Entry № 1048 · Japanese origin

Honoka Honoka — Meaning, Origin & Baby Name Popularity

/ hoh-NOH-kah /

Gender

Girl

Origin

Japanese

Meaning

"Faint fragrance (Japanese)"

Syllables

Rank · US 2025

№ 0

First recorded

Modern (Japanese)

The meaning

A name that means "faint fragrance (japanese)".

Honoka (ほのか) is the Japanese word for "faint" or "subtle fragrance" — also written 穂香 ("ear of grain + fragrance"). One of the most popular Japanese feminine names of the 2000s and 2010s, embodying the aesthetic of yūgen — mysterious subtle depth.

Used widely in modern Japan.

Faint fragrance. The Japanese aesthetic of subtle depth.

In its original form

The name in its native script.

ほのか

Transliteration: Honoka
Pronunciation: / həˈnoʊ.kə /
Root: —
Grammatical form: —

Popularity

Where Honoka stands.

Current rank · 2025

№ 0 in the U.S.

All-time peak

№ 0 in 0

Babies named Honoka · last year

87 in the U.S.

First entered SSA top-1000

Rank, 1995–2025 Lower = more popular

Namesakes

Honokas before her.

Real people

Honoka

Common Japanese name.

In fiction

Honoka

Common in anime and Japanese media.

Names connected to Honoka.

Numerology

The number behind Honoka.

The Pioneer

Honoka reduces to one — the number of Japanese subtle fragrance.

Parents on Honoka

Why families chose this name.

"Subtle fragrance. Six letters. Honoka."

Aiko · Mother of one · Kyoto