, named after the mythical creatures.
Tengu – “heavenly dog” in Japanese, named after the demon-like beings with long noses in Japanese folklore.
Kyubi – “nine-tailed fox” in Japanese, named after the demon fox in Japanese mythology.
Akuma – “devil” in Japanese, named after the demon of Japanese folklore.
Enma – “king of hell” in Japanese, named after the Buddhist deity that judges the dead.
Jigoku – “hell” in Japanese, named after the underworld of Japanese mythology.
Yami – “darkness” in Japanese, named after the evil force that opposes light.
Shuten – “drunken demon” in Japanese, named after the demon who was said to drink the blood of his victims.
Kuchisake-onna – “slit-mouthed woman” in Japanese, named after the vengeful ghost who haunts children.
Kappa – “river child” in Japanese, named after the water demon with a dish-like head.

Samurai House Names

Samurai House Names:

Tokugawa (徳川): This house name means “of virtue” and is most famously associated with the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years.
Takeda (武田): This house name means “rice paddy of military prowess” and was the name of a powerful samurai clan in the Sengoku period.
Shimazu (島津): This house name means “island and water” and was the name of a samurai clan that ruled over the Satsuma domain in southern Japan.
Date (伊達): This house name means “reliable” or “trustworthy” and was the name of a samurai clan that ruled over the Sendai domain in northern Japan.
Mori (森): This house name means “forest” and was the name of a powerful samurai clan in western Japan.
Uesugi (上杉): This house name means “above the cedar” and was the name of a samurai clan that ruled over the Echigo province in northern Japan.
Maeda (前田): This house name means “in front of the rice paddy” and was the name of a samurai clan that ruled over the Kaga domain in central Japan.
Hōjō (北条): This house name means “north castle” and was the name of a powerful samurai clan that ruled over the Odawara domain in eastern Japan.
Oda (織田): This house name means “weave rice paddy” and was the name of a samurai clan that rose to power in the Sengoku period under the leadership of Oda Nobunaga.
Minamoto (源): This house name means “origin” and was the name of a powerful samurai clan that claimed descent from the imperial family and played a major role in Japanese history.

Famous Samurai Names

Famous Samurai Names:

Miyamoto Musashi (宮本武蔵): Musashi was a famous swordsman and philosopher who lived in the early 17th century. He is considered one of the greatest swordsmen in Japanese history.
Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康): Ieyasu was the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868. He is considered one of the most important figures in Japanese history.
Takeda Shingen (武田信玄): Shingen was a daimyo (feudal lord) of the Takeda clan and a renowned military strategist during the Sengoku period.
Oda Nobunaga (織田信長): Nobunaga was a daimyo who rose to power in the Sengoku period and played a major role in the reunification of Japan. He is often credited with laying the foundations for the Tokugawa shogunate.
Date Masamune (伊達政宗): Masamune was a daimyo of the Date clan who ruled over the Sendai domain in northern Japan. He is known for his bravery and leadership in battle.
Uesugi Kenshin (上杉謙信): Kenshin was a daimyo of the Uesugi clan and a renowned military strategist during the Sengoku period. He is known for his rivalry with Takeda Shingen.
Hattori Hanzō (服部半蔵): Hanzō was a ninja who served the Tokugawa shogunate during the Sengoku period. He is famous for his exploits as an assassin and spy.
Yagyū Munenori (柳生宗矩): Munenori was a samurai and martial artist who served the Tokugawa shogunate. He wrote extensively on strategy and swordsmanship, and is remembered as one of Japan’s greatest sword masters.
Kuroda Nagamasa (黒田長政): Nagamasa was a daimyo of the Kuroda clan who rose to power in western Japan in the Sengoku period. He is remembered as an able ruler and strategist.
Shimazu Yoshihiro (島津義弘): Yoshihiro was a daimyo of the Shimazu clan who ruled over the Satsuma domain in southern Japan during the Sengoku period. He was a famous military commander, known for his bravery and tactical prowess.
Hōjō Ujimasa (北条氏政): Ujimasa was a daimyo of the Hōjō clan and one of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s chief opponents during the Sengoku period. He is remembered as an able leader and strategist.

