Hotaru
Meaningfirefly · Japanese
Hotaru is a Japanese girl name meaning “firefly”. In Japan, parents often choose a name as much for the kanji characters behind it as for its sound, so the same name can carry several shades of meaning. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Word funHotaru doesn't repeat a single letter: 6 letters, all different.
Fewer than 5 US babies a year get this name, so SSA doesn't list it. That makes it truly rare.
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Hotaru
Hotaru is a girl name of Japanese origin meaning “firefly”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It's a rare choice in the US, so your child is unlikely to meet another Hotaru at school.
Origin:Japanese names
More Japanese girl names
- Girl name: Naomi · pleasantness
- Girl name: Noa · movement
- Girl name: Reina · queen
- Girl name: Aya · sign, verse
- Girl name: Hana · one; flower in Japanese
- Girl name: Kiyomi · often pure beauty
- Girl name: Yuna · often gentle
- Unisex name: Akira · bright, clear
Questions about the name Hotaru
What does the name Hotaru mean?
Hotaru means “firefly” and comes from Japanese.
What is the origin of the name Hotaru?
Hotaru is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Naomi (“pleasantness”), Noa (“movement”), Reina (“queen”) and Aya (“sign, verse”).
Is Hotaru a boy or girl name?
Hotaru is a girl name.
What should I know before naming my baby Hotaru?
Hotaru is a Japanese girl name meaning “firefly”. In Japan, parents often choose a name as much for the kanji characters behind it as for its sound, so the same name can carry several shades of meaning. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.