Akane

Meaning of Akane

Akane, a feminine given name of Japanese origin pronounced ah-KAH-neh (/aːka̠ne̞/), derives from the native Japanese word akane, meaning “deep red” or “madder,” a plant historically valued for its durable red dye. Steeped in classical Japanese literary and artistic traditions as a symbol of enduring vitality and refined elegance, the name conveys associations of resilience and aesthetic depth within its original cultural context. In the United States, Akane has appeared intermittently in the Social Security Administration’s annual birth registrations since the early 1980s, its rank fluctuating modestly within the lower strata of the top 1,000 female names—from as high as 788 in 1984 to 944 in 2024—thereby indicating a gradual yet stable adoption by American parents. This pattern reflects an analytical intersection of Anglo-American naming sensibilities with an appreciation for Japanese linguistic heritage, favoring names that combine phonetic clarity with distinctive semantic resonance.

Pronunciation

Japanese

• Pronunced as ah-KAH-neh (/aːka̠ne̞/)

• Amaya
• Aya
• Akiko
• Ayumi
• Asuka
• Ayane