Japanese culture is rich with fascinating names that often carry deep meanings. Some names are connected to mythical creatures or dark figures, including those that mean “devil.” These names can reflect various traits, such as mischief, power, or even protection. It’s interesting to see how names can shape a character’s identity in stories or society.
Today, we will look at some Japanese names that mean devil. We will discuss their meanings, origins, and how they are used. Whether you’re curious about names for a story or simply want to learn something new, this topic offers a glimpse into Japan’s unique language and culture.
Japanese Names That Mean Devil
1. Akuma
The name Akuma means ‘devil’ or ‘demon.’ It directly represents the concept of evil in Japanese folklore, making it a fitting name for a character with dark traits.
2. Oni
Oni refers to traditional Japanese demons known for their strength and mischievous behavior. This name embodies a powerful and chaotic essence.
3. Yurei
Yurei means ‘ghost’ or ‘spirit’ and is often associated with the restless spirits of the dead. This name connects to the eerie aspects of Japanese folklore.
4. Ma
The name Ma translates to ‘demon’ or ‘evil spirit.’ With this name, one can symbolically embody the unpredictable nature of dark forces.
5. Shōkai
This name means ‘wicked or evil spirit.’ Using this name can signify a character with sinister inclinations or formidable powers.
6. Sukea
The name Sukea, which means ‘to help,’ has a darker side when used in contexts implying assistance from demonic forces.
7. Makai
Makai means ‘demon world,’ symbolizing a place filled with chaos and malevolent spirits. This name can symbolize a connection to dark realms.
8. Akumazoku
Akumazoku translates to ‘devil tribe,’ referring to a group of demons. This name emphasizes a collective strength of darkness.
9. Yamauba
Yamauba refers to a mountain witch known for her cunning and devilish tricks, making it a strong name connected to deceitful powers.
10. Zenki
Zenki means ‘good and evil spirit.’ This name captures the duality of nature and the struggles between light and darkness.
11. Rikujo
Rikujo translates to ‘land of demons,’ reflecting a world where dark forces hold sway over the terrain.
12. Yatagarasu
Yatagarasu means ‘three-legged crow’ and symbolizes guidance and intelligence but can also have dark connotations of mischief.
13. Fūri
The name Fūri means ‘evil wind,’ which can suggest chaotic influence. This name implies that one can bring unpredictable changes.
14. Yamata-no-Orochi
This legendary eight-headed serpent signifies chaos and evil, emphasizing this name’s dark undertone in myth.
15. Mugensai
Mugensai translates to ‘limitless evil.’ A name with this meaning carries a heavy weight of darkness and malice.
16. Konjiki-Hanari
This name means “golden demon” and encapsulates the idea of a deceptive beauty that conceals darker intentions.
17. Ankokuten
Ankokuten refers to ‘darkness’ and is associated with devilish figures. This name relates to the shadows lurking at the edges of the soul.
18. Kuroyama
Kuroyama translates to ‘black mountain,’ often connected to ominous and foreboding aspects in stories and folklore.
19. Shabareta
This name means ‘to speak of the demonic,’ providing a direct connection to the realm of devils and dark spirits.
20. Kiba
Kiba means ‘fang’ and represents a more feral aspect of devils, embodying aggression and a predatory nature.
21. Jigoku
Jigoku translates to ‘hell,’ a place often associated with demonology and the darker elements of the afterlife in Japanese tradition.
22. Inugami
The Inugami is a spirit that possesses dog-like qualities and represents loyalty mixed with a hint of danger, reflecting darker impulses.
23. Shōmu
Shōmu means ‘evil value’ and signifies the importance placed on dark and sinister attributes within a character.
24. Gaki
Gaki means ‘hungry ghost’ and relates to spirits tormented by cravings, introducing themes of insatiability and darkness.
25. Ibaraki-Dōji
This name refers to a famous demon from Japanese mythology known for her beauty and cunning, reflecting the duality between allure and wickedness.
