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26,551 first names, 70,620 last names, 333,585 kanji variations.
one of the best Japanese name search tools for your baby!
Kenchan(けんちゃん)
Ma-kun(まーくん)
Kenpyon(けんぴょん)![]()
In Japanese culture, kanji are characters that originated from Chinese script, and the meaning of a name changes depending on the kanji characters chosen. The more variations of kanji a name has, the more common it is in Japan. Conversely, a name with very few kanji variations is considered unique and rare. Below are the kanji variations for "Kenma," ranked by the total number of "Good!" votes.
研 means "sharpen, polish, research."
Sharpen - To grind to make sharp.
Polish - To refine through effort.
Research - To investigate thoroughly.
Inkstone - A flat stone used for grinding and mixing ink.
Perfect - To make something as good as it can possibly be.
Strive - To make a great effort to achieve something.
Study - To investigate or examine something in detail.
Sharpen - Sharpness represents keen perception, intelligence, and cutting through confusion. May your child have a sharp mind, cutting through confusion to find truth.
Polish - Polishing represents the patient work of refining oneself, revealing hidden beauty. May your child polish their character like a precious gem, revealing inner brilliance.
Research - Gates and doors represent opportunity, transition, and access. May your child find doors opening before them and welcome others in.
Inkstone - Sound represents communication, expression, and making oneself heard. May your child's voice be heard and may they listen well.
Perfect - Goodness and virtue form the foundation of a meaningful life. May your child embody goodness and cultivate virtue throughout life.
Strive - Being strive represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be strive, letting this quality guide their path.
Study - Studying represents dedication to knowledge, careful examination, and growth. May your child study diligently and apply knowledge wisely.
磨 means "polish, grind, refine."
Polish - To make smooth and shiny through rubbing.
Refine - To improve through practice.
Cultivate - To develop skills through effort.
Diligence - To be hardworking and persistent in one's efforts.
Pull - To apply force to something in order to move it in a particular direction.
Rub - To move one's hand or an object over a surface with pressure.
Polish - Polishing represents the patient work of refining oneself, revealing hidden beauty. May your child polish their character like a precious gem, revealing inner brilliance.
Grind - Sharpness represents clarity, precision, and cutting through confusion. May your child have a sharp mind that cuts through to truth.
Refine - Refining represents the process of purification and improvement through dedicated effort. May your child refine their character constantly, becoming purer and more skilled with time.
Cultivate - Cultivation is the patient development of growth, whether in gardens or character. May your child cultivate virtue patiently, nurturing growth in themselves and others.
Diligence - Diligence represents dedicated effort and the Japanese value of continuous improvement (kaizen). May your child embrace diligence, improving steadily through dedicated, joyful effort.
Pull - Pulling represents attraction, drawing toward, and magnetic influence. May your child pull others toward goodness and truth.
Rub - Rubbing represents refinement, polishing, and patient improvement. May your child refine their skills through patient practice.
健 means "healthy, strong, skilled."
Healthy - In good physical condition.
Long-lasting - Having the ability to last for a long time.
Powerful - Having great strength and power.
Healthy - Goodness and virtue form the foundation of a meaningful life. May your child embody goodness and cultivate virtue throughout life.
Strong - Strength includes physical power, mental fortitude, and moral courage. May your child be strong in body, mind, and spirit, facing all with courage.
Skilled - Skilled - Capable; talented - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of skilled throughout life.
Long-lasting - Length represents endurance, patience, and the journey that extends through time. May your child have long patience and endurance for life's extended journeys.
Powerful - Being powerful represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be powerful, letting this quality guide their path.
真 means "true, truth, pure."
Pure - Unadulterated; natural.
Accurate - Correct and precise.
Complete - Having all the necessary parts.
Unaltered - In its original form.
True - Truth is the foundation of integrity, the alignment of words with reality. May your child always speak and live in truth, their word their bond.
Truth - Truth is the foundation of integrity, the alignment of reality with one's words and beliefs. May your child always seek and speak truth, building their life on this solid foundation.
Pure - Purity represents cleanliness of heart, clarity of intent, and freedom from corruption. May your child remain pure in heart and intention, uncorrupted by the world.
Accurate - Straightness represents honesty, directness, and integrity. May your child walk straight paths of integrity.
Complete - Completing represents fulfillment, wholeness, and thorough accomplishment. May your child complete their tasks and fulfill their purpose.
Unaltered - Unaltered - In its original form - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of unaltered throughout life.
健 means "healthy, strong, skilled."
