[Benesse Corporation] [Japan’s Largest Survey of 166,000 People] Tamahiyo Baby Name Rankings 2025: “Midori” (Midori) Takes First Place for Girls, “Ao” (Ao) Takes First Place for Boys for the Second Consecutive Year! Benesse Corporation Press Release: October 30, 2025 [Survey of 166,000 people, the largest in Japan] Tamahiyo Baby Name Rankings 2025: “Midori” (girls’ name) takes first place for the first time, and “Ao” (boys’ name) takes first place for the second year in a row! “Tamahiyo” naming-related products and services also release good luck messages for each birth month in 2026 Tamago Club and Hiyoko Club, pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare magazines published by Benesse Corporation (Headquarters: Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture; Chairman and CEO: Iwase Daisuke), are once again announcing their rankings based on the names of approximately 166,000 children born between January 1, 2025, and September 15, 2025. This is the largest number of name rankings in Japan (according to our own research as of October 2025).
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/120/1413/120-1413-dc3cde1093d26057995a732fe16493a7-666×696.jpg
international sporting events were held in September, and people rejoiced at the success of top athletes. For babies born in 2025 (January-September), “Ao” (mainly read as “ao”) has taken the top spot for the second year in a row, following its first place last year. For girls, “Midori” (mainly read as “sui”) has topped the Tamahiyo baby name rankings for the first time in history. For boys, “Asahi” (morning sun) rose from sixth place last year to fourth place. Also, “Haru” (clear), which was 18th last year, now ranks eighth. Names evoking blue and sky are ranking highly. For girls, “Hina” (harmful flower) has risen from 12th place last year to fifth place. As seen in the second-place name “Himari” (sunflower), the kanji character “Hi” (sun)—which conveys a sense of warmth—is popular. ● “Tamahiyo” naming-related products and services supervised by the company now releasing good luck messages for each birth month in 2026! In Nine Star Ki astrology, 2026 is said to be a year of increased fortune. Children born in this year are said to be destined to overcome difficulties and succeed. We’re now releasing special messages of good fortune for children born in 2026 based on their birth month! Tamahiyo Baby Name Rankings 2025 Special
Sitehttps://st.benesse.ne.jp/ninshin/name/ [Result details] 1) Baby Name Rankings 2025 For boys born in 2025 (January to September), “Ao” (mainly pronounced “ao”) has taken the top spot for the second consecutive year, following its top spot last year. For girls, “Midori” (mainly read as “sui”) has taken the top spot in the Tamahiyo baby name rankings for the first time in history. Also, for boys’ names, “Zen” (good), which was not in the top 100 last year, came in at 52nd place, and “Saku” (new flower) came in 13th place, while for girls’ names, names that evoke a sense of Japanese sentiment and scenery, such as “Yui” (tie), “Sakura” (cherry blossom), and “Koto” (heart city), are ranked high.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/120/1413/120-1413-ef61284c5340f36826de86b4ee29f5db-692×718.jpg *Website “Tamahiyo” (https://st.benesse.ne.jp/ninshin/name/) introduces the top 100 names. Boys’ Trends (Observations by the Tamahiyo Editorial Department) The number one name, “Ao” (mainly read as “ao”), has taken the top spot for the second year in a row. In addition to being able to read “Aoi,” which ranked second in the reading ranking (for both boys and girls), “Aoi” (青) ranked fourth in the kanji name ranking (for both boys and girls), making it a well-established and popular name. Since the kanji character means a beautiful blue stone, it seems to convey the hope that the child will grow up to be someone with a clear, unclouded heart. The second-place name, “Minato” (mainly read as “minato”), rose from fifth place last year to second place. “Minato” also ranked second