26. Yamata
Yamata translates to ‘eight heads.’ This name can imply a character with many forms of malevolence within them.
27. Kuro-bako
Kuro-bako means ‘black box’ and symbolizes hidden darkness, often with an air of mystery surrounding its contents.
28. Fuketsu
Fuketsu means ‘evil spirit’ or ‘malicious presence,’ corresponding directly to the concept of devilish entities that intrigue in narratives.
29. Wara-Oni
This name means ‘scarecrow demon’ and captures whimsical yet ominous elements of fear in folklore.
30. Hakaisha
Hakaisha translates to ‘destruction demon.’ This name embodies the chaos and ruin often attributed to devils in tales.
31. Daikokuten
A name that means ‘great black god,’ it signifies wealth yet can imply attachment to dark forces in acquiring it.
32. Shishi
Shishi means ‘lion’ in Japanese, often serving as a symbol of protection, yet it can also represent ferocious devils lurking within.
33. Enma
Enma is the king of the underworld in Japanese mythology, embodying the judgment and power associated with devilish authority.
34. Ippōtama
This name means ‘one special ball,’ often referring to magical objects that can have dark properties.
35. Shukaku
Shukaku means ‘demon of harvest,’ relating to ideas of reaping rewards but often metaphorically reflecting darker desires.
36. Yaka
Yaka translates to ‘demon monster,’ directly encapsulating the essence of being a fierce devilish entity.
37. Kageyama
This name means ‘shadow mountain’ and suggests a hidden darkness in character or in the environments portrayed.
38. Shikigami
Shikigami refers to a type of spirit familiar that acts as a servant to sorcerers, often reflecting darker magical practices.
39. Hōraijinja
A reference to ‘the shrine of wealth and demons,’ this name shows the intersection between prosperity and devil-like characteristics.
40. Ura-oni
Ura-oni means ‘inner demon,’ highlighting how darkness often lies within one’s soul, ready to emerge.
41. Onibaba
This name translates to ‘demon hag,’ which elicits dark and scary folklore about old witches and their malevolent actions.
42. Shimokawa
Shimokawa means ‘dark river,’ symbolizing the treacherous paths laden with spiritual threats and devilish undertones.
43. Roshū
The name Roshū translates to ‘evil claw.’ This name evokes imagery of predatory instincts and dark nature’s presence.
44. Chōrō
Chōrō means ‘evil ancestor,’ reinforcing the ideas of inherited darkness reflecting through generations.
45. Ikiryo
Ikiryo means ‘living spirit’ and can hint towards duality—the forces of life intertwined with darker energies.
46. Bōrei
Bōrei translates to ‘wandering spirit,’ emphasizing presence from beyond the grave, often involving devilish connotations.
47. Burakkurō
This made-up name combines ‘black’ and ‘crow,’ hinting at the darker aspects of life associated with omens and the supernatural.
48. Kurō
Kurō means ‘black,’ a color often linked with evil and darkness, making it a simple yet impactful name.
49. An’yō
An’yō means ‘evil shadow.’ This evocative name suggests deceit and hidden dark matters within a character.
50. Gōgatsu
Gōgatsu translates to ‘savage way,’ resonating with primal and devilish qualities that a character may embody.
51. Nankai
Nankai means ‘southern seas,’ often alluding to treacherous waters and the hidden devilry dwellers may suspect there.
52. Kiyokazu
Kiyokazu translates to ‘pure evil.’ This name directly emphasizes unadulterated devilish nature.
53. Akuro
The name Akuro means ‘dark monster.’ It’s a fitting name for characters embodying evil spirits.
54. Kuroi no Bara
This phrase means ‘black rose,’ symbolizing beauty intertwined with danger, reminiscent of a devilish charm.
55. Jaaku
Jaaku means ‘evil,’ a straightforward interpretation that encapsulates the essence of being devilish.
56. Nureonii
Nureonii translates to ‘wet demon,’ suggesting a slippery and deceptive character hidden beneath engaging traits.
