Ritsu
Gender-neutral name · Japanese
Meaningoften rhythm · Japanese
Ritsu is a Japanese gender-neutral name often meaning “rhythm”. 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?
- GenerationRitsu is having its moment right now. Most Ritsus are still in diapers or at preschool, so picture a Gen Alpha or Gen Beta kid.
- HistoryRitsu first shows up in US birth records in 2024, the first year at least 5 babies got it. That makes it a fairly new name, younger than many of today's parents.
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 Ritsu
Ritsu is a gender-neutral name of Japanese origin meaning “often rhythm”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the open vowel at the end makes it sound soft and warm. It's a fresh, modern name that only arrived in US birth records in recent decades. 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 Ritsu
What does the name Ritsu mean?
Ritsu means “often rhythm” and comes from Japanese. Other gender-neutral names with a similar meaning include Cadence (“rhythm”), Kaydence (“rhythm”), Kadence (“rhythm”) and Rhythm (“rhythm”).
What is the origin of the name Ritsu?
Ritsu is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Naomi (“pleasantness”), Noa (“movement”), Asa (“healer”) and Rio (“river”).
Is Ritsu a boy or girl name?
Both. Ritsu 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 Ritsu?
Ritsu is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2024. It peaked at #10,938 in 2024, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Ritsu?
If you like Ritsu, you might also like Cadence, Kaydence, Kadence and Rhythm.
What should I know before naming my baby Ritsu?
Ritsu is a Japanese gender-neutral name often meaning “rhythm”. 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.