in the reading ranking (for boys) and has been in the top 10 since 2012. Many parents choose this name with wishes such as “I hope my child will be a sociable, charming person who attracts many people” or “I hope my child will set out on a journey to the wide ocean and be active in a wide range of fields.” In third place, “Haruto” (main reading: “Haruto”) moved up from fourth place last year. In the reading ranking (for boys), it has always been first since the 2005 survey, except for a second-place finish in 2008. It seems to convey the wish that “the child will grow up bright, energetic, and carefree like the sun.” In fourth place, “Asahi” (main reading: “Asahi”)moved from sixth place last year to fourth place. These names seem to convey hopes such as, “I hope they grow up to be someone who can face everything with a fresh mind,” and “I hope they grow up to be as bright and energetic as the sun.” The names “Ren” (5th place), “Nagi” (7th place), and “Ritsu” (10th place) have all been in the top 10 for three consecutive years, demonstrating the popularity of single-character names. Girls’ Trends (Observations by the Tamahiyo Editorial Department) The number one name, “midori” (mainly read as “sui”), ranked 95th in 2020, but rose to 16th in 2022, and 3rd in 2023 and 2024, showing a surge in popularity in recent years. The sound and beauty of the kanji have made it to number one. “Hisui” is another name for the kingfisher, evoking its beautiful blue-green color. It is also thought to convey the hope that the child will “live life to the fullest, true to themselves.” The second-place name, “Himari” (primarily pronounced “himari”), is a highly popular name that has ranked first or second since 2016. It seems to convey the hope that the child will “grow up as energetic as the sun and as upright as a sunflower,” and, due to the Japanese image of “himari,” “grow up to be a warm and elegant person.” The third-place name, “Rin” (primarily pronounced “rin”), also ranked sixth in the kanji ranking (for both boys and girls). It’s a long-standing popular name, ranking within the top eight since the survey began in 2005. Its image of physical and mental firmness likely conveys the hope that the child will grow up to be a lively and cheerful person. The fourth-place name, “Mei” (primarily pronounced “mei”), remained in fourth place for the second consecutive year. It seems to contain the feelings, “May you be loved by many people because of your natural personality,” and “May you be blessed with people you can rely on and live a blossoming life in the future.” 2) Baby Name (Reading) Ranking 2025 In terms of gender-neutral, unisex names, “Sena” rose from 5th place last year to 1st place! In terms of gender-neutral names, “Haruto” for boys has been ranked first for the 17th consecutive year. “Sana” for girls has been ranked first for the second consecutive year. For the first time, “Sena” topped the list of unisex readings. “Aoi” and “Hinata” have continued to rank within the top three since last year, demonstrating their stable popularity among both boys and girls. In second place, “Aoi” is a popular reading of the number one boys’ name “Aoi,” the number 23 “Ao,” and the number six girls’ name “Aoi,” while in third place, “Hinata” is a popular reading of the number 16 boys’ name “Hinata” and the number two girls’ name “Hikari.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/120/1413/120-1413-3151056231eddecbfb1646916e8a932d-852×489.jpg For boys, “Haruto” has been ranked number one for the 17th consecutive year. For girls, “Sana” has been ranked number one for the second consecutive year. Since entering the top 20 in 2015, “Sana” has gradually risen in the rankings, reaching number one in 2024, and has again taken the top spot this year. “Ema,” which came in second place, has also proven to be enduringly popular for two consecutive years. 3) 45.3% of people were aware of the revised Family Register Act, which requires the inclusion of furigana. 