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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!
Mocchan(もっちゃん)
Motokun( もとくん)
Ririkun( りりくん)![]()
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 "Motonori," ranked by the total number of "Good!" votes.
基 means "foundation, base, basis."
Foundation - The base on which something stands.
Basis - The Fundamental Principle; the starting point.
Counting Word - A word used to count items such as lanterns or graves.
Foundation - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Base - The base represents foundation, support, and starting points. May your child build on a solid base of values and skills.
Basis - Sharpness represents clarity, precision, and cutting through confusion. May your child have a sharp mind that cuts through to truth.
Counting Word - Words (言) hold power in Japanese culture—kotodama, the spiritual power of language. May your child speak words of power and blessing, understanding kotodama's sacred force.
Group of Atoms - Groups represent community, belonging, and the strength found in numbers. May your child find their group, belonging to communities of purpose and support.
Origin - Origin represents source, beginning, and the roots from which all grows. May your child honor their origins while growing beyond them.
典 means "classic, ceremony, law."
Ceremony - A formal event.
Book, Text - A written work, especially one of value or importance.
Deposit, Store - To put something into a place for safekeeping.
Govern, Administer - To have control or authority over something.
Standard, Benchmark - A point of reference that remains unchanged.
Teaching, Instruction - A lesson or set of instructions given to someone.
Classic - Being classic represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be classic, letting this quality guide their path.
Ceremony - Ceremony - A formal event - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of ceremony throughout life.
Law - Law represents order, justice, and the rules that enable society. May your child respect just laws and work to improve unjust ones.
Book, Text - Books contain the accumulated wisdom of humanity, treasures waiting to be discovered. May your child love books, discovering treasures of wisdom within their pages.
Deposit, Store - Places hold meaning, memory, and the context for our lives. May your child find their place in the world and make it better.
Govern, Administer - Governance represents ordered rule, wise administration, and care for those led. May your child govern themselves first, then lead others with wisdom and care.
Standard, Benchmark - Standing represents resolve, presence, and the courage to hold one's ground. May your child stand firm in their convictions, unmoved by pressure.
Teaching, Instruction - Children carry forward the hopes and dreams of their families. May your child fulfill the hopes placed in them and add their own.
元 means "origin, beginning, head."
Origin - Origin represents source, beginning, and the roots from which all grows. May your child honor their origins while growing beyond them.
Beginning - Beginning represents the courage to start, the first step of every journey. May your child have the courage to begin, taking first steps toward great destinations.
Head - Head represents leadership, thought, and the directing principle of action. May your child lead with wisdom, their head guiding good decisions.
Chief - Chief - Leader - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of chief throughout life.
Currency Unit - Historical periods remind us to learn from the past while building the future. May your child appreciate history and contribute to their own era.
Era Name - Names carry identity, destiny, and in Japan, the power to shape one's future. May your child honor their name, living up to its promise and meaning.
Long, Elder - Length represents endurance, patience, and the journey that extends through time. May your child have long patience and endurance for life's extended journeys.
People - People together form communities, sharing joys and supporting each other. May your child connect well with people, building strong communities.
Dynasty Name - The Xia Dynasty represents ancient origins, the foundation upon which later civilizations were built. May your child appreciate their origins, building upon the foundations of those who came before.
典 means "classic, ceremony, law."
Ceremony - A formal event.
Book, Text - A written work, especially one of value or importance.
Deposit, Store - To put something into a place for safekeeping.
Govern, Administer - To have control or authority over something.
Standard, Benchmark - A point of reference that remains unchanged.
Teaching, Instruction - A lesson or set of instructions given to someone.
Classic - Being classic represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be classic, letting this quality guide their path.
Ceremony - Ceremony - A formal event - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of ceremony throughout life.
Law - Law represents order, justice, and the rules that enable society. May your child respect just laws and work to improve unjust ones.
Book, Text - Books contain the accumulated wisdom of humanity, treasures waiting to be discovered. May your child love books, discovering treasures of wisdom within their pages.
Deposit, Store - Places hold meaning, memory, and the context for our lives. May your child find their place in the world and make it better.
Govern, Administer - Governance represents ordered rule, wise administration, and care for those led. May your child govern themselves first, then lead others with wisdom and care.
Standard, Benchmark - Standing represents resolve, presence, and the courage to hold one's ground. May your child stand firm in their convictions, unmoved by pressure.
Teaching, Instruction - Children carry forward the hopes and dreams of their families. May your child fulfill the hopes placed in them and add their own.
元 means "origin, beginning, head."