57. Akumako
Akumako translates to ‘evil child.’ This name suggests a young character with a devilish disposition.
58. Tenka
Tenka means ‘dark world.’ This name implies a connection to infernal realms, perfect for a malevolent character.
59. Anzai
Anzai means ‘dark prophecy,’ hinting at a shared ominous fate tied to devilish origins or influences.
60. Inryō
Inryō translates to ‘innate spirit,’ indicating a character that naturally embodies darker forces.
61. Hōon
Hōon means ‘demon of praise.’ This contrasts light and dark, showing how even devils can be revered.
62. Chōraku
Chōraku means ‘enduring evil,’ suggesting a character’s connections to prolonged wickedness.
63. Hōsai
Hōsai means ‘evil spirit,’ connecting directly to the essence and characteristics of devils.
64. Supōtsuki
Supōtsuki means ‘demon of sports.’ This fun and playful name can reference competitiveness taken to devilish extremes.
65. Sōda
Sōda translates to ‘evil land.’ This name implies a location imbued with dark energies, perfect for storytelling.
66. Mezunaki
Mezunaki means ‘final demon.’ It symbolizes the end of dark paths and their consequences.
67. Kuromori
Kuromori translates to ‘black forest,’ hinting at dark places harbored by wicked beings.
68. Akabune
Akabune means ‘red boat,’ a name that can symbolize chaos and violent adventures often led by a devilish captain.
69. Higate
Higate means ‘hidden evil,’ suggesting characteristics or plots shrouded in darkness.
70. Nakanata
Nakanata means ‘darkness emerging,’ perfect for illustrating the conflict between light and dark.
71. Akatsuki
Akatsuki translates to ‘dawn,’ rising from dark times, yet often symbolizes hope and the battle against evil.
72. Ikidaemon
Ikidaemon refers to the embodiment of life and death. This name carries a heavy weight of power and devilish tradeoffs.
73. Shōrō
Shōrō means ‘old devil,’ often depicting a wise character who has witnessed various evil acts over time.
74. Nishizawa
Nishizawa translates to ‘western swamp,’ a metaphorical place of dark forces that can be prevalent in folklore.
75. Yureibito
The name Yureibito means ‘spirit people,’ connecting the mortal realm with the presence of devilish traits hidden within.
76. Kusuke
Kusuke translates to ‘thorned demon,’ evoking both punishment and allure in a devil’s character.
77. Akuma no Mi
Akuma no Mi translates to ‘devil fruit,’ presenting ideas of transformation influenced by dark forces.
78. Jakuen
Jakuen means ‘evil garden,’ evoking imagery of beautiful yet dangerous places often associated with temptation.
79. Shikyou
Shikyou means ‘evil object,’ a name suggesting a cursed item that could harbor dark forces.
80. Naraikami
Naraikami translates to ‘god of chaos,’ suggesting divine aspects of devilry intermingled with godly traits.
81. Chishio
The name Chishio means ‘blood demon,’ encapsulating visceral themes and dark lineage.
82. Tanka
Tanka means ‘heavenly demon.’ This name shows how some consider devils as superior beings.
83. Nubei
Nubei means ‘cloud demon,’ suggesting a character shrouded in mystery, embodying both darkness and obscurity.
84. Abyssal
Abyssal signifies limitless depths, reflecting the unfathomable aspects of devilish nature associated with darkness.
85. Gubari
Gubari translates to ‘angel of pestilence,’ intertwining angelic elements with dark consequences.
86. Meikai
Meikai means ‘darkness’ emphasizing shadows and the menace they represent from mythological realms.
87. Akugyō
Akugyō means ‘evil craft,’ suggesting dark practices often employed by those aligned with devilish values.
88. Nami no Akuma
Nami no Akuma translates to ‘devil of waves,’ highlighting the chaotic and destructive nature of ocean currents.
89. Kōji
Kōji means ‘brilliant devil,’ showing that perceptible beauty can hide devilish intentions.
