Sakae
Gender-neutral name · Japanese
Meaningprosperity · Japanese
Sakae is a Japanese gender-neutral name meaning “prosperity”. 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?
- GenerationSakae peaked in 1914, which makes it a Greatest Generation name, think great-grandparents.
- HistorySakae 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, 1914–2025
US births per million boys, 1917–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Sakae
Sakae is a gender-neutral name of Japanese origin meaning “prosperity”. 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 1910s, 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 Sakae
What does the name Sakae mean?
Sakae means “prosperity” and comes from Japanese. Other gender-neutral names with a similar meaning include Imran (“prosperity”), Yusra (“ease, prosperity”), Radha (“success, prosperity”) and Ottilie (“prosperity”).
What is the origin of the name Sakae?
Sakae is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Naomi (“pleasantness”), Noa (“movement”), Asa (“healer”) and Rio (“river”).
Is Sakae a boy or girl name?
Both. Sakae 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 Sakae?
Sakae is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2008. It peaked at #3,618 in 1914, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Sakae?
If you like Sakae, you might also like Imran, Yusra, Radha and Ottilie.
What should I know before naming my baby Sakae?
Sakae is a Japanese gender-neutral name meaning “prosperity”. 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.