Origin - Origin represents source, beginning, and the roots from which all grows. May your child honor their origins while growing beyond them.
Beginning - Beginning represents the courage to start, the first step of every journey. May your child have the courage to begin, taking first steps toward great destinations.
Head - Head represents leadership, thought, and the directing principle of action. May your child lead with wisdom, their head guiding good decisions.
Chief - Chief - Leader - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of chief throughout life.
Currency Unit - Historical periods remind us to learn from the past while building the future. May your child appreciate history and contribute to their own era.
Era Name - Names carry identity, destiny, and in Japan, the power to shape one's future. May your child honor their name, living up to its promise and meaning.
Long, Elder - Length represents endurance, patience, and the journey that extends through time. May your child have long patience and endurance for life's extended journeys.
People - People together form communities, sharing joys and supporting each other. May your child connect well with people, building strong communities.
Dynasty Name - The Xia Dynasty represents ancient origins, the foundation upon which later civilizations were built. May your child appreciate their origins, building upon the foundations of those who came before.
則 means "rule, law, then."
Rule - A Regulation; a principle.
Regulation - A set of rules or laws that govern a particular activity or area.
To Follow - To adhere to a set of rules or regulations.
Rule - Ruling represents responsible authority, justice, and ordered governance. May your child rule themselves first, then lead others with justice.
Law - Law represents order, justice, and the rules that enable society. May your child respect just laws and work to improve unjust ones.
Then - Then - Therefore; consequently - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of then throughout life.
Follow - Following represents learning, respect, and wise discipleship. May your child follow worthy examples and lead others well.
Regulation - Places hold meaning, memory, and the context for our lives. May your child find their place in the world and make it better.
To Follow - Following represents learning, humility, and the wisdom to learn from others. May your child follow wise mentors, learning with humility.
元 means "origin, beginning, head."
Origin - Origin represents source, beginning, and the roots from which all grows. May your child honor their origins while growing beyond them.
Beginning - Beginning represents the courage to start, the first step of every journey. May your child have the courage to begin, taking first steps toward great destinations.
Head - Head represents leadership, thought, and the directing principle of action. May your child lead with wisdom, their head guiding good decisions.
Chief - Chief - Leader - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of chief throughout life.
Currency Unit - Historical periods remind us to learn from the past while building the future. May your child appreciate history and contribute to their own era.
Era Name - Names carry identity, destiny, and in Japan, the power to shape one's future. May your child honor their name, living up to its promise and meaning.
Long, Elder - Length represents endurance, patience, and the journey that extends through time. May your child have long patience and endurance for life's extended journeys.
People - People together form communities, sharing joys and supporting each other. May your child connect well with people, building strong communities.
Dynasty Name - The Xia Dynasty represents ancient origins, the foundation upon which later civilizations were built. May your child appreciate their origins, building upon the foundations of those who came before.
憲 means "constitution, law, model."
Constitution - Fundamental Law; basic rules.
Law - A Regulation; a statute.
Follow as an Example - To use something as a model or guide to follow.
Official - A person who holds a position of authority or responsibility in a government or organization.
Rule, Regulation - A set of laws, regulations, or principles that govern a particular activity or behavior.
Take Over - To seize control of something, usually by force.
Constitution - Constitution represents a significant process or state. May your child understand and embody the meaning of constitution.
Law - Law represents order, justice, and the rules that enable society. May your child respect just laws and work to improve unjust ones.
Model - Models represent standards, examples, and patterns worthy of imitation. May your child be a model for others, worthy of imitation in character.
Follow as an Example - Following represents learning, humility, and the wisdom to learn from others. May your child follow wise mentors, learning with humility.
Official - Officials carry public trust and responsibility for good governance. May your child serve with integrity in whatever official capacity they hold.
Rule, Regulation - Ruling represents responsible authority, justice, and ordered governance. May your child rule themselves first, then lead others with justice.
Take Over - Taking represents receiving with gratitude and claiming what is rightfully one's own. May your child receive graciously and claim their rightful place with confidence.
元 means "origin, beginning, head."
Origin - Origin represents source, beginning, and the roots from which all grows. May your child honor their origins while growing beyond them.
Beginning - Beginning represents the courage to start, the first step of every journey. May your child have the courage to begin, taking first steps toward great destinations.
Head - Head represents leadership, thought, and the directing principle of action. May your child lead with wisdom, their head guiding good decisions.
Chief - Chief - Leader - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of chief throughout life.
Currency Unit - Historical periods remind us to learn from the past while building the future. May your child appreciate history and contribute to their own era.
