The samurai names bring an individual sense of pride, courage, self-controlling, and power. In regards to picking a name for a warrior, a game character, a major role-playing character, or even a character from any story, or just for a name derived from Japanese culture, the name of samurai will make the perfect choice for creating a unique character.
In the following list, you can find over 450+ samurai names divided into many different categories such as names with amazing energy, female samurai names, male samurai names, first names, last names, as well as gender neutral names. Some of these samurai names are the traditional Japanese names, while others have been invented on the basis of Japanese culture and language.
Female Samurai Names
Feminine, yet significant names would be fitting for the women samurais because they depict courage, strength, and endurance names like these would also be fitting for fictional warrior women characters that have been derived from history and fantasy heroines.
- Tomoe
- Nakano
- Takeko
- Hangaku
- Myorin
- Kaiyo
- Shizuka
- Kohana
- Tsukiko
- Akari
- Suzume
- Chiharu
- Hotaru
- Fuyumi
- Kiyomi
- Noriko
- Umeko
- Yoshino
- Kazumi
- Sachiko
- Midori
- Ayano
- Rinko
- Sumire
- Mariko
- Hisako
- Etsuko
- Tamayo
- Natsumi
- Haruna
Male Samurai Names
Names of samurai males tend to have connotations of power, knowledge, dedication, or leadership. These names can be used for warriors, historical characters, anime characters, gaming avatars, and even novel characters.
- Takeda
- Nobunaga
- Masamune
- Kenshin
- Hidetoshi
- Yoshimitsu
- Tadakatsu
- Katsumoto
- Harunobu
- Mitsuhide
- Yukimura
- Shingen
- Tadamasa
- Munetaka
- Kazumasa
- Nagamasa
- Ieyasu
- Hideyoshi
- Ujiyasu
- Motonari
- Kanetsugu
- Morihisa
- Tomonori
- Kiyomasa
- Takanobu
- Terumoto
- Norimasa
- Tsuneyoshi
- Akihisa
- Sadamitsu
Samurai First Names
The right first name can establish the nature of a samurai character instantly. The suggestions of first names vary from classic Japanese options to names that seem ideal for warrior characters.
- Akihiko
- Benjiro
- Chikara
- Daichi
- Eiji
- Genji
- Hayato
- Isamu
- Jiro
- Kaito
- Makoto
- Naoki
- Osamu
- Raiden
- Saburo
- Takeo
- Toshiro
- Wataru
- Yoichi
- Zenji
- Aiko
- Chihiro
- Etsuko
- Hikari
- Junko
- Kohana
- Maki
- Noriko
- Umeko
- Yuriko
Samurai Last Names
A family name can help a samurai character feel more complete and believable. These Japanese surnames and surname-inspired combinations are useful when you want to build a warrior identity instead of using just a first name.
- Akiyama
- Asakura
- Chosokabe
- Date
- Hattori
- Hojo
- Imagawa
- Ishikawa
- Kato
- Kobayashi
- Maeda
- Mori
- Naito
- Oda
- Okamoto
- Sanada
- Shimazu
- Saito
- Tachibana
- Tokugawa
- Toyotomi
- Uesugi
- Watanabe
- Yamamoto
- Yamaguchi
- Arima
- Ashikaga
- Hatakeyama
- Matsudaira
- Sakai
Cool Samurai Names
The coolest samurai names will be suitable for people that are relaxed, bold, dangerous, and don’t have to say much. This type of name is great for gamers, fictional characters, anime warriors, and social media handles.
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- Akatsuki
- Arashi
- Benkei
- Daizen
- Fumihiro
- Genshiro
- Hayabusa
- Ichiro
- Jinsuke
- Kagehiro
- Kazuki
- Kojiro
- Masahiro
- Noboru
- Raizo
- Ranmaru
- Ryunosuke
- Saburo
- Shiro
- Tetsuya
- Toranosuke
- Yasuo
- Zenkuro
- Akiharu
- Daisuke
- Hirotaka
- Katsuro
- Michio
- Shigeto
- Takumi
Powerful Samurai Names
Names with power can make a warrior look strong, fearless and hard to beat. The following names are especially good for leaders, bosses, great warriors and people who are, above fighters.
