For nineteen centuries of its existence, the common Japanese people had the opportunity to call themselves only by name. They can add a nickname to it for variety, but this is not a requirement. In the aristocratic environment there were wider opportunities, allowing them to add any appropriate surname to their name. Due to the small number of samurai, they had the same powers.
The Japanese do not try to distinguish themselves from Europe and therefore write their last name first and then their first name in the same way. But an attentive observer will notice the differences: in conversations, the Japanese can change their last name and first name. This also manifests itself in writing: they try to write the first name first and the last name second. At the same time, they highlight it with capital letters.
In this article you will learn how Japanese names sound in Japanese.
From the history
In writing, the Japanese name is depicted as one or more hieroglyphs. Sometimes parents try to distinguish themselves by adding katakana or hiragana characters. In 1985, the list of formally permitted characters for writing Japanese names was expanded to include romanji, man'yegana, hentaigana and the more familiar European symbols - $, %. In other cases, only hieroglyphs are found.
The interesting thing about the old days is that the common people were the personal property of the emperor. Gradually, to indicate the place of each of them in the functioning of the directory, surnames appeared. If a Japanese distinguished himself and committed a significant act that left a mark on history, he could be given a new name.
Historians suggest that the first surnames appeared after the restoration of Meiji. The upper class ordered the plebeians to come up with a surname for themselves. Some people took surnames from the historical past, others told fortunes or asked priests for help. This fact explains one curious point: in Japan you can find many different surnames that differ from each other not only in spelling, but also in meaning.
How Japanese names are created
The Japanese name is unique. It is expressed in the fact that it is not the name itself that is written, but its meaning. In more detail, the Japanese name consists of several hieroglyphs, each of which has its own meaning. For a complete combination of all components, connecting elements are included, which also mean something. In sum, they form a specific word, although difficult to pronounce, but having a single meaning.
Meaning
Inside any Japanese name certain information is encrypted, which comes in several types:
- regalia and insignia;
- natural phenomena;
- moral principles and respect for human rights;
- numbers and other numerical indicators.
From the first category, we can recall the common ending of many names - 部 - be (a person who is engaged in a certain craft) and 助 - suke (involved in the administration of the armed forces): Yumibe (shooter), Daisuke (excellent assistant) and so on.
The meanings of Japanese names of the second type are names of flowers, names of rocks and caves, animal names, and so on: Hanako (child of a flower, because 花 - hana - flower).
The third group is the qualities of human character: courage, responsiveness, kindness, and so on (for example, Makoto is honest or Takeshi is strong like bamboo). The fourth is numbers and figures. So, Ichiro is a Japanese name, translated from Japanese as “first son”, because 郎 - ichi - one.
Japanese names have another interesting feature. One word with a specific meaning can easily change into another from the slightest fluctuation in the intonation of the voice. This also applies to proper names. Although they contain one hieroglyph, it is not always easy to read. For example, 東 - east - with the slightest mistake, it can become both Higashi and Azuma, that is, two completely different names.
Several variations of one name
One Japanese name can be depicted in several ways. The most popular is the use of many types of writing. Today, hiragana, katakana and two variants of writing hieroglyphs (new or outdated) are used for these purposes.
Sometimes, if the parents wish, the child is called one of the few Japanese names, the meaning of which is so rare that it is necessary to use hieroglyphs that have long since fallen into disuse. For these purposes, there is a specific list of 人名用漢字 - Jimmeiye kanji. It contains 862 hieroglyphs designed specifically for composing names. This list regularly interacted with another that performed opposite functions - 常用漢字表- Jie e kanjihe (hieroglyphs for daily writing). Written signs regularly drifted from one to another, and carriers of not the most positive meaning gradually disappeared from history.
Popular name variations
Today, they are in demand among the Japanese unusual names. Often, in order to write them down, you need to remember the entire system of outdated hieroglyphs. But this is not used by everyone, but only by lovers of similar names. The main reason for this selectivity is that they are more difficult to write than modern signs. An example would be the hieroglyph 国 - kuni, meaning country. Previously, it was written in a completely different form - 國.
Some parents name their child such a complex name that it takes them, and subsequently the child, a long time to remember the spelling of such an original word. But they are ready to endure such difficulties and are not going to give up the outdated letter. There are reasons for this.