Era Name - Names carry identity, destiny, and in Japan, the power to shape one's future. May your child honor their name, living up to its promise and meaning.
Long, Elder - Length represents endurance, patience, and the journey that extends through time. May your child have long patience and endurance for life's extended journeys.
People - People together form communities, sharing joys and supporting each other. May your child connect well with people, building strong communities.
Dynasty Name - The Xia Dynasty represents ancient origins, the foundation upon which later civilizations were built. May your child appreciate their origins, building upon the foundations of those who came before.
教 means "to teach, teaching, religious teaching."
To Cause - In the pattern "to cause A to do B."
Doctrine - A set of beliefs or principles taught by a religion.
Guide - To lead or direct someone in the right direction.
Impose - To force someone to accept or comply with something.
Instruct - To give someone instructions or advice.
Precept - A rule or principle that is intended to regulate behaviour.
To Teach - Teaching is the noble act of passing wisdom to others, multiplying one's positive impact. May your child teach others generously, multiplying their wisdom through those they guide.
To Cause - The act of cause represents purposeful action and the will to make a difference. May your child cause with wisdom and purpose, making a positive difference in the world.
Teaching - Children carry forward the hopes and dreams of their families. May your child fulfill the hopes placed in them and add their own.
Religious Teaching - Religious Teaching represents active engagement and purposeful effort. May your child engage in religious teaching with purpose and skill.
Doctrine - Doctrine - A set of beliefs or principles taught by a religio - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of doctrine throughout life.
Guide - Guiding represents leadership, wisdom, and helping others find their way. May your child guide others with wisdom and compassion.
Impose - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Instruct - Instruct - To give someone instructions or advice - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of instruct throughout life.
Precept - Precept - A rule or principle that is intended to regulate b - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of precept throughout life.
元 means "origin, beginning, head."
Origin - Origin represents source, beginning, and the roots from which all grows. May your child honor their origins while growing beyond them.
Beginning - Beginning represents the courage to start, the first step of every journey. May your child have the courage to begin, taking first steps toward great destinations.
Head - Head represents leadership, thought, and the directing principle of action. May your child lead with wisdom, their head guiding good decisions.
Chief - Chief - Leader - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of chief throughout life.
Currency Unit - Historical periods remind us to learn from the past while building the future. May your child appreciate history and contribute to their own era.
Era Name - Names carry identity, destiny, and in Japan, the power to shape one's future. May your child honor their name, living up to its promise and meaning.
Long, Elder - Length represents endurance, patience, and the journey that extends through time. May your child have long patience and endurance for life's extended journeys.
People - People together form communities, sharing joys and supporting each other. May your child connect well with people, building strong communities.
Dynasty Name - The Xia Dynasty represents ancient origins, the foundation upon which later civilizations were built. May your child appreciate their origins, building upon the foundations of those who came before.
法 means "law, method, buddhist teaching."
Method - A way of doing things.
Division, Fraction - This could refer to dividing something into fractions or parts.
Model, Example, Pattern - This could refer to using something as a model or example to follow.
Law - Law represents order, justice, and the rules that enable society. May your child respect just laws and work to improve unjust ones.
Method - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Buddhist Teaching - Buddhist Teaching represents active engagement and purposeful effort. May your child engage in buddhist teaching with purpose and skill.
Division, Fraction - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Model, Example, Pattern - Models represent standards, examples, and patterns worthy of imitation. May your child be a model for others, worthy of imitation in character.
元 means "origin, beginning, head."
Origin - Origin represents source, beginning, and the roots from which all grows. May your child honor their origins while growing beyond them.
Beginning - Beginning represents the courage to start, the first step of every journey. May your child have the courage to begin, taking first steps toward great destinations.
Head - Head represents leadership, thought, and the directing principle of action. May your child lead with wisdom, their head guiding good decisions.
Chief - Chief - Leader - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of chief throughout life.
Currency Unit - Historical periods remind us to learn from the past while building the future. May your child appreciate history and contribute to their own era.
Era Name - Names carry identity, destiny, and in Japan, the power to shape one's future. May your child honor their name, living up to its promise and meaning.
Long, Elder - Length represents endurance, patience, and the journey that extends through time. May your child have long patience and endurance for life's extended journeys.
People - People together form communities, sharing joys and supporting each other. May your child connect well with people, building strong communities.
Dynasty Name - The Xia Dynasty represents ancient origins, the foundation upon which later civilizations were built. May your child appreciate their origins, building upon the foundations of those who came before.
範 means "mold, rule."
Rule - Regulation; law; model; example. same as 笵.
Law - A system of rules and regulations established by a government.