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- Goro
- Heihachiro
- Jubei
- Kuranosuke
- Manabu
- Naomasa
- Rikiya
- Shigekatsu
- Tadazane
- Tameyoshi
- Tomoyuki
- Yasumasa
- Yoshihiro
- Zenpachi
- Akitsugu
- Chikamasa
- Genpachi
- Hachiro
- Isaburo
- Juro
- Kiyoharu
- Muneshige
- Noritsune
- Shigemori
- Toshiaki
- Tsunetomo
- Uemon
- Yasutsugu
- Yoshitada
- Zenshiro
Samurai Names Inspired by Nature
Nature has been one of the vital sources of imagery for Japanese art, poetry and naming. Nature continues to provide images, for artists, poets and those who choose names. These warrior-like names draw inspiration from mountains, rivers, forests, flowers, storms, seasons and other natural phenomena.
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- Akane
- Amaya
- Asahi
- Chikage
- Fuyuki
- Hayami
- Hotaka
- Itsuki
- Kaori
- Kazehaya
- Kohaku
- Midori
- Minato
- Nagisa
- Ran
- Ryoka
- Sora
- Sumire
- Tsubaki
- Umi
- Wakana
- Yamato
- Yuzuki
- Ayaka
- Botan
- Himawari
- Kiku
- Momiji
- Shion
- Tsukiyo
One-Word Samurai Names
Short names are easier to recall and can make your character seem enigmatic and strong. One word names have proved especially effective when designing game characters and fictional warriors.
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- Akuma
- Bushido
- Daigo
- Enjin
- Gekko
- Haku
- Issei
- Jiroku
- Kaito
- Kensei
- Kiba
- Kuro
- Makai
- Raiga
- Riku
- Ryo
- Shirogane
- Tatsu
- Tenma
- Tora
- Yami
- Yori
- Zankyo
- Zen
- Kage
- Retsu
- Seiji
- Taiga
- Touma
- Kiyoshi
Short Samurai Names
Short names are a choice if you want something easy to remember while still keeping the warrior aesthetic. Short names are also great, for gaming characters, fictional heroes, pets, usernames and role-playing characters.
- Kai
- Ren
- Rei
- Ryo
- Rin
- Shin
- Zen
- Ken
- Jin
- Jun
- Sho
- Sora
- Haru
- Yuki
- Yori
- Kyo
- Taro
- Jiro
- Goro
- Nao
- Nagi
- Kō
- Toki
- Asa
- Aki
- Aoi
- Riku
- Yuu
- Kei
- Kazu
- Nori
- Michi
- Toma
- Rikuo
- Kaito
- Akio
- Isamu
- Takeo
- Genji
- Daigo
- Kenji
- Renji
- Hayato
- Hiro
- Sachi
- Shion
- Fuyu
- Hoshi
- Umi
- Yuma
Fierce Samurai Names
A strong name must sound scary yet still be easy to remember. These names show pictures of knives, storms, wolves, dragons, fire and unbreakable warriors.
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- Akihide
- Bujin
- Daikichi
- Eiketsu
- Goroji
- Hakuto
- Isao
- Jotaro
- Kagemori
- Katsuya
- Kenjiro
- Masanori
- Nobuyuki
- Ryuji
- Shirota
- Takeru
- Tatsuo
- Tomoharu
- Tsukasa
- Yoshiro
- Zensuke
- Arata
- Chikarao
- Daishiro
- Genzo
- Hiroshi
- Kazuhiko
- Moritaka
- Shunpei
- Toshiro
Funny Samurai Names
Not every samurai has to sound serious. Funny names work great for gaming squads, comedy characters, social groups and players who want a warrior theme with a twist.
These names mix samurai ideas with food, modern life and silly situations. It’s all about balance. Honor with a wink, strength, with a laugh.
