Japanese Demon Names
The world of Japanese folklore is a tapestry woven with spirits, gods, and, most famously, demons. These powerful and often terrifying beings, known as yōkai or oni, are not just monsters; they are complex figures representing everything from natural forces to human vices.
Naming a character, pet, or even a band with a Japanese demon name is a fantastic way to imbue it with a sense of ancient power, mystique, and a deep connection to a rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re crafting a new Dungeons & Dragons villain, creating a character for a story, or simply looking for a name that packs a punch, this guide will help you navigate the fascinating and fearsome world of Japanese demon names.
Get ready to find a name that is both epic and unforgettable!
Classic Yōkai Names
These names are drawn directly from the most well-known and traditional Japanese demons and spirits. They are perfect for giving a character an authentic and legendary feel, invoking the classic tales of heroism and horror from Japanese mythology.
- Aobōzu
- Bake-danuki
- Gashadokuro
- Hannya
- Inugami
- Jorōgumo
- Kamaitachi
- Kappa
- Kitsune
- Kijo
- Kirin
- Kuchisake-onna
- Kyūbi no Kitsune
- Namahage
- Nekomata
- Noppera-bō
- Nurarihyon
- Nure-onna
- Onryō
- Ōmukade
- Oni
- Otoroshi
- Rokurokubi
- Raijū
- Shuten-dōji
- Tanuki
- Tengu
- Tsuchigumo
- Umibōzu
- Ubume
- Wanyūdō
- Yamata no Orochi
- Yamauba
- Zashiki-warashi
- Yuki-onna
- Akugama
- Enenra
- Hitotsume-kozō
- Kodama
- Konaki-jiji
- Nurikabe
- Onikuma
- Ōnyūdō
- Satori
- Shiki
- Taka-onna
- Tōfu-kozō
- Tsukumogami
- Ushi-oni
- Yūrei
- Ashura
- Fūjin
- Raijin
- Shikome
- Ippon-datara
- Mokumokuren
- Mikoshi-nyūdō
- Oboroguruma
- Ōnyūdō
- Kasha
- Jikininki
- Futakuchi-onna
- Gyūki
- Azukiarai
- Akaname
- Hakuzōsu
- Bake-kujira
- Bakezōri
- Dodomeki
- Gagoze
- Hito-oni
- Ijira
- Ittan-momen
- Jubokko
- Kasa-obake
- Keukegen
- Kunenbo
- Mokke
- Nuppeppō
- Ōtoroshi
- Shiro-uneri
- Sunakake-babā
- Tsurara-onna
- Yadōkai
- Yamawarawa
- Yōsei
- Yosuzume
- Yuki-yūrei
- Zorigami
- Chōchin-obake
- Konakijiji
- Nozuchi
- Ōkamuro
- Uwan
- Yamabiko
- Zorigami
- Azuki-baba
Badass Oni-Inspired Names
Oni are the quintessential Japanese demons, known for their brutish strength, fearsome appearance, and destructive power. These names are inspired by the raw, aggressive energy of the oni, and are perfect for a character who is a force of nature—unyielding, powerful, and a little bit terrifying.
- Akuma
- Kagegami
- Kensei
- Tetsurō
- Kenji
- Ryūken
- Akio
- Hiroki
- Masamune
- Raiden
- Tatsuya
- Yoshimitsu
- Akane
- Renji
- Akio
- Daiki
- Eiji
- Hayate
- Ikkaku
- Jūzō
- Kenshin
- Masamori
- Nobuyuki
- Ryūji
- Satoru
- Shinji
- Taiga
- Takeshi
- Tetsu
- Yamato
- Zantetsu
- Gōki
- Gōtetsu
- Haru
- Isamu
- Jōji
- Kaito
- Ken’ichi
- Kenshin
- Makoto
- Nobuo
- Ryōma
- Ryūichi
- Seiji
- Shinya
- Shōta
- Takashi
- Takumi
- Takeshi
- Tetsuya
- Toshiro
- Yori
- Yūki
- Gōji
- Gōryū
- Gōtaro
- Heiji
- Iori
- Jin
- Junpei
- Kaito
- Kenzo
- Kenshin
- Kōhei
- Kōsuke
- Masahiro
- Masayuki
- Ryōhei
- Ryūsei
- Ryūta
- Satoshi
- Shōgo
- Shunsuke
- Takeo
- Tomoya
- Tsubasa
- Yamato
- Yūdai
- Yūta
- Genji
- Genkaku
- Genma
- Gengorō
- Gentarō
- Ginji
- Ginzō
- Gyōbu
- Gyōjirō
- Hagane
- Hanzō
- Harukichi
- Hayato
- Hideaki
- Hideki
- Hidetaka
- Hideyoshi
- Ikkō
- Inosuke
- Isao -ku-kō
Aesthetic & Poetic Names
Sometimes the most intimidating names are not the most overtly powerful, but those that carry a sense of tragic beauty or ancient melancholy. These names are perfect for a demon character who is more cunning and subtle, or one who has a tragic backstory.
