What does Akane mean and where does it come from?
Akane (茜) is a Japanese name that translates to 'deep red' or 'madder red', referring to the natural dye derived from the madder plant. The name is often associated with Japanese culture and can evoke images of beautiful red autumn leaves. While used predominantly in Japan, Akane is gaining recognit
Cultural significance
Akane has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of deep red.
Peak popularity
Reached #5736 in 1998 — currently #7907 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Akane?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Akane?
Akane works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Akane Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Akane Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Akane Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Akane Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Akane Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Akane Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Akane right now?
Rising fast — up 5638 spots — currently #7907 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #7907 | 13 | ▲ up 5638 · +117% births |
| 2024 | #13545 | 6 | ▼ down 3911 · -40% births |
| 2023 | #9634 | 10 | ▼ down 1079 · -17% births |
| 2022 | #8555 | 12 | ▲ up 6802 · +140% births |
| 2021 | #15357 | 5 | ▼ down 8062 · -67% births |
| 2020 | #7295 | 15 | ▲ up 2423 · +36% births |
| 2015 | #9718 | 11 | ▼ down 797 · -15% births |
| 2010 | #8921 | 13 | ▲ up 824 · +18% births |
| 2005 | #9745 | 11 | ▼ down 880 |
| 2000 | #8865 | 11 | ▲ up 2371 · +57% births |
| 1995 | #11236 | 7 | — |
The story of Akane
Akane is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1982. With 307 total births recorded, Akane remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11236 in 1995 to #9634 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Akane in 1998:
Akane by decade
Akane peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 23 | |
| 1990s | 83 | |
| 2000s | 90 | |
| 2010s ★ | 96 | |
| 2020s | 34 | |
💎Akane has only 307 total recorded births since 1982 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Akane?
What names sound and feel like Akane?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Akane also consider these
How is Akane written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Akane
What does the name Akane mean?
Akane means "deep red" — a name rooted in Japan tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Akane?
Akane is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Akane?
Akane originates from Japan tradition. Japan names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Akane?
Akane is a four-syllable name pronounced AH-kun-AY. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Akane?
Akane pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Japan heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.