4.3% of people asked for an explanation of how to read their name at the registration desk. 45.3% of respondents said they were conscious of the revised Family Register Act (enforced in May 2025; requires furigana to be included in family register names, imposes certain restrictions on names that cannot be read as pronunciations, etc.) when naming their child. 4.3% of respondents said they were asked for an explanation at a government office, with some saying they were asked to confirm the pronunciation, point out that it cannot be read in a common way, and provide evidence or a source. No one said their explanation was not accepted. ◆ Excerpts of comments from those who requested an explanation and commented on the acceptance – I knew it, but I realized once again that it’s not a name that’s easy to read. But I have no regrets about choosing these kanji. – I had known about the legal changes for a while and was worried, so I thought, “I thought so.” I had another kanji candidate in case my name wasn’t accepted.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/120/1413/120-1413-cf61a652dedf0483f4b2e2163d313a74-1269×647.png [Tamahiyo From a survey on naming children (n=1704) – I felt anxious and worried about what would happen if my name was rejected. Since names are personal, I feel that some people might find them offensive. – My name was accepted thanks to being listed on the Tamahiyo website. 4) What was important when naming the baby? 1st place:
“Reading/Sound,” 2nd place: “Meaning of the Kanji,” 3rd place: “Number of Strokes”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/120/1413/120-1413-e031dff0797fa66f0b91d6c4f217aee2-920×320.jpg As with last year, the top three factors were “reading/sound,” “meaning of the kanji,” and “number of strokes.” While “reading/sound” remains the most important factor when naming a child, the tendency to prioritize “meaning of the kanji” exceeded 50% for the first time. Comment from Rioko Kurihara, Supervisor of “Tamahiyo” Naming-Related Products and Services ● Naming trends in 2025 One-character and short names are on the rise. In everyday life, we often abbreviate our children’s names, but short names allow us to call them as they are. The year 2025 will be an era in which diverse values are being questioned, but it seems like there are a lot of names with kanji characters that have solid meanings and allow children to live life with their feet on the ground. ●Message to children born in 2026 2026 is the year of the Heiwa Horse (Hinoeuma) Year. This is the year of “Ippaku Suisei” (Water Star), and children born in 2026 have a strong spirit of challenge and are able to persevere in any field. The symbolism of Ichi-byaku Suisei is “water,” which flows purely wherever it goes, so we recommend choosing kanji related to water. “Kiyo”, “Se”, “Suna”, “Jun”, “Nami”, “Ko”, “Kou”, “Minato”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/120/1413/120-1413-186ce1e417c46c174d88dfdf4abf9048-248×332.jpg General Incorporated Association President of the Japan Divination Association, Supervisor of “Tamahiyo” Naming Related Products and Services: Rioko Kurihara [Messages to babies born in 2026 by month] ● Born in January: A child with persuasive speaking skills. Even if they have ups and downs, if they are made to do something every day from a young age, they will blossom in the future. ● Born in February: A child with a very quick mind. The type that wants time to think alone, not surrounded by others. Cherish the time to build up small amounts of effort. ● Born in March: A child who can work extremely hard. The type that can persevere and stick to one thing, so let them pursue anything they are interested in. ● Born in April: A child who takes the initiative and does everything, and is blessed with many friends. They can also be a little clumsy, so keep a watchful and supportive eye on them. ● Born in May: A popular child who is trusted by those around them. They will grow even more if they meet someone above them, such as a teacher, with whom they get along well. ● Born in