90. Gantō
The name Gantō means ‘darkness claw,’ symbolizing a character marked by aggression and ferocious behavior.
91. Gansho
Gansho means ‘evil commander,’ perfect for depicting a character meant to lead the dark forces.
92. Anammen
Meaning ‘demon protector,’ Anammen portrays a character shrouded in conflicting interests between good and evil.
93. Chōsuke
Chōsuke means ‘evil Star,’ connecting celestial elements with the darker themes of destiny.
94. Tōma
Tōma translates to ‘dark horse,’ signifying an unexpected character with hidden devilish qualities ready to emerge.
95. Yureikan
The name Yureikan means ‘spirit house,’ reflecting the unsettling presences that can haunt the living.
96. Jūnin
Jūnin means ‘evil surprise,’ a feature often encountered with certain devilish entities hiding within.
97. Tōnaru
Tōnaru translates to ‘rising evil,’ signifying the gradual accumulation of dark power in tales.
98. Allanbai
Allanbai means ‘devil’s ash,’ connecting the cyclical nature of destruction and rebirth with dark themes.
99. Kyūka
Kyūka translates to ‘evil enlightenment,’ reflecting the perilous wisdom gained through dark experiences.
100. Yureihin
The name Yureihin means ‘ghostly object,’ symbolizing the haunting presence of something devilish in nature.
101. Rikkan
Rikkan means ‘evil itch,’ emphasizing the nagging instinct that may arise from necromancy or devilish dealings.
102. Jinoki
Jinoki translates to ‘bringer of misfortune,’ making this name a potent representation of calamities attributed to devils.
103. Bōkū
The name Bōkū signifies ‘evil spirit,’ connecting to various devilish entities manifesting in folklore.
104. Yobbyō
Yobbyō means ‘evil masks.’ Highlighting the deceptive aspects of appearances under mystery and darkness.
105. Tōfū
Tōfū translates to ‘savage spirit,’ depicting a character capable of both benevolence and malevolence.
106. Yataya
Yataya means ‘demon tavern,’ a place where dark secrets and devilish plots may intertwine.
107. Akumagumo
Akumagumo translates to ‘devil’s cloud of shadows,’ suggesting character ambiguity and a connection to darker forces.
108. Genshō
The name Genshō means ‘phenomenon of evil,’ referring to the transformative powers invoked by devilish entities.
109. Renda
Renda means ‘binding demon,’ introducing notions of control over dark energies and spirits.
110. Gora demon
This name means ‘dark being,’ showcasing an entity that embodies darkness and chaos within.
111. Yūma
Yūma means ‘demon-like existence,’ hinting at the dual nature often found in characters faced with evil.
112. Tephan
The name Tephan means ‘devil’s call.’ It echoes the seductive grasp of darkness calling to one’s spirit.
113. Rōkai
Rōkai translates to ‘dark song,’ a name that can emphasize themes of haunting and bewitchment.
114. Yōrō
Yōrō refers to ‘evil place,’ suggesting darker undertones prevalent in characters of folklore.
115. Reroto
Reroto means ‘demon storm,’ evoking imagery of chaotic forces associated with malevolent powers.
116. Maken
This name means ‘evil source,’ suggesting origins of darkness stemming through actions or intentions.
117. Tōsei
Tōsei translates to ‘evil reincarnation,’ linking past lives with malevolent actions in the current one.
118. Neraibou
The name Neraibou means ‘demon stab,’ signifying the sudden and surprising appearances of dark energies.
119. Shinrin
Shinrin means ‘forest of the dead,’ symbolizing areas connected to spirits and demons lurking therein.
120. Akamitsu
The name Akamitsu translates to ‘red nectar,’ embodying temptations that lead towards darker choices.
121. Gaganoka
Gaganoka means ‘screamer of evil,’ adding a dramatic flair to a narrative where insights abound on devilish traits.
122. Gōu
Gōu means ‘dark alliance,’ highlighting the connections among servants of the darkness, enabling devilish plots.
