Aoi

Aoi is a Japanese word name that can be written with several kanji, the most common being 葵 meaning "hollyhock" or "althea", a flowering plant. The name can also derive from 蒼 (aoi) meaning "blue" or "green", or the ao element in the adjectival form of 碧 also meaning "blue" or "green". Other kanji combinations with the readings aoi or ao are possible, giving the name a range of nature-related and color associations.

Aoi is used as both a feminine given name and a surname. In Japanese, the hollyhock (aoi) is a traditional symbol, historically associated with the Tokugawa shōgunate's crest (the mitsuba aoi or three-leaved hollyhock). As a given name, it fits the Japanese naming tradition of using natural imagery to convey beauty or virtues.

Notable Bearers

The name Aoi has been carried by many Japanese public figures. Notable performers include singer Aoi (born 1984) of the visual kei band Ayabie, and guitarist Aoi (born 1979) of the rock band The Gazette. In media, Aoi is a given name for voice actor Aoi Ichikawa (born 1991), who has voiced characters in anime like Tokyo Revengers. Other appearances include manga artist Aoi Hiiragi (born 1962), known for Marmalade Boy, and professional wrestler Aoi (born 2002). Sports figures include Aoi Enomoto (born 1992), a baseball player, and Aoi Furutate (born 2004), a singer for the idol group NGT48. The name also appears in anime, such as Aoi Miyake from Aikatsu!.

The variant Ao (also from ao meaning blue) is related, and in Vietnamese the name Bích shares the meaning of "jade" or "blue-green".

• Meaning: Hollyhock, blue, green
• Origin: Japanese
• Type
• Regions: Japan