Oni Name Generator
Generate unique oni names for your fantasy characters, stories, and games. The perfect tool for writers, gamers, and world-builders.
Showing 531 names available in Oni Name Generator.
Curated Oni Name Generator List
| Name | Meaning / Origin | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Aganaibi | Atonement fire demon | Any |
| Aikidoumaru | Harmony spirit demon warrior | Any |
| Akaganeoni | Red copper demon warrior | Any |
| Akakitsune | Red fox fire demon | Any |
| Akamaru | Red circle demon | Any |
| Akaoni | Red demon, crimson oni | Any |
| Akashita | Red tongue demon, blood licker | Any |
| Akatsukioni | Dawn demon awakener | Any |
How to Pick a Good Oni Name
Understanding Oni in Japanese Folklore
Oni are supernatural ogre-demons in Japanese folklore, typically depicted with red or blue skin, wild hair, horns, and fearsome fangs. They carry iron clubs called kanabo and are associated with hell (jigoku), mountains, and the northeastern direction considered unlucky in Japanese geomancy. Unlike Western demons, oni can sometimes be benevolent or reformed, and some shrines even worship protective oni. This complexity should inform your naming choices.
Elemental and Natural Themes
Many powerful oni names reference natural forces and elements. Raijin and Fujin, the thunder and wind gods, have oni-like appearances. Names incorporating 'kaze' (wind), 'hi' (fire), 'yama' (mountain), 'kawa' (river), or 'iwa' (rock) ground your oni in the natural world while suggesting elemental power. Storm oni, fire oni, and mountain oni each have distinct naming conventions reflecting their domains.
Color Symbolism in Oni Names
Japanese culture assigns deep meaning to colors, and oni are traditionally depicted in specific hues. Red oni (aka-oni) represent passion, anger, and desire. Blue or green oni (ao-oni) symbolize sadness, cowardice, or jealousy. Black represents death and the underworld. Incorporating color elements like 'aka' (red), 'ao' (blue), 'kuro' (black), or 'shiro' (white) into names immediately conveys your oni's emotional association.
Weapon and Combat References
Oni are fierce warriors, and many names reference their martial nature. 'Ken' (sword), 'tetsu' (iron), 'kanabo' (iron club), and 'yoroi' (armor) appear in warrior oni names. Names suggesting combat actions like 'kiru' (cut), 'kudaku' (crush), or 'tataku' (strike) convey violent temperament. Historical warrior oni often bear names that functioned as fearsome titles rather than personal names.
Supernatural and Spiritual Elements
As beings of the spirit world, oni names may incorporate supernatural concepts. 'Yomi' (the underworld), 'jigoku' (hell), 'tamashii' (soul), and 'noroi' (curse) create names with spiritual weight. References to Buddhist hell concepts or Shinto death kami add authentic religious dimension. Names suggesting transformation, possession, or spiritual power work well for more mystical oni characters.
Creating Compound Oni Names
Japanese naming allows creative compound construction. Combine a descriptive element with 'oni' or an oni-type suffix: 'Tetsuoni' (iron demon), 'Yamaoni' (mountain demon), 'Chinokaze' (blood wind). Alternatively, use action-noun combinations: 'Honemaru' (bone circle), 'Tamagoroshi' (soul killer). Practice Japanese phonetics to ensure your compounds flow naturally and could exist within the language's sound system.
Key Considerations
- Incorporate kanji-derived elements suggesting strength, darkness, or supernatural power
- Use authentic Japanese suffixes like -maru, -hime, or -oni
- Match the name to your oni's role: warrior, trickster, or punisher
- Study historical and legendary oni for naming inspiration
- Ensure pronunciation follows natural Japanese phonetic patterns
Famous Examples
Shuten-doji
Japanese Folklore
The legendary king of oni who terrorized Japan from his mountain fortress at Mount Ooe. His name means 'sake-drinking boy,' referencing his love of alcohol. He was eventually slain by the hero Minamoto no Yorimitsu, and his severed head remains a powerful artifact in legend.
Ibaraki-doji
Japanese Folklore
Shuten-doji's most loyal servant, whose name references the thorny wastelands where oni dwell. Famous for losing an arm to the warrior Watanabe no Tsuna at Rashomon gate and later disguising as the warrior's aunt to retrieve it, showing oni cunning.
