Chihiro
CHEE-HEE-ROH
Chihiro is composed of the Japanese elements chi meaning thousand and hiro meaning fathom, a unit of depth measurement, or alternatively wide and abundant. The name therefore evokes something of immeasurable depth or vastness, suggesting unfathomable potential and inner richness. It was brought to worldwide attention by Hayao Miyazaki's 2001 Studio Ghibli masterpiece Spirited Away, in which Chihiro is the courageous young heroine who must rediscover her true name and identity.
At a glance
A deeply poetic Japanese name meaning thousand fathoms, immortalised by the beloved Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away.
Etymology & History
Chihiro is formed from the Japanese chi meaning thousand and hiro meaning fathom, a traditional unit of water depth roughly equivalent to six feet. In older Japanese, hiro also carried meanings of wide, broad or abundant, so the name can suggest both immeasurable depth and vast generosity. The name appears in Japanese literature and history dating back centuries and is used for both boys and girls.
Cultural Significance
Within Japan, Chihiro was a known but unremarkable name until 2001, when Spirited Away made it one of the most recognised Japanese names in the world. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and is considered one of the greatest animated films ever made. Miyazaki has said that the theme of Chihiro's story, the importance of remembering one's true name and identity, is central to his worldview, giving the name a philosophical depth that resonates well beyond Japan.
Famous people named Chihiro
Chihiro, protagonist of Spirited Away
The 10-year-old heroine of Hayao Miyazaki's Academy Award-winning 2001 film, whose journey of courage and self-discovery made the name beloved by audiences worldwide.
Chihiro Fujisaki
A character from the video game Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, a talented programmer whose story resonated strongly with fans of the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Chihiro
Chiaki
“Thousand autumns, eternal wisdom”
Chiaki combines 千 (chi, thousand) and 秋 (aki, autumn). The name evokes an expanse of time measured in thousands of autumns, a poetic way of expressing longevity, deep experience, and the wisdom that accumulates over a lifetime. It is used for both boys and girls in Japan.
Chika
“God is supreme”
Chika is an Igbo name from Nigeria meaning 'God is supreme' or 'God is greater,' formed from 'Chi' (God) and 'ka' (is greater/supreme). It expresses the belief in the absolute sovereignty and supremacy of God over all things.
Haruki
“Spring child”
Haruki means 'spring child,' combining the Japanese characters for spring and life or radiance. It is a name that evokes renewal, warmth, and the brightness of new beginnings.
Hiroshi
“Generous and vast”
Hiroshi is a Japanese given name that most commonly carries the meanings of generous, tolerant, vast, or broad-minded, depending on the kanji characters used to write it. The most frequent kanji choices include characters meaning vast or wide, generous or abundant, and tolerant or magnanimous. The name suggests a person of large heart and expansive outlook, someone capable of warmth, open-mindedness, and a generous engagement with the world. Hiroshi has been one of Japan's most consistently popular boys' names across much of the twentieth century, carrying a quality of solid, dependable distinction.
Where you'll find Chihiro
Chihiro shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.