Mold - Molding represents forming, influencing, and patient shaping. May your child be molded by good influences and mold others well.
Rule - Ruling represents responsible authority, justice, and ordered governance. May your child rule themselves first, then lead others with justice.
Law - Law represents order, justice, and the rules that enable society. May your child respect just laws and work to improve unjust ones.
元 means "origin, beginning, head."
Origin - Origin represents source, beginning, and the roots from which all grows. May your child honor their origins while growing beyond them.
Beginning - Beginning represents the courage to start, the first step of every journey. May your child have the courage to begin, taking first steps toward great destinations.
Head - Head represents leadership, thought, and the directing principle of action. May your child lead with wisdom, their head guiding good decisions.
Chief - Chief - Leader - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of chief throughout life.
Currency Unit - Historical periods remind us to learn from the past while building the future. May your child appreciate history and contribute to their own era.
Era Name - Names carry identity, destiny, and in Japan, the power to shape one's future. May your child honor their name, living up to its promise and meaning.
Long, Elder - Length represents endurance, patience, and the journey that extends through time. May your child have long patience and endurance for life's extended journeys.
People - People together form communities, sharing joys and supporting each other. May your child connect well with people, building strong communities.
Dynasty Name - The Xia Dynasty represents ancient origins, the foundation upon which later civilizations were built. May your child appreciate their origins, building upon the foundations of those who came before.
紀 means "chronicle, era, order."
Chronicle - Chronicle - A record of events - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of chronicle throughout life.
Era - Eras mark significant periods of change and development in history. May your child live meaningfully in their era, contributing to its legacy.
Order - Order represents harmony, organization, and the structure that enables progress. May your child bring order and harmony to the situations they encounter.
Record, Document - Records preserve memory, document truth, and maintain accountability. May your child leave good records of their life, documenting worthy achievements.
Rule, Law - Ruling represents responsible authority, justice, and ordered governance. May your child rule themselves first, then lead others with justice.
Year, Age - Years mark growth, accumulate wisdom, and measure the journey of life. May your child's years be many and fruitful, each one adding wisdom.
元 means "origin, beginning, head."
Origin - Origin represents source, beginning, and the roots from which all grows. May your child honor their origins while growing beyond them.
Beginning - Beginning represents the courage to start, the first step of every journey. May your child have the courage to begin, taking first steps toward great destinations.
Head - Head represents leadership, thought, and the directing principle of action. May your child lead with wisdom, their head guiding good decisions.
Chief - Chief - Leader - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of chief throughout life.
Currency Unit - Historical periods remind us to learn from the past while building the future. May your child appreciate history and contribute to their own era.
Era Name - Names carry identity, destiny, and in Japan, the power to shape one's future. May your child honor their name, living up to its promise and meaning.
Long, Elder - Length represents endurance, patience, and the journey that extends through time. May your child have long patience and endurance for life's extended journeys.
People - People together form communities, sharing joys and supporting each other. May your child connect well with people, building strong communities.
Dynasty Name - The Xia Dynasty represents ancient origins, the foundation upon which later civilizations were built. May your child appreciate their origins, building upon the foundations of those who came before.
規 means "rule, compass, standard."
Rule - A Regulation or Principle; a standard.
Compass - A tool for drawing circles.
Standard - A Criterion for Measurement; a norm.
Admonish - To caution or advise against something.
Devise - To plan or invent something.
Model - A pattern or example that is used as a guide.
Precept - A rule or principle that guides behavior.
Rectify - To make something right or correct.
Uphold - To maintain or support something.
Rule - Ruling represents responsible authority, justice, and ordered governance. May your child rule themselves first, then lead others with justice.
Compass - The compass represents direction, guidance, and finding the true way. May your child always find their true direction.
Standard - Standing represents resolve, presence, and the courage to hold one's ground. May your child stand firm in their convictions, unmoved by pressure.
Admonish - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Correct - Correctness represents accuracy, righteousness, and alignment with truth. May your child always seek what is correct, living in alignment with truth.
Devise - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Model - Models represent standards, examples, and patterns worthy of imitation. May your child be a model for others, worthy of imitation in character.
Plan - Planning represents foresight, preparation, and thoughtful action. May your child plan wisely and prepare well for the future.
Precept - Precept - A rule or principle that guides behavior - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of precept throughout life.
Rectify - Straightness represents honesty, directness, and integrity. May your child walk straight paths of integrity.
Uphold - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
元 means "origin, beginning, head."
Origin - Origin represents source, beginning, and the roots from which all grows. May your child honor their origins while growing beyond them.
