Kaoru
Gender-neutral name · Japanese
Meaningfragrance · Japanese
Kaoru is a Japanese gender-neutral name meaning “fragrance”. 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 soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. It suits a boy or a girl equally well.
Did you know?
- GenerationKaoru peaked in 1921, which makes it a Greatest Generation name, think great-grandparents.
- HistoryKaoru first shows up in US birth records in 1914, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 111 years since.
US births per million girls, 1915–2025
US births per million boys, 1914–2025
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Kaoru
Kaoru is a gender-neutral name of Japanese origin meaning “fragrance”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the open vowel at the end makes it sound soft and warm. It was most fashionable in the 1920s, which gives it a vintage, grandparent-chic charm. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name. It works for a boy or a girl, which suits parents who'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
Origin:Japanese names
More Japanese names
- Girl name: Naomi · pleasantness
- Girl name: Noa · movement
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Rio · river
- Unisex name: Akari · light, brightness
- Girl name: Reina · queen
- Boy name: Kenzo · often healthy third son
- Girl name: Aya · sign, verse
Questions about the name Kaoru
What does the name Kaoru mean?
Kaoru means “fragrance” and comes from Japanese. Other gender-neutral names with a similar meaning include Mika (“often beautiful fragrance”), Kaori (“fragrance”), Anuhea (“cool fragrance”) and Areej (“fragrance”).
What is the origin of the name Kaoru?
Kaoru is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Naomi (“pleasantness”), Noa (“movement”), Asa (“healer”) and Rio (“river”).
Is Kaoru a boy or girl name?
Both. Kaoru is a true gender-neutral name used for boys and girls. That balance makes it a good pick if you'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
How popular is the name Kaoru?
Kaoru is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 1994. It peaked at #2,633 in 1921, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Kaoru?
If you like Kaoru, you might also like Mika, Kaori, Anuhea and Areej.
What should I know before naming my baby Kaoru?
Kaoru is a Japanese gender-neutral name meaning “fragrance”. 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 soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. It suits a boy or a girl equally well. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.