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- Sir Slashes-a-Lot
- Katana Kenny
- Ronin Ronnie
- Samurai Steve
- Shogun Sheldon
- Ninja Noodle
- Swordy McSwordface
- Rice Ronin
- Katana Carl
- Samurai Snack
- Chopstick Champ
- Wasabi Warrior
- Dumpling Daimyo
- Soy Sauce Samurai
- Sushi Shogun
- Ramen Ronin
- Tempura Tactician
- Bento Battler
- Miso Master
- Noodle Nobunaga
- Pickle Samurai
- Tofu Takedown
- Riceball Ronin
- Mochi Master
- Chop-Chop Champion
- Katana Koala
- Sleepy Samurai
- Lazy Ronin
- Wobbly Warrior
- Snack Shogun
Unique Samurai Names
A unique samurai name can help your character stand apart from the thousands of warrior names online, These creative samurai names combination are designed to feel characteristic while sustaining a Japanese inspired heaven.
- Akiharu
- Arakumo
- Chisato
- Daizen
- Eishiro
- Fumetsu
- Ginkai
- Harukage
- Izanagi
- Jinzaburo
- Kaizen
- Kazenori
- Kuroyuki
- Masatsugu
- Nagi
- Oboro
- Raikou
- Shigure
- Takakage
- Utsuro
- Yashiro
- Yukikage
- Zenshin
- Akatsura
- Hikaruma
- Kagetsu
- Murasame
- Renjuro
- Sorakage
- Tsukishiro
Legendary Style Samurai Names
These names are ideal when your character needs to feel like a warrior whose reputation has survived for generations. These names work well in fantasy novels role‑playing game campaigns, historical‑inspired fiction and, for powerful game characters.
- Akumetsu
- Aragane
- Byakuren
- Daikage
- Enkatsu
- Fushin
- Goryu
- Hoshigane
- Ikazuchi
- Jikage
- Kurogane
- Raishin
- Ryugetsu
- Seiryu
- Shinkuro
- Tenkai
- Tetsukage
- Yuretsu
- Zantetsu
- Amatsuru
- Gensai
- Homura
- Kagamori
- Kiryoku
- Mugen
- Reizan
- Shoryu
- Taiketsu
- Tenryu
- Yashakage
Samurai Names for Gaming
A gaming samurai name needs to be easy to type easy to recognize and strong enough to grab attention on a leaderboard. These options combine warrior images with modern gaming energy.
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- Kenzaro
- Ryukage
- Akuro
- Shinzai
- Toraiken
- Kazen
- Raikage
- Kurojin
- Hayzen
- Tatsukage
- Renkaido
- Jinsai
- Makuro
- Seikatsu
- Yorukage
- Genzuki
- Taizen
- Renkai
- Shirozen
- Kagehiro
- Ryusen
- Akizen
- Tetsurai
- Kazumori
- Shinrai
- Torakai
- Kenraku
- Raizen
- Yamikai
- Zenkai
Samurai Names for Characters
I believe character names should reflect the role and personality of the person behind the sword. If the character is honorable the character name should echo honor. If the character is mysterious the character name should feel like a secret. If the character is rebellious the character name should feel like a shout, against rules. If the character is calm the character name should feel like a river. If the character is ruthless the character name should feel like a storm. In any case character names can provide a foundation.
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- Aritomo
- Chikayoshi
- Eijiro
- Fuyuhiko
- Genichiro
- Hironobu
- Iwakura
- Junpei
- Kiyomori
- Masayuki
- Narihito
- Osahiro
- Rintaro
- Shigemasa
- Tadayoshi
- Ujihiro
- Yasuhiko
- Yoshinori
- Zenichiro
- Atsunori
- Fumihide
- Hirokazu
- Kaneyoshi
- Michitaka
- Norihiro
- Saburota
- Takayoshi
- Toshikazu
- Yasumori
- Yukihiro
Samurai Clan Names
A family name can make a fictional samurai group feel real and strong. These are clan-style names instead of references, to actual Japanese clans.
