Hikari vs Himari

Hikari is a Japanese girl's name meaning A radiant name that literally translates to 'light' or 'brightness', while Himari is a Japanese girl's name meaning A bright and cheerful name representing a sunflower that faces the sun. Both have 3 syllables.

Hikari光

/hee-kah-ree/

Meaning
A radiant name that literally translates to 'light' or 'brightness'.
Origin
Japanese
Gender
Girl
Syllables
3
Letters
6
Nicknames
Hika, Hikarin, Hikaru, Hikariko, Pikari
Loved
0 times

Hikari is derived from the Japanese verb 'hikaru', which means to shine or emit light. In Japanese kanji, it is most commonly represented by the single character 光, symbolizing radiance, hope, and a bright future.

Full Hikari name page

Himari陽葵

/hee-MA-ree/

Meaning
A bright and cheerful name representing a sunflower that faces the sun.
Origin
Japanese
Gender
Girl
Syllables
3
Letters
6
Nicknames
陽葵, 向日葵, 日葵, ひまり, ヒマリ, Hima
Loved
0 times

Himari is primarily derived from the kanji 'Hi' (sun) and 'mari' (hollyhock), referencing the sunflower which traditionally follows the sun's path. While modern interpretations emphasize a bright, outward-facing personality, the name can also be composed using 'Hi' (light) and 'Mari' (ball/orb) to signify completeness or playfulness.

Full Himari name page

How to choose between Hikari and Himari

  • Sound: Hikari runs to 3 syllables (/hee-kah-ree/) and Himari to 3 (/hee-MA-ree/). Either pairs comfortably with most surnames.
  • Heritage: Both names share a Japanese background, so neither leans further from your family's roots.
  • Nicknames: Hikari shortens to Hika, Hikarin, Hikaru. Himari shortens to 陽葵, 向日葵, 日葵.
  • Usage today: In modern Japan, Hikari is a popular unisex name, though it leans more frequently toward girls. It is also well-known as the name of the high-speed 'Hikari' service on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. Himari consistently ranks as one of the most popular names for newborn girls in Japan over the last decade, often topping the Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance annual charts. It is favored for its modern, soft 'nanori' phonetic quality and its optimistic natural imagery.

Hikari vs Himari: common questions

Is Hikari or Himari easier to pronounce?
Hikari is said /hee-kah-ree/ with 3 syllables, while Himari is said /hee-MA-ree/ with 3 syllables. The shorter one is usually easier for young children to say.
What is the difference in meaning between Hikari and Himari?
Hikari means A radiant name that literally translates to 'light' or 'brightness'. Himari means A bright and cheerful name representing a sunflower that faces the sun.
Which is more popular, Hikari or Himari?
Hikari and Himari are loved equally often by visitors here (0 each).