June: A child who can see things from multiple perspectives. They are lucky to be loved by their superiors, so they will show their true potential when they expand their field of activity. ● Born in July: A child who is able to think for themselves without being swayed by those around them. They have the ability to lead others and are suited to being leaders. ● Born in August: A child who is good at talking. They have good connections with friends and gain something from acting with large groups. Living in a dormitory is also a good option in the future. ● Born in September: A child with original and unique ways of thinking. They are also blessed with good luck in their family. The key to growth is to fully acknowledge their individuality. ● Born in October: A child with the potential to achieve great things. They will not mind being envied by others and will pursue the one path they have chosen. ● Born in November: A calm and gentle child. The type who is happy spending time with like-minded people. They are curious and their abilities will blossom from new experiences. ● Born in December: A child who likes to take care of others. You tend to jump to conclusions, so take some time to pause. In the future, you’ll become a good adult who values family. [Survey Overview] *For details on the survey results, please visit the “Tamahiyo” website
(https://st.benesse.ne.jp/ninshin/name/). Survey Name Tamahiyo Baby Name Rankings 2025 Survey Content Names of babies born between January 1, 2025 and September 15, 2025 Survey Subjects Children of customers who have used “Tamahiyo” products and services (answers are optional) Number of people surveyed 166,011 people (83,839 boys, 82,172 girls) Survey Items Name reading, kanji, etc. *If the same kanji combination has multiple readings, the most common reading will be presented. Survey Name Tamahiyo Child Naming Survey Survey period October 4, 2025 – October 8, 2025 Survey Subjects Tamahiyo app (Mainichi no Tamahiyo) users Number of survey subjects 1,704 people Investigation items 名づけで重視したこと、赤ちゃんの名前の由来など 【ご参考】 ●「たまひよ」名づけ関連商品・サービスのご紹介
妊娠・出産・育児ブランド「たまひよ」では、赤ちゃんの名づけに関して、書籍『たまひよ
赤ちゃんのしあわせ名前事典2026～2027年版』を発刊するとともに、Ｗebサイト「たまひよ」での情報提供も行います。また、雑誌『たまごクラブ』においても別冊付録・特集などで取り上げてまいります。 ＜ご紹介している赤ちゃんの名前について＞
「たまひよ」では、お客さまからお寄せいただいた赤ちゃんの名前を基にランキングデータや実例をご紹介しています。ママ・パパは、呼びかけたい「読み」、想いを込めたい「漢字」、幸せであるようにと願う「画数」など、さまざまな観点から名前を考えておられます。名前は「こんな子に育ってほしい」「すてきな人生を歩んでほしい」と願いを込めて、ママ・パパから赤ちゃんに贈る最初のプレゼントです。「たまひよ」では、そんなママ・パパの想いを大切にし、名前の実例を紹介させていただいております。 ■書籍『たまひよ 赤ちゃんのしあわせ名前事典2026～2027年版』の発刊
2025年の人気名前ランキングを100位まで掲載。名づけの注意点や出生届の書き方・出し方など名づけに関する基礎知識を丁寧に解説するほか、豊富な名前実例を画数別、読み別、イメージ別など、検索しやすい章立てで紹介しています。また、「Web鑑定サービスログインID」がとじ込まれており、パソコン・スマートフォンから、候補の名前の鑑定や「読み」「イメージ」「漢字」から姓に合った良運の名前を検索できます。 ◆発売：2025年10月30日 ◆編集：たまごクラブ特別編集 ◆監修：栗原里央子 ◆定価：1980円（本体価格1800円 税10%） https://st.benesse.ne.jp/ninshin/content/?id=86866
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/120/1413/120-1413-ed1ee3ed894be13e99484c69d1be1eb1-444×622.png ■Webサイト「たまひよ」2025年赤ちゃんの名前ランキング
男の子の名前全体ランキング、女の子の名前全体ランキングを100位まで、読みランキング、使用漢字ランキングをそれぞれ50位まで発表しています。赤ちゃんの名前・名づけの基本知識などもご紹介しています。 https://st.benesse.ne.jp/ninshin/name/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/120/1413/120-1413-2534503856cc913c3fbfe797f1864769-556×417.png ■チーム育児支援：くすっと笑えて、じーんとなる「あるある育児ショートドラマ」
皆さんの“あるある”投稿募集をヒントに創作したショートドラマ全３話が完成。
相席スタートの山崎ケイさんなど、動画で活躍するママパパインフルエンサーを中心に、多様な世代のキャストが登場しています。 ▶YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@tamahiyo
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/120/1413/120-1413-e0530c1bc7eb966f0e376b089595090c-907×467.png ■かわいすぎるマイCMが作れちゃう!? 新サービス＆キャンペーンがスタート！
たまごクラブ♪ひよこクラブ♪の曲でおなじみのCM風動画が簡単に作れる“たまひよのCMメーカー”が始まります。
https://tmhy.jp/cmmaker_202510 【Instagram・X 投稿キャンペーンも実施中】
キャンペーンの詳細はこちら https://tmhy.jp/cmmaker_2025 ■応募締切：2026年1月13日(火)23：59まで 投稿いただいた中から素敵な動画には豪華賞品が贈られます。 また抽選で当たるプレゼントもご用意しています。
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/120/1413/120-1413-d7e9ef84684384620b119744c8b04f31-253×190.jpg ※このメールは自動送信されていますので、返信はご遠慮ください。 Press Release Download Press release attachments