Historical Samurai Names

Historical Samurai Names:

Taira no Kiyomori – named after the leader of the Taira clan during the late Heian period in Japan.
Minamoto no Yoritomo – named after the founder of the Kamakura shogunate in Japan.
Honda Tadakatsu – named after the famous samurai who served under the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan.
Date Masamune – named after the daimyo of the Sendai domain during the Azuchi-Momoyama and early Edo periods in Japan.
Ishida Mitsunari – named after the samurai who fought in the Battle of Sekigahara in Japan.
Tokugawa Ieyasu – named after the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan.
Oda Nobunaga – named after the powerful daimyo during the late Sengoku period in Japan.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi – named after the daimyo who unified Japan in the late 16th century.
Miyamoto Musashi – named after the famous swordsman and author of “The Book of Five Rings.”
Saigo Takamori – named after the samurai who played a leading role in the Meiji Restoration in Japan.

Strong Samurai Names

Strong Samurai Names:

Kenshin – “fierce heart” in Japanese, named after the legendary warrior Uesugi Kenshin.
Akio – “bright man” in Japanese, named after the strong and determined character of the samurai.
Goro – “fifth son” in Japanese, named after the tradition of a samurai’s fifth son being the strongest.
Jiro – “second son” in Japanese, named after the tradition of a samurai’s second son being the most loyal.
Noboru – “rise” in Japanese, named after the determination and courage of the samurai.
Raiden – “thunder and lightning” in Japanese, named after the power and strength of the samurai.
Takeshi – “warrior” in Japanese, named after the fearless nature of the samurai.
Yasuo – “peaceful one” in Japanese, named after the calm and focused mindset of the samurai.
Ryu – “dragon” in Japanese, named after the legendary creature and symbol of power.
Hikaru – “shining” in Japanese, named after the samurai’s ability to stand out and be noticed.

Epic Samurai Names

Epic Samurai Names:

Akira – “intelligent” in Japanese, named after the cunning and strategic mind of the samurai.
Daichi – “great land” in Japanese, named after the samurai’s connection to the earth and nature.
Haruka – “far away” in Japanese, named after the samurai’s adventurous and wandering spirit.
Katana – “sword” in Japanese, named after the iconic weapon of the samurai.
Kenta – “strong and healthy” in Japanese, named after the samurai’s physical prowess.
Ryo – “excellent” in Japanese, named after the samurai’s pursuit of perfection.
Satsuki – “fifth month” in Japanese, named after the samurai’s appreciation for the beauty of nature.
Shiro – “castle” in Japanese, named after the samurai’s role in defending their lord’s stronghold.
Yuto – “gentle” in Japanese, named after the samurai’s code of honor and respect.

Power Ranger Samurai Characters

Power Ranger Samurai Characters:

Jayden Shiba – The Red Ranger and leader of the Samurai Rangers. Jayden is a serious and disciplined warrior, dedicated to his role as the protector of the Earth.
Kevin – The Blue Ranger and second-in-command of the Samurai Rangers. Kevin is a skilled swordsman and strategist, and is always focused on his duties as a Ranger.
Mia Watanabe – The Pink Ranger and the heart of the Samurai Rangers. Mia is a compassionate and caring person who always puts others before herself.
Mike – The Green Ranger and the joker of the Samurai Rangers. Mike is a skilled fighter, but he often struggles with taking his responsibilities as a Ranger seriously.
Emily – The Yellow Ranger and the youngest member of the Samurai Rangers. Emily is a kind-hearted and determined girl who is always willing to help others.
Antonio Garcia – The Gold Ranger and a former fisherman who was chosen by the Samurai to become a Ranger. Antonio is a talented musician and inventor who brings a unique perspective to the team.
Lauren Shiba – The true Red Ranger and Jayden’s older sister. Lauren was believed to be lost in battle, but she returns to help the Samurai Rangers defeat the evil Master Xandred.
Mentor Ji – The mentor and guide of the Samurai Rangers. Mentor Ji is a wise and patient teacher who helps the Rangers master their powers and abilities.
Bulk and Spike – The comic relief characters of the series. Bulk is a former bully turned Samurai fan, while Spike is his loyal sidekick.
Deker – The series’ main villain. Deker is a powerful and mysterious warrior who has a personal vendetta against the Samurai Rangers.

Dark Samurai Names

Dark Samurai Names:

Akuma – Japanese for “devil” or “demon.” This name is often associated with dark or evil characters.
Kuro – Japanese for “black.” This name is often used for characters with a dark or mysterious nature.
Yami – Japanese for “darkness.” This name is often associated with characters who have a dark or evil aura.
Inari – A Japanese mythological figure associated with foxes and trickery. This name is often used for mischievous or cunning characters.
Shiro – Japanese for “white.” This name is often used for characters with a pure or angelic nature, but can also be used ironically for characters with a darker side.
Jigoku – Japanese for “hell.” This name is often associated with characters who are evil or demonic.
Kirin – A mythical creature in Japanese folklore. This name is often used for characters with a majestic or powerful nature.
Kage – Japanese for “shadow.” This name is often used for characters with a mysterious or elusive nature.
Oni – Japanese for “demon” or “ogre.” This name is often associated with characters who are fierce or intimidating.
Orochi – A legendary eight-headed serpent in Japanese mythology. This name is often used for characters with a powerful or dangerous nature.