Ura
Japanese Folklore (Momotaro)
The chief oni of Onigashima (Demon Island) who leads the oni defeated by the folk hero Momotaro. This simple name meaning 'bay' or 'inlet' suggests the coastal fortress where the demons hoarded their treasures before the hero's assault.
Kidomaru
Japanese Folklore
A famous oni thief associated with the Shuten-doji legend, said to have been born from a woman impregnated by an oni. His name suggests 'demon child circle,' and he was known for his supernatural abilities and eventual defeat by Minamoto warriors.
Namahage
Japanese Folk Tradition
While technically a category of demon rather than an individual, Namahage are oni-like beings from Akita Prefecture who visit homes on New Year's Eve. Their name means 'peel blisters,' warning lazy people. They represent the benevolent, protective aspect of oni tradition.
Popular Oni Names
These oni names represent some of the most fearsome and authentic options inspired by Japanese demon folklore.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tetsuoni | Iron-skinned demon |
| Chinokaze | Blood wind demon, crimson storm |
| Yumeoni | Dream demon, nightmare spirit |
| Yamagoroshi | Mountain slayer demon |
| Gokurakuki | Paradise demon, ironic terror |
| Kendoumaru | Sword way demon warrior |
| Akahone | Red bones demon |
| Raionmaru | Thunder sound perfect one |
| Youganmaru | Lava demon warrior |
| Kurokenji | Black sword temple demon |
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat is the difference between oni and other Japanese supernatural beings?
Oni are specifically demon-ogres characterized by their large size, horns, colored skin (usually red or blue), and iron clubs. They differ from yurei (ghosts), tengu (bird-like goblins), kappa (water creatures), and other yokai in their physical nature and hellish associations. Oni typically represent external threats and brutal force, while other supernatural beings have more varied roles in folklore. Taking time with this decision enhances the overall creative experience.
QCan oni names include non-Japanese elements?
For authenticity, oni names should use Japanese-derived elements or at least follow Japanese phonetic patterns. However, if your creative project involves oni interacting with other cultures, you might create hybrid names that acknowledge this. Some modern anime and games do mix cultural elements creatively. Just ensure the Japanese components remain accurate and respectful if combining traditions. This approach ensures consistency and authenticity in your naming choices.
QWhat colors are traditionally associated with oni, and how does this affect naming?
Traditional oni colors carry specific meanings: red (aka) represents passion, anger, and greed; blue/green (ao) symbolizes sadness, depression, or envy; black (kuro) suggests death and the underworld; white (shiro) indicates mourning or death. Incorporating these color elements into names immediately conveys your oni's emotional nature and the sins or karmic burdens they embody. Consider these factors carefully when making your final selection.
QAre there female oni, and how do their names differ?
Female oni, called kijo or onibaba (demon hag), definitely exist in Japanese folklore. Famous examples include Momiji from Noh theater and the Oni of Adachigahara. Female oni names might incorporate feminine suffixes like -me, -hime, or -ko, though powerful female demons might bear names indistinguishable from male oni, emphasizing their monstrous nature over gender. Consider these factors carefully when making your final selection.
QHow do oni names relate to Buddhist and Shinto traditions?
Oni are deeply connected to Buddhist concepts of hell (jigoku) and karmic punishment. Names may reference Buddhist hell guardians, realms of punishment, or concepts of sin and retribution. In Shinto tradition, oni can be associated with kami of plague or disaster. Names incorporating religious terminology like 'jigoku' (hell), 'enma' (king of hell), or 'yomi' (underworld) add spiritual dimension. These considerations contribute to more authentic and engaging results.
QWhat resources can help me learn more about authentic oni naming?
Studying Japanese kanji and their meanings provides the best foundation for creating authentic oni names. Resources include the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki (ancient Japanese texts), folklore collections by Yanagita Kunio, and academic works on yokai. Modern media like Nioh, Okami, and various anime also provide creative interpretations. Learning basic Japanese phonetics ensures your created names sound natural. Taking time with this decision enhances the overall creative experience.