Airi

Airi is a feminine given name of Japanese origin. Like many Japanese names, its meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it. Common elements include 愛 meaning “love,” 莉 meaning “jasmine,” 梨 meaning “pear,” and 理 meaning “logic” or “reason.” Because of the variety of possible kanji, Airi can convey different nuances such as “beloved jasmine,” “love and reason,” or other blended meanings. The name is typically written in kana as あいり and can also be written in kanji in several ways, for example 愛理, 愛梨, 亜里依, 亜莉依, among others. It is pronounced as a single three-mora name: a-i-ri.

Usage and reception: Airi is predominantly used for girls in Japan. It gained popularity in the late 20th century and remains a recognizable contemporary name in Japanese communities and media. The name has also appeared internationally in fans and transliterations due to Japanese pop culture, though it remains most common in Japan.

Notable examples: One well-known bearer of the name is Airi Suzuki (鈴木愛理), a Japanese singer and former member of the idol group ℃-ute, who has contributed to the name’s visibility in popular culture. In addition to real individuals, the given name Airi appears for various fictional characters in manga and anime, reflecting its modern and approachable sound.

See also: given-name naming practices in Japan and common kanji combinations for female names.