One of them is that people are disappointed with the new alphabet. After the introduction of all the reforms, the remaining hieroglyphs were absolutely not enough to record the minimum amount of necessary vocabulary. In addition, no one foresaw how to replace names with a certain information load.
No less important is the influence of traditions, which also contributed to the return of outdated signs. In addition, when written, they look much better than modern hieroglyphs, which also attracts young parents in the process of choosing a name. And we must not forget how ancient clans, along with the Fujiwara, are thriving in Japan. They would not write their last name differently due to outdated hieroglyphs.
Many Japanese people love their history. They respect some characters so much that they are willing to name their children after them. An additional advantage influencing their choice is the beautiful writing of old signs.
Part of the obsolete hieroglyphs from which they were composed human names, practically unchanged - they couldn’t find a suitable copy. As an example, we can cite the hieroglyph meaning morality - 徳 - toku (present in Tokugawa, Yasunori), the sign 藤 - wisteria (Fujiwara, Saito) and so on. Such hieroglyphs can be found in the personal data of famous characters: 林保徳 - Hayashi Yasunori, 齎藤 - Saito Hajime, and so on.
Among modern Japanese names, the use of old characters and the old kanji spelling, which has acquired current copies, is popular. For example, the sign 鉄 - tetsu, meaning iron. Previously, it was written in a completely different form - 鐵. Under the influence of fashion trends, it acquired additional characteristics: 鐵弥 - tetsuya and 鐵雄 - tetsuo.
General information about male Japanese names
Japanese names can consist of one or more components. Words with one component have a verb ending in -u (Mamoru) or an adjective ending in -shi (Hiroshi).
One curious feature that occurs among names in Japanese is that there is one character in the entire word. If there are two of these signs, it means that the man deserves to have particularly outstanding features emphasized in his name: son, husband, warrior, etc. Both signs can have different endings.
No less common are cases when an extraneous hieroglyph is included in the name, whose function is reduced to easier reading of the name. Such actions automatically convert a two-character name into a three-character one (for example, younger son Akira). The second name for such names is two-link. More rare are cases of three-link names with successful attempt keep one main sign in the composition. Four-character names written using the alphabet, without the participation of hieroglyphs, are considered exceptional.
Examples of boy names and their meaning
A frequently encountered feature of male names is a reflection of how a particular boy was born in the family. To depict this, the suffixes -kazu, -iti (one), -zo (three), -ji (two) are used: first, second or third son. Other values are presented in the table.
| Name | Meaning |
| Akira | Bright |
| Goro | Fifth son |
| Daichi | Wise |
| Isao | Dignity, honor |
| Yori | Servant of the Society |
| Kohaku | Amber |
| Minori | True |
| Nao | Dear |
| Nobuo | Loyal |
| Ryu | Dragon spirit |
| Sora | Sky |
| Takeshi | Warrior |
| Tarot | Eldest son |
| Hachiro | Eighth son |
| Tsutomu | Worker |
| Yutaka | Rich |
| Yasushi | Quiet |
General information about female names
Many name forms common to Japanese women do not have a specific meaning. To depict the necessary qualities, they use the signs -ma (truth), -yu (tenderness), -mi (beauty) and so on. When choosing a similar name, parents are guided by the desire to reward their daughter with the same qualities in adult life.
Animal and plant names have been popular for some time as Japanese female names. Hieroglyphs denoting a tiger or deer were credited with healing powers. But over time, this fashion has passed, and the names remaining after it are considered obsolete.
Sometimes lovers of such exotic things remember this fashion when choosing a name for their child. Greater preference is given to those hieroglyphs that were used to call plants and flowers: take (bamboo), kiku (chrysanthemum), momo (peach), ine (rice) and so on. Sometimes they are paired with numerals (nana - seven, mi - three), but such cases are rare. These are the consequences old tradition give names with the serial number of birth of a particular child among other children of the same family.
On the territory of this country you can see unusual names that reflect weather conditions and seasons: yuki (snow), natsu (summer), kumo (cloud) and so on.