- Akatsuki
- Amaterasu
- Fubuki
- Getsuei
- Ginryū
- Hakuō
- Hayami
- Hisoka
- Hotaru
- Kaede
- Kaguya
- Kanon
- Kazuki
- Kazuo
- Kichō
- Kōhaku
- Kōyō
- Kuro
- Kyōka
- Mayoi
- Momiji
- Nagisa
- Ren
- Riku
- Satsuki
- Seika
- Shizuka
- Sora
- Tamaki
- Tamamo
- Tamamo-no-Mae
- Tsukiakari
- Tsubaki
- Wakana
- Yūgure
- Yūki
- Yūrei
- Aika
- Akari
- Akemi
- Akira
- Asuka
- Chiyo
- Emi
- Hana
- Haruka
- Hina
- Izumi
- Junko
- Kaori
- Kasumi
- Kei
- Keiko
- Kimiko
- Kohana
- Kozue
- Mai
- Mana
- Mio
- Miu
- Miyako
- Miyu
- Natsuki
- Nao
- Reiko
- Ren
- Riko
- Rin
- Sakura
- Saki
- Saya
- Shiori
- Sora
- Suzuka
- Tomoko
- Yui
- Yūna
- Yuzuki
- Akane
- Akari
- Akemi
- Aya
- Ayaka
- Ayame
- Chinatsu
- Chiyoko
- Chiyo
- Eri
- Fumiko
- Haruhi
- Haruko
- Hikari
- Hina
- Izumi
- Junko
- Kanna
- Kaoru
- Kazumi
- Keiko
- Kiyoko
- Konami
- Kumi
- Madoka
- Maho
- Maki
- Mana
- Manami
Unique & Creative Names
This list is for those who want to go beyond the most famous demons and delve into lesser-known spirits or create a name with a unique twist. These names might be based on a demon’s specific power, a strange location from folklore, or simply sound cool and mysterious. They are perfect for a character that is one-of-a-kind and doesn’t fit into a traditional mold.
- Akuro-Jin
- Bashōsen
- Chōchin-obake
- Funayūrei
- Gaki
- Hagoromo
- Hanzaki
- Hitosume
- Hyakume
- Jishin-namazu
- Jubokko
- Konaki-jiji
- Kotengu
- Kyūso
- Makura-gaeshi
- Minotaur-like names
- Mokumokuren
- Nekomata-no-oni
- Oboroguruma
- Oshiroi-baba
- Rokurokubi-onna
- Shachihoko
- Shōjō
- Taka-nyūdō
- Tōfu-kozō
- Tōshōgū
- Tsuchigumo-no-oni
- Uwan
- Wanyūdō-ō
- Yama-jiji
- Yosuzume
- Yūrei-ni-yoru
- Zashiki-warashi-no-oni
- Zorigami-ō
- Akki
- Akuryō
- Aojaku
- Chūrei
- Goryō
- Hikarikage
- Ikkaku-sennin
- Jishin
- Kageboshi
- Kaze-no-ō
- Ketsurei
- Ketsurei-no-kami
- Kirisame-gumo
- Kuro-kami
- Kuro-mura
- Kuro-shinigami
- Kuro-tenjin
- Kuzunoha
- Makura-otoshi
- Namazu
- Nezumi-kozō
- Nekomata-gama
- Oni-ko
- Oni-saru
- Oni-taka
- Otoroshi-ko
- Raijū-no-taka
- Ryūjin
- Sansei
- Shachihoko-oni
- Shiro-dashi
- Shiro-oni
- Shiro-ryū
- Shiro-usagi
- Shōjō-ō
- Shōjō-shishi
- Sunakake-baba
- Taka-no-ō
- Taka-usagi
- Tamamo-no-gami
- Tanuki-ko
- Tengu-ō
- Tsuchigumo-no-ko
- Uwan-ko
- Wanyūdō-ko
- Yama-oni
- Yama-ryū
Conclusion
Choosing a name is a personal journey, and the best one is the one that speaks to you. We hope this guide has given you a glimpse into the fascinating world of Japanese demon names and inspired you to find the perfect moniker for your character, pet, or creative project.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match sounds or meanings to create something truly unique that reflects the personality and spirit of what you’re naming. We’d love to hear which names you liked best or if you came up with your own! Share your favorites in the comments below.
