What does Mirai mean and where does it come from?
The name Mirai (未来) is of Japanese origin and translates to 'future'. It is a relatively modern name that has gained popularity in Japan from the late 20th century onwards. This name is often associated with optimism and aspirations for a better tomorrow. It has also been used in popular media, incl
Cultural significance
Mirai has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of future.
Peak popularity
Reached #3412 in 2020 — currently #6048 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Mirai?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Mirai?
Mirai works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mirai Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Mirai Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Mirai Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Mirai Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Mirai Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Mirai Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Mirai right now?
Falling — down 1314 spots — currently #6048 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #6048 | 20 | ▼ down 1314 · -31% births |
| 2024 | #4734 | 29 | ▲ up 1590 · +53% births |
| 2023 | #6324 | 19 | ▼ down 1889 · -41% births |
| 2022 | #4435 | 32 | ▼ down 657 · -20% births |
| 2021 | #3778 | 40 | ▼ down 366 · -11% births |
| 2020 | #3412 | 45 | ▲ up 5340 · +246% births |
| 2015 | #8752 | 13 | ▼ down 2159 · -35% births |
| 2010 | #6593 | 20 | ▲ up 6099 · +150% births |
| 2005 | #12692 | 8 | ▲ up 305 · +14% births |
| 2000 | #12997 | 7 | — |
The story of Mirai
Mirai is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1999. With 283 total births recorded, Mirai remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #12997 in 2000 to #6324 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Mirai in 2020:
Mirai by decade
Mirai peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 6 | |
| 2000s | 51 | |
| 2010s ★ | 181 | |
| 2020s | 94 | |
💎Mirai has only 283 total recorded births since 1999 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Mirai?
What names sound and feel like Mirai?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mirai also consider these
Common questions about the name Mirai
What does the name Mirai mean?
Mirai means "future" — 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 Mirai?
Mirai 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 Mirai?
Mirai 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 Mirai?
Mirai is a three-syllable name pronounced MEE-RAH-ee. 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 Mirai?
Mirai 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.