Whether it's classic anime series or modern hits, there are countless anime character names that have become phenomenal. In this article, we are going to review some of the best anime character names that have left a lasting impression on fans.
RELIEF: 5 Best Rage Moments of All Time in Anime
10. Fairy Tail – Natsu Dragneel
The first is Natsu Dragneel. The hotheaded protagonist of the magical adventure series Fairy Tail is a wizard who has the power to control fire. His name “Natsu” means “summer” in Japanese, which is perfectly fitting for a character with such a fiery temperament. Incidentally, “Dragneel” is a pun on “dragon”, emphasizing his connection to the fire dragon, Igneel, who raised him and taught him dragon-slaying magic. Natsu's name perfectly reflects his fiery spirit and unwavering determination to protect his friends and his guild.
9. Code Geass – Lelouch Lamperouge
Next on our list is Lelouch Lamperouge, the mastermind of Code Geass, who is a strategic prodigy with a tragic past. Its name combines French and English influences, reflecting the alternate history of the series. “Lelouch comes from the French word ‘wolf,' while Lamperouge means ‘red lamp.'” This duality illustrates Lelouch's cunning nature and his burning desire for revenge against the Holy Britannic Empire.
RELATED: The 23 Best Anime TV Shows to Watch on Netflix
8. Death Note – Light Yagami
Light Yagami is another iconic anime character name. The protagonist of the psychological thriller Death Note is a brilliant high school student who comes across a mysterious notebook. The name “Light” symbolizes his initial desire to rid the world of evil and bring justice, while “Yagami” translates to “god of night”, which hints at his dark side when he becomes the infamous Kira.
7. Cowboy Bebop – Spike Spiegel
Spike Spiegel, the main character of the classic space western Cowboy Bebop, is a laid-back bounty hunter with a mysterious past. His name “Spike” is a nod to his spiky hair and quick wit, while “Spiegel” is a German word meaning “mirror”, reflecting his dual nature as a carefree wanderer and experienced fighter.
RELATED: Netflix's Cowboy Bebop: Lots of Soul but Little Originality
6. Naruto – Naruto Uzumaki
Naruto Uzumaki, the main character of the long-running Naruto series, is a young ninja who dreams of becoming the Hokage of his village. His name “Naruto” is derived from the Japanese word for “maelstrom”, which is a nod to his whirlwind-like fighting style and the nine-tailed fox that is sealed within him. “Uzumaki” means “spiral” or “whirl”, further emphasizing his connection to the powerful force within him.
5. Attack On Titan – Mikasa Ackerman
Mikasa Ackerman, main character of the dark fantasy series Attack on Titan, is an experienced warrior dedicated to protecting her friends. Her name “Mikasa” comes from the Japanese word meaning “three bamboo hats”, symbolizing her protective nature. “Ackerman is a German surname, reflecting the series' European inspiration and his family's unique abilities.
RELIEF: Zack Snyder should direct a live-action Attack on Titan film
4. The Fullmetal Alchemist – Edward Elric
Edward Elric, the protagonist of the critically acclaimed Fullmetal Alchemist series, is a young alchemist who seeks to reconstitute his brother's body after a failed experiment. His name, “Edward”, is an old English name meaning “fortunate guardian”, which is fitting for a character who always looks out for his younger brother, Alphonse. As for “Elric”, he is a combination of “elf” and “ruler”, which foreshadows his extraordinary powers and determination.
3. Bleach – Ichigo Kurosaki
Ichigo Kurosaki, the orange-haired protagonist of the supernatural action series Bleach, is a teenager who has the ability to see ghosts. His name “Ichigo” means “strawberry” in Japanese, which is a playful nod to his unique hair color. However, “ichi” can also mean “one”. “Go”, on the other hand, means “five”, which could represent his date of birth, July 15. “Kurosaki” means “black cloak”, which suggests his role as a soul reaper. Ichigo's name is a fun mix of light humor and an allusion to his destiny in the world of shinigami.
RELIEF: Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War: A Final Farewell to a Beloved Anime
2. One Piece – Monkey D. Luffy
Monkey D. Luffy, the protagonist of the epic adventure One Piece, is a pirate with a heart of gold. Its name is a playful mix of English and Japanese elements. “Monkey” refers to the Chinese mythological character Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, while “D” is a mysterious initial shared by several characters in the series. “Luffy” is derived from the Japanese pronunciation of “rufi”, meaning “rough” or “unrefined”, reflecting his carefree and determined personality.
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion – Asuka Langley Soryu
Asuka Langley Soryu, the central character of the groundbreaking mecha series Neon Genesis Evangelion, is a confident and talented pilot. Its name is a fusion of Japanese, German and English influences, reflecting its multicultural origin. “Asuka” means “flying bird” in Japanese, which symbolizes his ambition and drive. There is also “Langley”, which is an English surname, and “Soryu”, a Japanese term for “blue dragon”, meaning its fiery spirit.
RELATED: Ranking the 10 Best Neon Genesis Evangelion Characters
Whether it's an animated film or a series, the names of the characters will always be crucial. That's why the names on this list are some of the best and most iconic there is. Whether you're a fan of classic or modern animated films, these names are sure to leave a lasting impression on you. The next time you watch your favorite anime series, take the time to appreciate the unique and notable names of the characters that make them even more special.