No less impressive are names that consist not of the usual hieroglyphs, but with the participation of syllabic alphabet. They differ from other types of writing in that they are written according to one pattern that does not change under the influence of other factors. Those who want to write their name in hieroglyphs take the general meaning of the word and write it using the desired characters.
Examples of girls' names and their meaning
Beautiful Japanese names for girls have one notable feature - the use of endings -ko or -mi. The first ending is fraught with an appeal to a child, the second - admiration for female beauty. Japanese female names and their meanings are presented in the table.
Creation of nicknames in Japan
Any Japanese nickname is created from a common name. To do this, you need to perform only one action: add a special suffix -chan or -kun to the base of the word.
There are several types of foundations. The most popular looks like full name: Yasunari, Kimiko (Yasunari-chan, Kimiko-chan). Along with it, a shortened version of the name is used: Ya, Kii (Ya-chan, Kii-chan). Most often it can be heard among friends or family.
Sometimes, to create a diminutive nickname, the name is completely transformed. For example, Megumi's name is changed to Kei-chan. Therefore, the first of the characters that make up the name Megumi is read as Kei.
A new opportunity to create nicknames has joined the newfangled trends. To do this, take the first two syllables of the surname with the given name and connect them together. This method is more common in celebrity nicknames. For example, Kimura Takuya - Kimutaku, Brad Pitt - Burapi and so on. A rarer variation of this option is doubling syllables (Mamiko Noto - Mami Mami).
For the Japanese, a sign of good etiquette is to address an acquaintance by his last name when meeting by chance. If an acquaintance is part of a close social circle, then a diminutive nickname is allowed.
Names and surnames of local emperors
The emperors of Japan lived their lives not only without surnames, but sometimes without even hearing their own name, since it was carefully classified. Even when drawing up official documents, one title was used for a high-ranking official. After the death of the emperor, he is given another name, which is later remembered along with this person. Such a specific name consists of two halves: an enthusiastic assessment of his behavior and the title tenno (overlord). For example, after his birth the emperor was given the name Mutsuhito. The moment he dies, he will be called Meiji-tenno (highly developed lord).
In Japanese etiquette, a sign of good form is the habit of addressing the emperor not by name, but by title. For example, we can recall Akihito, who was called Tsugu-no-miya (Infante Tsugu). This title was sometimes retained by a person if for some reason he did not receive a posthumous name.
Sometimes one of the members of the ruler's dynasty lost his powers and received a position ordinary person. If this happened, the ruler personally chose his surname. One of the most popular surnames of its time was Minamoto. In the event that the ruler's family accepted a new person, he could forget about his last name. For example, we can recall the crowned princess Michiko. Before she married Emperor Akihito, her name was Michiko Seda.
How to translate Russian names into Japanese
The names themselves are not translated into Japanese. But if you wish, you can get the necessary interpretation if you remove the meaning encrypted in the Russian name and work on it.
For example, you can take Russian name Valentin. Its meaning is "health". In Japanese, the word health is translated as "tsuyoshi". Therefore, the interpretation of the name Valentine is Tsuyoshi (healthy). The name Larisa means seagull in Latin. In Japanese, "seagull" is translated as "kamome". That is, Larisa is Kamome for the Japanese. The translation of all Russian names is based on a similar principle.
Examples of the formation of a Japanese interpretation of a Russian name
As we have already found out, it is not the name itself that is translated into Japanese, but its meaning. This transcript may come from Latin, Greek, Hebrew and other languages.
The endings of female names: -i, -na, -mi, -ka, -ko, -ra, -ri, -ki, -e, and also -e. Translation examples are given in the table.
Endings of male names: -o, -dai, -go, -sa, -hiko, -ta, -ro, -n, -ru, -bu, -si, -ki, -hey, -ke, -to, - zu, -mu, -ya, -iti, -ti. For examples of male Russian names in Japanese, see the table.
As you can see, this is a literal translation of the words from which Russian name forms are derived into Japanese.
Many of us are familiar with Japanese names from anime plots, literary and artistic characters, and famous Japanese actors and singers. But what do these sometimes beautiful and sweet, and sometimes completely dissonant Japanese names and surnames mean to our ears? What is the most popular Japanese name? How can you translate Russian names into Japanese? What is the meaning of the characters in a Japanese name? What Japanese names are rare? I will try to talk about this and much more based on personal experience living in the Land of the Rising Sun. Since this topic is very extensive, I will divide it into three parts: the first will talk about Japanese names and surnames in general, and the last will talk about beautiful female names and their meanings.