123. Kurazō
Kurazō means ‘dark valley,’ a metaphorically rich name suggesting treachery and danger.
124. Shoushi
Shoushi translates to ‘spirit of ruin,’ indicating the destructive nature often associated with darkness.
125. Tarōka
The name Tarōka means ‘dark art of war,’ suggesting a character adept at employing devilish strategies.
126. Onkasha
Onkasha means ‘evil witch,’ connecting to feminine powers often associated with seduction and allure.
127. Jirōma
Jirōma translates to ‘spawn of evil,’ emphasizing generational ties to malevolent actions.
128. Kuritama
Kuritama means ‘dark jewel,’ embodying the allure of beauty lurking behind sinister intentions.
129. Jokai
Jokai means ‘demon’s home,’ evoking thoughts of creature lairs found hidden within the shadows.
130. Inazuma
Inazuma translates to ‘lightning demon,’ suggesting explosive powers of chaos and unpredictability.
131. Ginkan
Ginkan translates to ‘demon infested,’ indicating locations or objects overrun by dark energies.
132. Rakuho
Rakuho means ‘evil plan,’ suggesting a schemer’s masterstroke tied to dark spirits’ influences.
133. Ininshi
The name Ininshi means ‘shadow of destruction,’ creating imagery of darkness following someone ominously.
134. Jiko
The name Jiko means ‘evil influence,’ promoting ideas of manipulation and coercion stemming from dark origins.
135. Tsukumo
Tsukumo translates to ‘dark being’ often evoking both fear and intrigue in stories of demonology.
136. Hahai
Hahai means ‘dark mother,’ symbolizing nurturing but potentially treacherous aspects of demonic figures.
137. Wakuden
Wakuden refers to ‘evil tide,’ highlighting the inevitability of dark forces rising in surges.
138. Kin—
Kin— translates to ‘demon’s gold,’ suggesting that even treasures can come with great curses and darker paths to tread.
139. Shūgō
Shūgō means ‘evil gathering,’ representing sinister meetings among powers of darkness.
140. Daijū
Daijū translates to ‘great demon,’ indicating powerful malevolent figures within mythology.
141. Byōki
The name Byōki means ‘sick demon,’ often illustrating pain and suffering in tales of devilry.
142. Mido
Mido means ‘dark shore,’ a name resonant with the dangers found at the edge of mysterious waters.
143. Yakushikongō
Yakushikongō means a ‘devil in disguise,’ embodying the deceptive nature present in many mythical tales.
144. Sekiraku
Sekiraku translates to ‘red curse,’ illustrating how curses often darken the world around its subject.
145. Koi no Akuma
Koi no Akuma means ‘devil of love,’ connecting dark aspects with the concept of affection and attraction.
146. Wehiko
Wehiko translates to ‘demon twist,’ suggesting unexpected turns of dark fate in narratives.
147. Miruku
Miruku means ‘milk demon,’ providing an interesting juxtaposition of nurturing with potentially sinister undertones.
148. Kizawa
Kizawa translates to ‘crimson swamp,’ hinting at the darker elements often found in murky waters.
149. Dimuku
Dimuku refers to ‘shadow of death,’ hinting toward deadly forms that often accompany tales of the devil.
150. Hidarizaku
Hidarizaku means ‘left-hand essence,’ a name often linked to unconventional or dark practices.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Japanese names that mean devil provides fascinating insights into how language and culture intertwine to shape stories and characters. Many of these names connect to the essence of darkness, mischief, and folklore, enriching narratives with depth and intrigue. Whether for characters in fiction or a deeper understanding of cultural reference, these names evoke the complexities of evil and temptation.
Learning about different names that signify darkness can foster creativity, providing new ideas for storytelling or character development. With their unique meanings, each name acts as a reflection of character traits or themes encountered in life and lore.
If you’re interested in further exploring the meanings behind other names, you might want to learn about Japanese names that mean demon or perhaps delve into Japanese names that mean evil. Names are powerful tools that shape our understanding of identity and myth.