Aoi vs Nanami

Aoi is a Japanese girl's name meaning A classic name referring to the hollyhock flower, symbolizing high ambition, while Nanami is a Japanese girl's name meaning An evocative name that translates to the beauty of the seven seas. Both have 3 syllables.

Aoi葵

/AH-oh-ee/

Meaning
A classic name referring to the hollyhock flower, symbolizing high ambition.
Origin
Japanese
Gender
Girl
Syllables
3
Letters
3
Nicknames
葵, 碧, 蒼, あおい, Ao-chan, Aocchi
Loved
0 times

The name Aoi primarily refers to the 'hollyhock' flower, specifically the Malvaceae family, which was historically used as a crest for the Tokugawa shogunate. Beyond the flower, it can also be written with kanji meaning 'blue' or 'green,' symbolizing the vitality of nature and the sky. In the language of flowers, it represents high ambition, fertility, and nobility.

Full Aoi name page

Nanami七海

/NA-na-mee/

Meaning
An evocative name that translates to the beauty of the seven seas.
Origin
Japanese
Gender
Girl
Syllables
3
Letters
6
Nicknames
七海, 七美, 菜々美, ななみ, Nana, Nanamin
Loved
0 times

Nanami is a Japanese name most commonly formed by the characters 'nana' (seven) and 'mi' (sea or ocean). While this is the most frequent etymology, the 'mi' suffix can also be written with characters for beauty, fruit, or truth, reflecting a desire for abundance and grace.

Full Nanami name page

How to choose between Aoi and Nanami

  • Sound: Aoi runs to 3 syllables (/AH-oh-ee/) and Nanami to 3 (/NA-na-mee/). Either pairs comfortably with most surnames.
  • Heritage: Both names share a Japanese background, so neither leans further from your family's roots.
  • Nicknames: Aoi shortens to 葵, 碧, 蒼. Nanami shortens to 七海, 七美, 菜々美.
  • Usage today: Aoi is a consistently popular unisex name in Japan, frequently ranking in the top ten for both girls and boys due to its elegant, traditional sound. It is often chosen for its association with the 'Aoi Matsuri,' one of Kyoto's oldest and most prestigious festivals. The name is a popular choice for girls in modern Japan, often evoking a sense of vastness and natural beauty. It rose significantly in popularity during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Aoi vs Nanami: common questions

Is Aoi or Nanami easier to pronounce?
Aoi is said /AH-oh-ee/ with 3 syllables, while Nanami is said /NA-na-mee/ with 3 syllables. The shorter one is usually easier for young children to say.
What is the difference in meaning between Aoi and Nanami?
Aoi means A classic name referring to the hollyhock flower, symbolizing high ambition. Nanami means An evocative name that translates to the beauty of the seven seas.
Which is more popular, Aoi or Nanami?
Aoi and Nanami are loved equally often by visitors here (0 each).