A Japanese name consists of a surname and a given name. Sometimes a nickname is inserted between them, for example Nakamura Nue Satoshi (here Nue is a nickname), but, naturally, it is not in the passport. Moreover, during roll call and in the list of authors of documents, the order will be exactly this: first the last name, then the first name. For example, Yosuke's Honda, not Yosuke's Honda.
In Russia, as a rule, it’s the other way around. Compare for yourself, which is more familiar: Anastasia Sidorova or Anastasia Sidorova? Russian names and surnames in general differ from Japanese ones in that we have many people with the same names. Depending on the generation, at one time or another among our classmates or classmates there were three Natashas, four Alexanders, or all Irinas. The Japanese, on the contrary, have the same surnames.
According to the site version myoji-yurai Japanese “Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov” are:
- Satō (佐藤 – helper + wisteria, 1 million 877 thousand people),
- Suzuki (鈴木 - bell + tree, 1 million 806 thousand people) and
- Takahashi (高橋 – high bridge, 1 million 421 thousand people).
The same names (not only in sound, but also with the same hieroglyphs) are very rare.
How do Japanese parents come up with names for their children? The most reliable answer can be obtained by looking at one of the typical Japanese name aggregator sites (yes, such exist!) bi-name.
- First, the parents' surname is specified (women do not always change their surname when married, but children have their father's surname), for example, Nakamura 中村, then their names (for example, Masao and Michiyo - 雅夫 and 美千代) and the gender of the child (boy). The surname is specified in order to select names that go with it. This is no different from Russia. The parents' names are needed in order to use one of the hieroglyphs from the father's name (in the case of a boy) or from the mother's hieroglyphs (in the case of a girl) in the child's name. This is how continuity is maintained.
- Next, select the number of hieroglyphs in the name. Most often there are two: 奈菜 - Nana, less often one: 忍 - Shinobu or three: 亜由美 - Ayumi, and in exceptional cases four: 秋左衛門 - Akisaemon.
- The next parameter is the type of characters that the desired name should consist of: these will be only hieroglyphs: 和香 - Waka, or hiragana for those who want to quickly write the name: さくら - Sakura, or katakana used to write foreign words: サヨリ - Sayori. Also, the name can use a mixture of hieroglyphs and katakana, hieroglyphs and hiragana.
When selecting hieroglyphs, it is taken into account how many features it consists of: a distinction is made between favorable and unfavorable quantities. There is a formed group of hieroglyphs that are suitable for composing names.
So, the first result of my hypothetical query is Nakamura Aiki 中村合希 (the meaning of the hieroglyphs is “dream-realizer”). This is just one among hundreds of options.
Hieroglyphs can also be selected by sound. This is where the main difficulty arises in comparing Russian and Japanese names. What if names have similar sounds but different meanings? This issue is resolved in different ways. For example, my sons’ names are Ryuga and Taiga, but Russian grandparents call them Yurik and Tolyan, and it’s more convenient for me to call them Ryugasha and Taigusha.
The Chinese, who use hieroglyphs exclusively, simply write down Russian names according to their sounds, selecting hieroglyphs with more or less good meanings. In my opinion, the most consistent translation of Russian names into Japanese should be based on their meanings. The most popular example of the implementation of this principle is the name Alexander, that is, protector, which in Japanese sounds like Mamoru, means the same thing and is written with the same hieroglyph 守.
Now regarding the use of names in everyday life. In Japan, just like in America, surnames are used in formal communication: Mr. Tanaka 田中さん, Mrs. Yamada 山田さん. Female friends call each other by name + suffix -san: Keiko-san, Masako-san.
In families, when family members address each other, their family status is used, not their name. For example, a husband and wife do not call each other by name, they call each other "supurug" and "wife": danna-san 旦那さん and oku-san 奥さん.