Samurai Last Names

Samurai Last Names:

Nakamura – “Middle Village” in Japanese. This name is one of the most common surnames in Japan.
Tanaka – “Rice Field Middle” in Japanese. This name is also quite common in Japan.
Suzuki – “Bell Wood” in Japanese. This name is often associated with people who are skilled in music or craftsmanship.
Saito – “West Gate” in Japanese. This name is often associated with people who are strong and dependable.
Yamamoto – “Mountain Origin” in Japanese. This name is often associated with people who are wise and knowledgeable.
Kobayashi – “Little Forest” in Japanese. This name is often associated with people who are carefree and independent.
Kato – “Gate Town” in Japanese. This name is often associated with people who are hardworking and reliable.
Murakami – “Village on the Shore” in Japanese. This name is often associated with people who are passionate and creative.
Takahashi – “High Bridge” in Japanese. This name is often associated with people who are dignified and wise.
Hashimoto – “Bottom of the Bridge” in Japanese. This name is often associated with people who are humble and honest.
Matsumoto – “Pine Tree Root” in Japanese. This name is often associated with people who are persistent and steadfast.
Ito – “Thread” in Japanese. This name is often associated with people who are meticulous and detail-oriented.
Honda – “Origin of the Field” in Japanese. This name is often associated with people who are tenacious and strong-willed.
Okada – “Hillside Rice Paddy” in Japanese. This name is often associated with people who are courageous and determined.
Sakamoto – “Slope Origin” in Japanese. This name is often associated with people who are ambitious and driven to succeed.

Old Samurai Names

Old Samurai Names:

Yoshinaka – “good harmony” in Japanese, named after the samurai Minamoto no Yoshinaka.
Kanetsugu – “strong bond” in Japanese, named after the samurai Uesugi Kanetsugu.
Naomasa – “honest and correct” in Japanese, named after the samurai Honda Naomasa.
Nagamasa – “long justice” in Japanese, named after the samurai Saito Nagamasa.
Muneyoshi – “guardian of righteousness” in Japanese, named after the samurai Yagyu Muneyoshi.
Masashige – “righteousness and excellence” in Japanese, named after the samurai Kusunoki Masashige.
Suketada – “strong foundation” in Japanese, named after the samurai Takeda Suketada.
Tomonori – “model of virtue” in Japanese, named after the samurai Kato Tomonori.
Tsunayoshi – “loyal and just” in Japanese, named after the samurai Naito Tsunayoshi.
Yukimura – “snow village” in Japanese, named after the samurai Sanada Yukimura.

Anime Samurai Names

Anime Samurai Names:

Kenshin Himura – named after the protagonist of the anime and manga series “Rurouni Kenshin.”
Jin Sakai – named after the protagonist of the video game “Ghost of Tsushima.”
Gintoki Sakata – named after the protagonist of the anime and manga series “Gintama.”
Mifune – named after the samurai character in the anime and manga series “Soul Eater.”
Okita Sougo – named after the character in the anime and manga series “Gintama.”
Mugen – named after the samurai character in the anime and manga series “Samurai Champloo.”
Hakuouki – named after the male characters in the anime and manga series “Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan.”
Toushirou Hitsugaya – named after the character in the anime and manga series “Bleach.”
Shinsuke Takasugi – named after the character in the anime and manga series “Gintama.”
Roronoa Zoro – named after the character in the anime and manga series “One Piece.”

Popular Samurai Names

Popular Samurai Names:

Toshiro Mifune – named after the famous actor who played samurai roles in many films.
Miyamoto Musashi – named after the legendary swordsman and author of “The Book of Five Rings.”
Tomoe Gozen – named after the female samurai who fought in the Genpei War.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi – named after the daimyo who unified Japan in the late 16th century.
Oda Nobunaga – named after the powerful daimyo during the late Sengoku period in Japan.
Date Masamune – named after the daimyo of the Sendai domain during the Azuchi-Momoyama and early Edo periods in Japan.
Hattori Hanzo – named after the famous ninja who served under the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan.
Yagyu Jubei – named after the famous samurai of the Yagyu clan.
Uesugi Kenshin – named after the legendary warrior of the Sengoku period in Japan.
Saigo Takamori – named after the samurai who led the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877.
Kabuki-no-Takumi – named after the renowned swordsman of the Heike clan during the Genpei War.
Hozoin Inei – named after the famous monastery master and martial artist who trained many samurai warriors.
Yamamoto Kansuke – named after legendary warlord and strategist who served under Takeda Shingen during the Sengoku period.
Araki Murashige – named after one of Hideyoshi’s generals and a leader in battles against other Japanese daimyo.
Chiba Sadasue – named after the daimyo responsible for providing key support to Hideyoshi during his unification campaigns.

