unisex name · Japanese origin
Akira
/ ah-KEE-rah /
Meaning
Akira means Bright, clear (Japanese).
Gender
Unisex
Origin
Japanese
Pronunciation
ah-KEE-rah
Popularity
#2539 boys · #983 girls (U.S. 2025)
Popularity of Akira in the US, 1880–2025
Akira first appears in US records in 1973. It peaked in 2008, when 424 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 257.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Akira mean?
Akira is commonly written with a kanji meaning “bright” or “clear.”
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Akira mean?
Akira means Bright, clear. Akira is commonly written with a kanji meaning “bright” or “clear.”
What is the origin of the name Akira?
Akira is of Japanese origin.
How do you pronounce Akira?
Akira is pronounced “ah-KEE-rah.”
Is Akira a boy or a girl name?
Akira is most commonly used as a unisex name.
How popular is the name Akira?
In 2025, Akira ranked #2539 among boys’ and #983 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Akira most popular?
Akira was most popular in 2008, when about 424 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.