It's the same with grandparents, brothers and sisters. The emotional coloring and this or that status of a household member is emphasized by the well-known suffixes -kun, -chan, -sama. For example, “granny” is baa-chan ばあちゃん, a wife as beautiful as a princess is “oku-sama” 奥様. That rare case when a man can call his girlfriend or wife by name is in a fit of passion, when he can no longer control himself. It is permissible for women to address themselves as “anta” - あなた or “dear”.
Only children are called by name, and not only their own. Suffixes are also used, the eldest daughter, for example, is Mana-san, the youngest son is Sa-chan. At the same time, the real name “Saiki” is shortened to “Sa”. It's cute from a Japanese point of view. Boys from infancy to adulthood are called na-kun, for example: Naoto-kun.
In Japan, as well as in Russia, there are strange and even vulgar names. Often such names are given by short-sighted parents who want to somehow distinguish their child from total mass. Such names are called in Japanese “kira-kira-nemu” キラキラネーム (from Japanese “kira-kira” - a sound conveying shine and from English name), that is, “brilliant name”. They enjoy some popularity, but like all controversial things, there are good and bad examples of using such names.
A scandalous incident that was widely discussed in the Japanese press was when a son was given a name that literally means “demon” - Japanese. Akuma 悪魔. This name, as well as the use of similar hieroglyphs in the name, was banned after this incident. Another example is Pikachu (this is not a joke!!!) Japanese. ピカチュウ named after the anime character.
Speaking about successful “kira-kira-nemu”, one cannot fail to mention female name Rose, which is written with the hieroglyph “rose” - 薔薇 in Japanese. "bara", but pronounced in a European manner. I also have one of my Japanese nieces (because I have 7 of them!!!) with a brilliant name. Her name is pronounced June. If you write it in Latin, then June, that is, “June”. She was born in June. And the name is written 樹音 - literally “sound of wood”.
To summarize the story about such different and unusual Japanese names, I will give tables of popular Japanese names for girls and boys for 2017. These tables are compiled every year based on statistics. Often, it is these tables that become the last argument for Japanese parents choosing a name for their child. Perhaps the Japanese really like to be like everyone else. These tables display the ranking of names by hieroglyphs. There is also a similar rating based on the sound of the name. It is less popular because choosing characters is always a very difficult task for a Japanese parent.
| Place in ranking 2017 | Hieroglyphs | Pronunciation | Meaning | Frequency of occurrence in 2017 |
| 1 | 蓮 | Ren | Lotus | 261 |
| 2 | 悠真 | Yuma / Yūma | Calm and truthful | 204 |
| 3 | 湊 | Minato | Safe Harbor | 198 |
| 4 | 大翔 | Hiroto | Big spread wings | 193 |
| 5 | 優人 | Yuto / Yūto | Gentle man | 182 |
| 6 | 陽翔 | Haruto | Sunny and free | 177 |
| 7 | 陽太 | Yōta | Sunny and courageous | 168 |
| 8 | 樹 | Itski | Stately like a tree | 156 |
| 9 | 奏太 | Sōta | Harmonious and courageous | 153 |
| 10 | 悠斗 | Yuto / Yūto | Calm and eternal like the starry sky | 135 |
| 11 | 大和 | Yamato | Great and reconciling, ancient name Japan | 133 |
| 12 | 朝陽 | Asahi | Morning sun | 131 |
| 13 | 蒼 | Sō | Green meadow | 128 |
| 14 | 悠 | Yu / Yū | Calm | 124 |
| 15 | 悠翔 | Yuto / Yūto | Calm and free | 121 |
| 16 | 結翔 | Yuto/Yūto | Unifying and free | 121 |
| 17 | 颯真 | Sōma | Fresh wind, truthful | 119 |
| 18 | 陽向 | Hinata | Sunny and purposeful | 114 |
| 19 | 新 | Arata | Updated | 112 |
| 20 | 陽斗 | Haruto | Eternal like the sun and stars | 112 |
| Place in the ranking 2017 | Hieroglyphs | Pronunciation | Meaning | Frequency of occurrence in 2017 |
| 1 | 結衣 | Yui / Yūi | Warming with her hugs | 240 |
| 2 | 陽葵 | Himari | Flower facing the sun | 234 |
| 3 | 凜 | Rin | Tempered, bright | 229 |
| 4 | 咲良 | Sakura | Charming smile | 217 |
| 5 | 結菜 | Yuna | Captivating like a spring flower | 215 |
| 6 | 葵 | Aoi | Delicate and elegant, the trefoil from the coat of arms of the Tokugawa family | 214 |
| 7 | 陽菜 | Hina | Sunny, spring | 192 |
| 8 | 莉子 | Rico | Soothing, like the scent of jasmine | 181 |
