Takanori
Meaningoften noble principle · Japanese
Takanori is a Japanese boy name often meaning “noble principle”. 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 a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Takanori would score 12 points, thanks largely to the K (worth 5).
- GenerationTakanori peaked in 1990, which makes it a Millennial name. The typical Takanori you'd meet today is about 35 years old.
- HistoryTakanori first shows up in US birth records in 1990, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 35 years since.
US births per million boys, 1990–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Takanori
Takanori is a boy name of Japanese origin meaning “often noble principle”. With 4 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, and plenty of room for a nickname, so a short middle name balances it nicely. 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.
Origin:Japanese names
More Japanese boy names
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Rio · river
- Unisex name: Akari · light, brightness
- Boy name: Kenzo · often healthy third son
- Boy name: Kenji · often strong second son
- Unisex name: Ren · often lotus
- Unisex name: Zen · meditation
- Unisex name: Mars · god of war
Questions about the name Takanori
What does the name Takanori mean?
Takanori means “often noble principle” and comes from Japanese. Names built around “noble” have been loved for generations, and give a child a meaning worth sharing when someone asks about their name. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Allison (“noble”), Arya (“noble”), Bryan (“possibly noble, strong”) and Brian (“possibly noble, strong”).
What is the origin of the name Takanori?
Takanori is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Asa (“healer”), Rio (“river”), Akari (“light, brightness”) and Kenzo (“often healthy third son”).
Is Takanori a boy or girl name?
Takanori is a boy name.
How popular is the name Takanori?
Takanori is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 1990. It peaked at #7,178 in 1990, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Takanori?
If you like Takanori, you might also like Allison, Arya, Bryan and Brian.
What should I know before naming my baby Takanori?
Takanori is a Japanese boy name often meaning “noble principle”. 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 a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, 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.