蛍

Hotaru

girlJapanese

Hotaru is a girl name of Japanese origin, meaning “Firefly”.

MeaningFirefly
GenderGirl
OriginJapanese
Written as蛍
Pronunciationhoh-TAH-roo
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inJapan

Meaning and origin of Hotaru

Hotaru is the Japanese word for the firefly, usually written 蛍. Fireflies are a beloved summer image in Japan, celebrated in poetry and at firefly-viewing evenings, and they are traditionally associated with fleeting beauty. As a girl's name Hotaru is distinctive rather than common. It is familiar abroad through characters such as Hotaru Tomoe in Sailor Moon, and the 1988 film Grave of the Fireflies is titled Hotaru no Haka in Japanese.

Is Hotaru a religious name?

Hotaru is a nature word with no formal religious meaning, though fireflies appear in Japanese folklore about the spirits of the dead.

How popular is Hotaru?

Used occasionally in Japan; unusual outside Japanese families.

Gifts with the name Hotaru

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Names similar to Hotaru

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Frequently asked questions

What does the name Hotaru mean?

Hotaru means 'Firefly'. It is of Japanese origin.

Does Hotaru have a religious meaning?

Hotaru is a nature word with no formal religious meaning, though fireflies appear in Japanese folklore about the spirits of the dead.

How do you pronounce Hotaru?

Hotaru is pronounced hoh-TAH-roo.

Is Hotaru a boy or girl name?

Hotaru is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.