| 9 | 芽依 | Mai | Independent, with great life potential | 180 |
| 10 | 結愛 | Yua / Yūa | Uniting people, awakening love | 180 |
| 11 | 凛 | Rin | Majestic | 170 |
| 12 | さくら | Sakura | Sakura | 170 |
| 13 | 結月 | Yuzuki | Possessing charm | 151 |
| 14 | あかり | Akari | Light | 145 |
| 15 | 楓 | Kaede | Bright as an autumn maple | 140 |
| 16 | 紬 | Tsumugi | Sturdy and durable as a sheet | 139 |
| 17 | 美月 | Mitski | Beautiful as the moon | 133 |
| 18 | 杏 | An | Apricot, fertile | 130 |
| 19 | 澪 | Mio | A waterway that brings tranquility | 119 |
| 20 | 心春 | Miharu | Warms people's hearts | 116 |
What Japanese names did you like?
Reading time: 6 min.
A unique* opportunity to find out how your name is written and read in Japanese! Just enter the name in the box below and the result will magically appear below. To start, I wrote my name in this field and you can see how it is written and read.
For the converter to work, you need a browser with JavaScript.
For the paranoid: the converter does not transmit anything anywhere and works entirely within the framework of this page. You can even save this page and disconnect from the Internet and it will work ;-)
100% correct operation of the converter not guaranteed. Please report bugs in the comments.
The Japanese language characters used for writing are alphabetic characters katakana. Each katakana character is a separate syllable, which is why this alphabet is called syllabic. Since the number of individual syllables in the Japanese language is quite limited (let’s face it, there are many times fewer of them than in Russian or English), foreign words, entering the Japanese language, often undergo strong changes to suit Japanese phonetics.
Since the Japanese are most active in this moment borrow words from in English, this process has been well studied and is described on Wikipedia in the Transcription Rules section. In general, it can be boiled down to the fact that the original pronunciation is divided into syllables, and single consonants are given the addition of vowels to complete the syllable, the syllables being simplified to match those found in the Japanese language.
This is exactly how the converter above works. It is far from perfect, but in general it gives an idea of how transcription into katakana occurs. In addition, by default the converter does not try to "clever", that is, use rare combinations of katakana, and instead tries to simplify syllables.
Remember that if you want to get the most correct and adequate transcription, nothing can replace a native speaker! This is especially important if you intend to use the transcribed name in official documents. Try to make your name easy to pronounce for the Japanese and comfortable for you.
As for other words, even a transcription made according to all the rules may be erroneous, since in the Japanese language there may already be another, generally accepted transcription for a given word.
More information about katakana: paragraph " Katakana" V " Complete Guide in Japanese", article "Katakana" on Wikipedia.
If you are interested in the source code of the converter, it is available on Github.
Alternative converters
For Russian words:
- Yakusu.RU - supports accents to lengthen vowels
- Kanjiname – plus phonetic selection of hieroglyphs (fun, but useless)
Name translation
The method of phonetic transcription was discussed above, but there is another one: direct translation of the name into Japanese. This is achieved by selecting a Japanese name whose meaning corresponds to the original. For example, for the name Alexey (“protector”), this analogue would be 護 (Mamoru). Accordingly, a good dictionary or native speaker can help you in translating the name. Alas, lists with similar comparisons that circulate on the Internet are very inaccurate.
Beware of fakes! :)
There is a joke method floating around the Internet (and a script that implements it), the essence of which is to replace each letter with a specific syllable. For example, “a” can be replaced by “ka”, and the letter “n” by “to”, as a result for the name “Anna” we get “Katotoka”, which, of course, has nothing to do with real Japanese. Although due to the syllabicity it sounds very Japanese, I must admit. Be careful!
* The only opportunity without leaving this page. ;-)
