Kaoru

Kaoru comes from the Japanese verb for fragrance, a name that means something close to scented or sweet-smelling. The character most often used shows grasses and flowers, tying the name to gardens and tea ceremonies and incense. It has served both boys and girls for centuries, including the legendary Kaoru no Chujo in The Tale of Genji. The sound moves in two soft syllables, the r gentle in Japanese pronunciation rather than rolled or hard. Airy without being insubstantial, it carries an almost Heian elegance while sitting comfortably in a modern classroom. Quietly perfumed. A name that drifts in.