Beginning - Beginning represents the courage to start, the first step of every journey. May your child have the courage to begin, taking first steps toward great destinations.
Head - Head represents leadership, thought, and the directing principle of action. May your child lead with wisdom, their head guiding good decisions.
Chief - Chief - Leader - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of chief throughout life.
Currency Unit - Historical periods remind us to learn from the past while building the future. May your child appreciate history and contribute to their own era.
Era Name - Names carry identity, destiny, and in Japan, the power to shape one's future. May your child honor their name, living up to its promise and meaning.
Long, Elder - Length represents endurance, patience, and the journey that extends through time. May your child have long patience and endurance for life's extended journeys.
People - People together form communities, sharing joys and supporting each other. May your child connect well with people, building strong communities.
Dynasty Name - The Xia Dynasty represents ancient origins, the foundation upon which later civilizations were built. May your child appreciate their origins, building upon the foundations of those who came before.
記 means "to record, to remember, account."
To Remember - To keep in mind.
Account - Something written about events.
Kojiki - An abbreviation for "Records of Ancient Matters."
To Record - Records preserve memory, document truth, and maintain accountability. May your child leave good records of their life, documenting worthy achievements.
A Written Record - Records preserve memory, document truth, and maintain accountability. May your child leave good records of their life, documenting worthy achievements.
To Remember - Remembering represents honoring the past, learning from history, and gratitude. May your child remember well, honoring the past while creating the future.
Account - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Kojiki - Age brings wisdom, experience, and connection to the past. May your child respect what is old and learn from history.
Mark - Mark - A Symbol; a sign - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of mark throughout life.
元 means "origin, beginning, head."
Origin - Origin represents source, beginning, and the roots from which all grows. May your child honor their origins while growing beyond them.
Beginning - Beginning represents the courage to start, the first step of every journey. May your child have the courage to begin, taking first steps toward great destinations.
Head - Head represents leadership, thought, and the directing principle of action. May your child lead with wisdom, their head guiding good decisions.
Chief - Chief - Leader - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of chief throughout life.
Currency Unit - Historical periods remind us to learn from the past while building the future. May your child appreciate history and contribute to their own era.
Era Name - Names carry identity, destiny, and in Japan, the power to shape one's future. May your child honor their name, living up to its promise and meaning.
Long, Elder - Length represents endurance, patience, and the journey that extends through time. May your child have long patience and endurance for life's extended journeys.
People - People together form communities, sharing joys and supporting each other. May your child connect well with people, building strong communities.
Dynasty Name - The Xia Dynasty represents ancient origins, the foundation upon which later civilizations were built. May your child appreciate their origins, building upon the foundations of those who came before.
載 means "to ride, to place, to record."
To Accomplish - To Carry Out; to implement.
Again - Once more.
To Accomplish - Accomplishment represents achievement, completion, and the satisfaction of finishing. May your child accomplish great things, completing what they set out to do.
Again - Again - Once more - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of again throughout life.
Beginning - Beginning represents the courage to start, the first step of every journey. May your child have the courage to begin, taking first steps toward great destinations.
Here - Names carry identity and meaning, shaping one's path through life. May your child's name bring them good fortune and guide their character.
Job, Business - Job/Business represents an important quality of character. May your child develop job/business as part of their character.
Place, Install - Place represents belonging, position, and having a proper location in the world. May your child find their place in the world, where they belong and can flourish.
Record, Write - Records preserve memory, document truth, and maintain accountability. May your child leave good records of their life, documenting worthy achievements.
Ride, Carry - Ride/Carry - To ride or carry on a boat or vehicle - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of ride/carry throughout life.
Words of Oath - Words (言) hold power in Japanese culture—kotodama, the spiritual power of language. May your child speak words of power and blessing, understanding kotodama's sacred force.
Work - Working represents effort, contribution, and meaningful labor. May your child work with purpose and find satisfaction in effort.
Year - Years mark growth, accumulate wisdom, and measure the journey of life. May your child's years be many and fruitful, each one adding wisdom.
The list contains people mentioned in Wikipedia. All JP links are in Japanese only. Sorry!
Names that have the same gender and start with M.
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Sorts names by how closely they match your search meaning. Names containing more kanji that match your search terms appear higher in the results.
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Sorts names by how many different kanji spellings they have. In general, names with more variants tend to be more familiar and widespread in Japan (with some exceptions).
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Sorts names by page views on this site. Views reflect global traffic (including Japan), so this does not represent popularity among Japanese people only. A high view count does not necessarily mean the name is famous in Japan.
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.
About our last-name data
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