白隠

Hakuin

boyJapaneseBuddhist

Hakuin is a Buddhist boy name of Japanese origin, meaning “Hidden in white”.

MeaningHidden in white
GenderBoy
OriginJapanese
Written as白隠
PronunciationHAH-koo-een
TraditionBuddhist
Used inJapan

Meaning and origin of Hakuin

Hakuin is best known as the name of Hakuin Ekaku (1686 to 1769), the Zen master who revived the Rinzai school in Japan. The characters 白隠 mean 'white' and 'hidden', often read as 'concealed in white', referring to a snowy mountain. He is famous for the koan 'What is the sound of one hand?' and for his ink paintings. It is a dharma name rather than an ordinary Japanese given name.

Is Hakuin a Buddhist name?

Hakuin is a Buddhist name honouring the Rinzai Zen reformer Hakuin Ekaku, whose methods of koan practice are still used in Zen monasteries.

How popular is Hakuin?

Very rare as a given name; known mainly through the Zen master.

Gifts with the name Hakuin

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Names similar to Hakuin

RyokanMusoDogenBasho

More Buddhist boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Hakuin mean?

Hakuin means 'Hidden in white'. It is of Japanese origin.

Is Hakuin a Buddhist name?

Hakuin is a Buddhist name honouring the Rinzai Zen reformer Hakuin Ekaku, whose methods of koan practice are still used in Zen monasteries.

How do you pronounce Hakuin?

Hakuin is pronounced HAH-koo-een.

Is Hakuin a boy or girl name?

Hakuin is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.