Healthy - In good physical condition.
Long-lasting - Having the ability to last for a long time.
Powerful - Having great strength and power.
Healthy - Goodness and virtue form the foundation of a meaningful life. May your child embody goodness and cultivate virtue throughout life.
Strong - Strength includes physical power, mental fortitude, and moral courage. May your child be strong in body, mind, and spirit, facing all with courage.
Skilled - Skilled - Capable; talented - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of skilled throughout life.
Long-lasting - Length represents endurance, patience, and the journey that extends through time. May your child have long patience and endurance for life's extended journeys.
Powerful - Being powerful represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be powerful, letting this quality guide their path.
磨 means "polish, grind, refine."
Polish - To make smooth and shiny through rubbing.
Refine - To improve through practice.
Cultivate - To develop skills through effort.
Diligence - To be hardworking and persistent in one's efforts.
Pull - To apply force to something in order to move it in a particular direction.
Rub - To move one's hand or an object over a surface with pressure.
Polish - Polishing represents the patient work of refining oneself, revealing hidden beauty. May your child polish their character like a precious gem, revealing inner brilliance.
Grind - Sharpness represents clarity, precision, and cutting through confusion. May your child have a sharp mind that cuts through to truth.
Refine - Refining represents the process of purification and improvement through dedicated effort. May your child refine their character constantly, becoming purer and more skilled with time.
Cultivate - Cultivation is the patient development of growth, whether in gardens or character. May your child cultivate virtue patiently, nurturing growth in themselves and others.
Diligence - Diligence represents dedicated effort and the Japanese value of continuous improvement (kaizen). May your child embrace diligence, improving steadily through dedicated, joyful effort.
Pull - Pulling represents attraction, drawing toward, and magnetic influence. May your child pull others toward goodness and truth.
Rub - Rubbing represents refinement, polishing, and patient improvement. May your child refine their skills through patient practice.
研 means "sharpen, polish, research."
Sharpen - To grind to make sharp.
Polish - To refine through effort.
Research - To investigate thoroughly.
Inkstone - A flat stone used for grinding and mixing ink.
Perfect - To make something as good as it can possibly be.
Strive - To make a great effort to achieve something.
Study - To investigate or examine something in detail.
Sharpen - Sharpness represents keen perception, intelligence, and cutting through confusion. May your child have a sharp mind, cutting through confusion to find truth.
Polish - Polishing represents the patient work of refining oneself, revealing hidden beauty. May your child polish their character like a precious gem, revealing inner brilliance.
Research - Gates and doors represent opportunity, transition, and access. May your child find doors opening before them and welcome others in.
Inkstone - Sound represents communication, expression, and making oneself heard. May your child's voice be heard and may they listen well.
Perfect - Goodness and virtue form the foundation of a meaningful life. May your child embody goodness and cultivate virtue throughout life.
Strive - Being strive represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be strive, letting this quality guide their path.
Study - Studying represents dedication to knowledge, careful examination, and growth. May your child study diligently and apply knowledge wisely.
馬 means "horse, large, shogi piece."
Horse - A mammal of the equine family; a domesticated animal.
Large - A metaphor for something big.
Shogi Piece - The "dragon horse" or "knight" in Japanese chess.
Metaphor - A large animal used as a metaphor.
Horse - The horse (午) symbolizes freedom, vitality, and the spirit of adventure. May your child run free like the horse, full of energy and adventurous spirit.
Large - Largeness represents generosity, capacity, and the ability to encompass much. May your child have a large heart and mind, generous and encompassing.
Shogi Piece - Darkness teaches the value of light and the peace of rest. May your child find peace in quiet moments and value the light.
Metaphor - Metaphor represents a role of purpose and contribution to society. May your child embody the metaphor's dedication and skill in their life's work.
謙 means "humble, modest, defer."
Defer - To yield respectfully.
Contentment - Feeling satisfied and fulfilled.
Humility - Showing respect and modesty by not drawing attention to oneself.
Moderation - Refraining from excess or extremes.
Respect - Showing deference and admiration for someone or something.
Humble - Humility is the foundation of learning and the source of true greatness. May your child be humble, knowing that humility opens the door to wisdom.
Defer - Defer represents a role of purpose and contribution to society. May your child embody the defer's dedication and skill in their life's work.
Contentment - Contentment represents an important condition or result. May your child experience positive contentment throughout life.
Humility - Humility is prized in Japanese culture as the foundation for learning and growth. May your child embrace humility, remaining open to learning throughout their life.