- Akabane Clan
- Arakawa Clan
- Chisomori Clan
- Daikawa Clan
- Enomoto Clan
- Fujikage Clan
- Genshima Clan
- Hikarizaki Clan
- Inazuma Clan
- Kagamiyama Clan
- Kurozawa Clan
- Mizuhara Clan
- Natsukawa Clan
- Obayashi Clan
- Raikawa Clan
- Shibayama Clan
- Takamori Clan
- Utagawa Clan
- Yamagiri Clan
- Zenkawa Clan
- Asahimori Clan
- Byakugawa Clan
- Chikazaki Clan
- Harukawa Clan
- Iwakage Clan
- Kiyozaki Clan
- Murasaki Clan
- Sorayama Clan
- Tsukimori Clan
- Yukizawa Clan
Samurai Names for Villains
The evil samurai requires a name that conveys danger, ambition, intrigue, or even cruelty. Dark names can be used to convey the antagonist, the rival samurai, bosses, etc.
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- Akushiro
- Arakiba
- Benigara
- Daikuro
- Enmaku
- Fumakage
- Gakuto
- Hakujin
- Ikuro
- Jagan
- Kagemasa
- Kuronaga
- Madarao
- Namikage
- Onikawa
- Raikuro
- Shigetsu
- Tenkuro
- Uramasa
- Yamikuro
- Zangetsu
- Akuroshi
- Genzan
- Homuragi
- Kurotaka
- Mogami
- Reikage
- Shinkage
- Tsurukage
- Yorugami
How to Choose the Perfect Samurai Name?
Taking the name for the character becomes exceedingly simple as soon as one learns something about the character in terms of his nature. For example, choosing the name of a warrior, who is noble in nature, is totally different from the name chosen for an evil villain, game character, and a mystery samurai.
If you wish to give your name an oriental touch, you could opt for names which combine the best of the Japanese names such as Akira Takeda, Kenji Saito, and Haruto Mori. However, once again, if you are creating a fantasy warrior, then Shadow Ronin, Crimson Katana, and Dragon of Dawn would do just fine.
You may construct your samurai name based on certain themes:-
Strength: Chikara, Takeo, Katsu
Courage: Isamu, Hayato
Wisdom: Satoshi, Manabu
Nature: Kaede, Sora, Sakura
Mystery: Kage, Shadow Ronin, Phantom Blade
Leadership: Shogun, Daimyo, Blade Emperor
Speed: Hayato, Lightning Blade, Storm Ronin
Honor: Makoto, Tadashi, Kenshin
Darkness: Black Ronin, Shadow Shogun, Night Blade
FAQs
1. What is a cool samurai name?
Ans. Some of the names that can be used for a samurai are Kenshin, Akira, Hayato, Kaito, Takeo and Yamato. Some of the finest names that can be used for your warrior include Shadow Ronin, Crimson Katana, Moon blade and Storm Shogun. The selection of which one you want to use is entirely up, to you.
2. Who were the 47 Ronin?
Ans. The “47 Ronin” is a term that is used to describe a group of samurais without a master who were associated with the famous Ako incident of the eighteenth century. This was due to the fact that following the order by his master for him to perform hara-kiri, it resulted to a gang of samurais without a master seeking vengeance on Kira Yoshika.
3. What were samurai titles?
Ans. The samurais formed part of the social and military hierarchy, and the names also differed depending on the era and the status. The name daimyo referred to the feudal lords, while Shogun referred to the Japanese military lords. The followers of the Shogun were called hatamoto, while masterless samurais were called ronin, who are the ronin and the ronins are masterless samurais.
4. Who is the strongest samurai?
Ans. The legendary undefeated strongest samurai and master swordsman is Miyamoto Musashi.
Final Words
The process of choosing an appropriate samurai name does not mean only coming up with one which is cool. Your perfect choice of samurai name should be the one that will suit his or her personality, background and role in the story be it a respectable swordsman, ronin, courageous female warrior, mysterious video game hero, a legendary general, or anything else – there are infinite possibilities!
You will get more than 450 name suggestions in categories like names after the traditional naming style, names with deep meanings, names for females and males, last names, gender-neutral names, gaming names, funny names, names for clans, villains’ names, and names of legendary warriors. You can use the names as is or mix and match them when inventing your own characters.