雷電

Raiden

boyJapanese

Raiden is a boy name of Japanese origin, meaning “Thunder and lightning”.

MeaningThunder and lightning
GenderBoy
OriginJapanese
Written as雷電
PronunciationRYE-den
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, Japan

Meaning and origin of Raiden

Raiden is made of the Japanese characters 雷 'thunder' and 電 'lightning'. It is linked to Raijin, the thunder god of Japanese folklore, and was the ring name of Raiden Tameemon, a famously powerful sumo wrestler of the late eighteenth century. In Japan it is used more as a word, a title or a ring name than as an ordinary given name. In English-speaking countries it became popular as a boy's name partly through the Mortal Kombat video games.

Is Raiden a religious name?

Raiden has no Buddhist background. Its associations are with Japanese folk religion and the Shinto-related thunder god Raijin, and most parents today choose it for its bold sound.

How popular is Raiden?

Rare as a given name in Japan but noticeably used for boys in the United States and other English-speaking countries.

Gifts with the name Raiden

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Spellings and variants of Raiden

RaijinRayden

Names similar to Raiden

KaidenRyuHiroKenji

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Raiden mean?

Raiden means 'Thunder and lightning'. It is of Japanese origin.

Does Raiden have a religious meaning?

Raiden has no Buddhist background. Its associations are with Japanese folk religion and the Shinto-related thunder god Raijin, and most parents today choose it for its bold sound.

How do you pronounce Raiden?

Raiden is pronounced RYE-den.

Is Raiden a boy or girl name?

Raiden is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.