Moderation - Moderation represents a significant process or state. May your child understand and embody the meaning of moderation.
Respect - Respect (敬) is fundamental to Japanese social harmony, honoring the dignity of all beings. May your child show and earn respect, honoring others while being worthy of honor themselves.
真 means "true, truth, pure."
Pure - Unadulterated; natural.
Accurate - Correct and precise.
Complete - Having all the necessary parts.
Unaltered - In its original form.
True - Truth is the foundation of integrity, the alignment of words with reality. May your child always speak and live in truth, their word their bond.
Truth - Truth is the foundation of integrity, the alignment of reality with one's words and beliefs. May your child always seek and speak truth, building their life on this solid foundation.
Pure - Purity represents cleanliness of heart, clarity of intent, and freedom from corruption. May your child remain pure in heart and intention, uncorrupted by the world.
Accurate - Straightness represents honesty, directness, and integrity. May your child walk straight paths of integrity.
Complete - Completing represents fulfillment, wholeness, and thorough accomplishment. May your child complete their tasks and fulfill their purpose.
Unaltered - Unaltered - In its original form - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of unaltered throughout life.
賢 means "wise, sage, superior."
Admirable - Deserving respect and admiration.
Hardworking - Making a great effort to achieve something.
Honorific - Added to show respect for the other person.
Prudent - Having good judgement and foresight.
Respectful - Showing respect and reverence for someone.
Talented - Having exceptional skill or ability.
Wise - Wisdom represents deep understanding, good judgment, and the integration of knowledge. May your child grow wise, integrating knowledge with understanding and compassion.
Sage - Sages possess deep wisdom earned through reflection and experience. May your child develop sage wisdom through reflection and experience.
Superior - Superior represents a role of purpose and contribution to society. May your child embody the superior's dedication and skill in their life's work.
Admirable - Being admirable represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be admirable, letting this quality guide their path.
Hardworking - Hardness represents resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment. May your child be hard in resolve, resilient and unwavering in their commitments.
Honorific - Honorifics reflect respect, social harmony, and proper recognition of others. May your child both earn and give respect appropriately throughout life.
Prudent - Prudence is wise caution, carefully considering consequences before acting. May your child act with prudence, thinking carefully before making important decisions.
Respectful - Respect (敬) is fundamental to Japanese social harmony, honoring the dignity of all beings. May your child show and earn respect, honoring others while being worthy of honor themselves.
Talented - Talented - Having exceptional skill or ability - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of talented throughout life.
To Labor - The act of labor represents purposeful action and the will to make a difference. May your child labor with wisdom and purpose, making a positive difference in the world.
To Respect - Respect (敬) is fundamental to Japanese social harmony, honoring the dignity of all beings. May your child show and earn respect, honoring others while being worthy of honor themselves.
真 means "true, truth, pure."
Pure - Unadulterated; natural.
Accurate - Correct and precise.
Complete - Having all the necessary parts.
Unaltered - In its original form.
True - Truth is the foundation of integrity, the alignment of words with reality. May your child always speak and live in truth, their word their bond.
Truth - Truth is the foundation of integrity, the alignment of reality with one's words and beliefs. May your child always seek and speak truth, building their life on this solid foundation.
Pure - Purity represents cleanliness of heart, clarity of intent, and freedom from corruption. May your child remain pure in heart and intention, uncorrupted by the world.
Accurate - Straightness represents honesty, directness, and integrity. May your child walk straight paths of integrity.
Complete - Completing represents fulfillment, wholeness, and thorough accomplishment. May your child complete their tasks and fulfill their purpose.
Unaltered - Unaltered - In its original form - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of unaltered throughout life.
賢 means "wise, sage, superior."
Admirable - Deserving respect and admiration.
Hardworking - Making a great effort to achieve something.
Honorific - Added to show respect for the other person.
Prudent - Having good judgement and foresight.
Respectful - Showing respect and reverence for someone.
Talented - Having exceptional skill or ability.
Wise - Wisdom represents deep understanding, good judgment, and the integration of knowledge. May your child grow wise, integrating knowledge with understanding and compassion.
Sage - Sages possess deep wisdom earned through reflection and experience. May your child develop sage wisdom through reflection and experience.
Superior - Superior represents a role of purpose and contribution to society. May your child embody the superior's dedication and skill in their life's work.
Admirable - Being admirable represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be admirable, letting this quality guide their path.
Hardworking - Hardness represents resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment. May your child be hard in resolve, resilient and unwavering in their commitments.