Chinese Samurai Names

Chinese Samurai Names with Meanings:

Huang Feihu (黄飞虎) – “Yellow Flying Tiger”
Li Jing (李靖) – “Plum Pure”
Jiang Wei (姜维) – “Ginger Dimension”
Zhao Yun (赵云) – “Yun of Zhao”
Guan Yu (关羽) – “Guan of the feather fan”
Zhang Fei (张飞) – “Fei of the long lance”
Liu Bei (刘备) – “Bei of the flowing mane”
Lu Bu (吕布) – “Bu of the halberd”
Sun Ce (孙策) – “Ce of the Sun”
Sun Quan (孙权) – “Quan of the Sun”

Great Samurai Names

Great Samurai Names with Meanings:

Miyamoto Musashi (宮本武蔵) – “Musashi of the Miyamoto family”
Date Masamune (伊達政宗) – “Masamune of the Date clan”
Takeda Shingen (武田信玄) – “Shingen of the Takeda family”
Oda Nobunaga (織田信長) – “Nobunaga of the Oda clan”
Uesugi Kenshin (上杉謙信) – “Kenshin of the Uesugi clan”
Honda Tadakatsu (本多忠勝) – “Tadakatsu of the Honda clan”
Sanada Yukimura (真田幸村) – “Yukimura of the Sanada clan”
Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康) – “Ieyasu of the Tokugawa family”
Hojo Soun (北条早雲) – “Soun of the Hojo clan”
Shimazu Yoshihiro (島津義弘) – “Yoshihiro of the Shimazu clan”

Samurai Names List

Samurai Names List with Meanings:

Masamune (正宗) – “Righteousness and clarity”
Kiyomasa (清正) – “Clear and correct”
Mitsunari (光成) – “Shining achievement”
Naomasa (直政) – “Direct and just”
Yoshinobu (義信) – “Faithful and trustworthy”
Tadamasa (忠政) – “Loyal and just”
Takemasa (武政) – “Warlike and just”
Yasumasa (安正) – “Peaceful and correct”
Katsumasa (勝政) – “Victorious and just”
Kanemasa (兼政) – “Concurrent and just”

Samurai Names DND

Samurai Names for DND:

Akira (明) – “Bright”
Daisuke (大輔) – “Great help”
Hanzo (半蔵) – “Half-hidden”
Kenji (健二) – “Healthy second son”
Michiko (道子) – “Righteous child”
Riku (陸) – “Land”
Sakura (桜) – “Cherry blossom”
Sato (佐藤) – “Wisteria wisteria”
Takeo (武雄) – “Heroic man”
Yumi (弓) – “Bow”

Top Samurai Names

Top Samurai Names:

Musashi (武蔵) – “Military scholar”
Nobunaga (信長) – “Faith in the long”
Uesugi (上杉) – “Above the cedars”
Takeda (武田) – “Military rice paddy”
Honda (本多) – “Mainly thick”
Date (伊達) – “Just”
Sanada (真田) – “True rice paddy”
Tokugawa (徳川) – “Virtuous river”
Shimazu (島津) – “Island headland”
Hojo (北条) – “North barrier”

Names of Samurai Clans

Names of Samurai Clans:

Minamoto (源)
Taira (平)
Ashikaga (足利)
Toyotomi (豊臣)
Mori (森)
Imagawa (今川)
Satomi (里見)
Chosokabe (長宗我部)
Maeda (前田)
Ouchi (大内)

Black Samurai Names

Black Samurai Names:

Kurogane (鉄) – “Iron”
Kuroi (黒井) – “Black well”
Kurokami (黒髪) – “Black hair”
Kuronuma (黒沼) – “Black swamp”
Kurosawa (黒澤) – “Black marsh”
Kurama (鞍馬) – “Saddle horse”
Kujaku (孔雀) – “Peacock”
Genbu (玄武) – “Black warrior”
Kokuten (黒天) – “Black heaven”
Kokushibou (黒死牟) – “Black death lord”

Real Samurai Names

Real Samurai Names:

Miyamoto Musashi (宮本武蔵)
Date Masamune (伊達政宗)
Takeda Shingen (武田信玄)
Oda Nobunaga (織田信長)
Uesugi Kenshin (上杉謙信)
Honda Tadakatsu (本多忠勝)
Sanada Yukimura (真田幸村)
Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康)
Shimazu Yoshihiro (島津義弘)
Hojo Soun (北条早雲)

Powerful Samurai Names

Powerful Samurai Names:

Musashi (武蔵) – “Military scholar”
Ieyasu (家康) – “Respectful peace”
Kenshin (謙信) – “Humble faith”
Nobunaga (信長) – “Faith in the long”
Tadakatsu (忠勝) – “Loyal victory”
Masamune (政宗) – “Righteousness and clarity”
Yukimura (幸村) – “Fortunate village”
Yoshitsune (義経) – “Righteous warrior”
Shingen (信玄) – “Faithful and strict”
Hideyoshi (秀吉) – “Excellent luck”

FAQs – Samurai Names

What are some common names for samurai?

Below are some common samurai names:

Hana (花) – The flower symbolizes feminine beauty and grace, which is fitting for a female samurai.
Yumi (弓) – Yumi means “bow,” a reference to the weapon of choice for samurai.
Mei (芽衣) – The name means “sprout of clothing,” representing a new beginning or growth.
Suki (すき) – Suki means “beloved,” representing the love and respect a samurai may have for their lord or master.
Kaida (海田) – The name means “ocean rice paddy,” symbolizing a strong, steady force in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
Rei (玲) – The name means “elegant,” which is a quality that many samurai strive to embody.
Sakura (桜) – Sakura means “cherry blossom,” a symbol of fleeting beauty and the transience of life.
Tomoe (巴) – Tomoe means “friendship, companion,” highlighting the importance of loyalty and camaraderie in samurai culture.
Sayuri (小百合) – Sayuri means “little lily,” a symbol of purity and innocence.
Shizuka (静香) – Shizuka means “quiet fragrance,” representing a calm and serene presence in the midst of chaos.
Akio (昭夫) – Akio means “bright man,” signifying strength, intelligence, and honor.
Eiji (英二) – Eiji means “second son, hero,” which could be a reference to the strong bond between samurai brothers or the bravery of a warrior.
Genji (源氏) – Genji means “Minamoto clan,” referring to one of the most prominent samurai clans in Japanese history.
Haru (春) – Haru means “spring,” symbolizing renewal and rebirth.
Hiro (広) – Hiro means “generous,” signifying the generosity and kindness that samurai are expected to demonstrate

Do samurai swords have names?

Yes, some samurai swords have names, and they are often associated with the samurai who wielded them or the person who commissioned the sword.

These names can range from simple descriptions of the sword’s physical appearance to more complex names that reflect the sword’s history and significance.

For example, the famous swordsmith Masamune created a sword called “Honjo Masamune,” which is considered one of the finest swords ever made.

This sword was named after its owner, Honjo Shigenaga, a samurai who served under the Tokugawa shogunate in the 16th century.

Other examples of named samurai swords include “Muramasa,” “Kusanagi,” and “Dojigiri,” each with their own unique histories and legends.

What are some names that mean samurai?

Some names that mean “samurai” or are associated with samurai culture include:

Bushi – meaning “warrior” in Japanese, often used to refer to samurai.
Ronin – meaning “wave man” in Japanese, refers to a masterless samurai.
Kenji – meaning “intelligent ruler” in Japanese, associated with the leadership qualities of samurai.
Shiro – meaning “castle” in Japanese, often used in samurai-related names.
Toshiro – meaning “talented and intelligent” in Japanese, associated with the qualities of a skilled samurai.

Conclusion – Samurai Names

Samurai names are often inspired by nature, such as the names of animals, plants, or natural phenomena.

They may also be derived from heroic figures from Japanese mythology or historical figures, particularly samurai who were admired for their bravery and leadership qualities.

Many samurai names contain a prefix or suffix that indicates their social status or occupation.

For example, “daimyo” refers to a feudal lord, “shogun” refers to a military commander, and “sensei” refers to a teacher or master.

Samurai names also often reflect the values and virtues of bushido, the samurai code of honor.

Common values in samurai names include loyalty, courage, honor, and justice. Samurai names may also incorporate the idea of “mono no aware,” a Japanese concept that values the beauty and transience of life.

Overall, samurai names are often rich in meaning and significance, reflecting the history, culture, and values of Japan’s warrior class.

407+ Samurai Names – With Meanings [Ultimate Guide]