Hikaru

Meaning & origin

Hikaru entered U.S. records in 1992 and has seen modest but steady use, ranking 9714th in 2025 with approximately 1 in 244,011 newborns given the name. Its peak popularity occurred in 2006, reflecting a broader interest in Japanese names during that decade. Since 2017, the name has been rising in usage, indicating a renewed appeal. While Hikaru does not feature in any single state's top names, its presence underscores a growing appreciation for names carrying natural, luminous meanings. The name's cross-cultural familiarity, bolstered by its appearance in popular media, offers a distinctive yet accessible choice for families seeking a name that evokes light and brilliance.

Hikaru is a Japanese unisex name derived from the verb 'hikaru' (光る), meaning 'to shine' or 'to emit light'. It can be written with the kanji 光 (hikari, 'light') alone or in combination with other characters. The name gained international recognition through the character Hikaru Sulu from the Star Trek franchise, but it has been used in Japan for centuries, often given to both boys and girls.