Honorific - Honorifics reflect respect, social harmony, and proper recognition of others. May your child both earn and give respect appropriately throughout life.
Prudent - Prudence is wise caution, carefully considering consequences before acting. May your child act with prudence, thinking carefully before making important decisions.
Respectful - Respect (敬) is fundamental to Japanese social harmony, honoring the dignity of all beings. May your child show and earn respect, honoring others while being worthy of honor themselves.
Talented - Talented - Having exceptional skill or ability - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of talented throughout life.
To Labor - The act of labor represents purposeful action and the will to make a difference. May your child labor with wisdom and purpose, making a positive difference in the world.
To Respect - Respect (敬) is fundamental to Japanese social harmony, honoring the dignity of all beings. May your child show and earn respect, honoring others while being worthy of honor themselves.
磨 means "polish, grind, refine."
Polish - To make smooth and shiny through rubbing.
Refine - To improve through practice.
Cultivate - To develop skills through effort.
Diligence - To be hardworking and persistent in one's efforts.
Pull - To apply force to something in order to move it in a particular direction.
Rub - To move one's hand or an object over a surface with pressure.
Polish - Polishing represents the patient work of refining oneself, revealing hidden beauty. May your child polish their character like a precious gem, revealing inner brilliance.
Grind - Sharpness represents clarity, precision, and cutting through confusion. May your child have a sharp mind that cuts through to truth.
Refine - Refining represents the process of purification and improvement through dedicated effort. May your child refine their character constantly, becoming purer and more skilled with time.
Cultivate - Cultivation is the patient development of growth, whether in gardens or character. May your child cultivate virtue patiently, nurturing growth in themselves and others.
Diligence - Diligence represents dedicated effort and the Japanese value of continuous improvement (kaizen). May your child embrace diligence, improving steadily through dedicated, joyful effort.
Pull - Pulling represents attraction, drawing toward, and magnetic influence. May your child pull others toward goodness and truth.
Rub - Rubbing represents refinement, polishing, and patient improvement. May your child refine their skills through patient practice.
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What is Hiragana?
Hiragana is one of the two Japanese syllabaries. Each character represents a sound (mora), not a meaning. It is used for native words, grammatical particles, verb/adjective endings (okurigana), and to show pronunciation above kanji (furigana). It developed from cursive forms of kanji.
What is Katakana?
Katakana is one of the two Japanese syllabaries. Each character represents a sound (mora), not a meaning. It is mainly used to write foreign words and names, loanwords, onomatopoeia, and for emphasis.
What are English Syllables?
A syllable is a unit of pronunciation in English — it’s the beat you hear when you say a word.
Here are a few quick examples:
cat = 1 syllable
ba-by = 2 syllables
beau-ti-ful = 3 syllables
On this site, English Syllables show how a name naturally breaks into sounds when spoken in English. This helps you understand how English speakers naturally say the name and where they pause between sounds.
What are Japanese Morae?
A mora (plural: morae, Japanese: 拍 Haku) is the basic unit of sound in Japanese — think of it as one rhythmic “beat” when speaking.
Here are a few quick examples:
あ (a) = 1 mora
あい (a-i) = 2 morae
きょう (kyo-u) = 2 morae
On this site, Japanese Morae show how many “beats” a name has in Japanese. Most Japanese names have about 2–4 morae, which affects how natural and rhythmic the name sounds to native speakers.
This helps you see how the name fits into the natural rhythm of Japanese speech.
What is English Transcription?
“English transcription” (romanization) is the romanized form of a Japanese name, intended to reproduce its pronunciation as closely as possible. It is also useful for searching names on this site.
Japanese-Style Nicknames
In Japan, nicknames are used to express familiarity and affection. Typical features include:
Shortened forms: Names are often shortened for closeness, e.g., “Yuki” from “Yukiko” or “Taka” from “Takashi”.
Suffixes: Terms like “-chan” (often for girls, also for young children) and “-kun” (often for boys) are used among family and close friends. Among very close adults, “-chan” may still be used. More details
Use & context: Nicknames are informal—common among friends, family, or close colleagues—and are not suitable for formal or professional settings. Their use implies a certain degree of intimacy.
Long vowels: The long vowel mark “chōonpu” (ー) extends the preceding vowel. For example, “あーちゃん” (A-chan) lengthens the “あ” sound.
Households
Sorts surnames by the estimated number of Japanese households that use them. More households generally indicates a more common or well-known surname.
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