In Japanese culture, kanji are characters that originated from Chinese script, and the meaning of a name changes depending on the kanji characters chosen. A name with only one kanji variation is considered unique and rare in Japan. Below is the kanji representation of "Nankai."
South - South symbolizes warmth, growth, and the direction of life's flourishing. May your child move toward warmth and growth throughout their life.
To GoSouth - Going represents departure, journey, and the courage to move toward the unknown. May your child go bravely into the world, journeying with courage.
SanskritTransliteration - Sound represents communication, expression, and making oneself heard. May your child's voice be heard and may they listen well.
GatheringPlace - Where many people or things come together.
Lake or Pond - A large body of fresh water, usually surrounded by land.
Wide and Large - Describing something that is very broad and expansive.
Name ideas examples
Sea - The sea symbolizes vastness, depth of character, and the acceptance of all things. May your child possess the ocean's depth and vastness, embracing life with boundless capacity.
Ocean - The ocean represents infinite possibilities, mystery, and the connection of all lands. May your child have the ocean's expansive heart, connecting with all people across all boundaries.
GatheringPlace - 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.
Lake or Pond - Ponds represent tranquility, reflection, and the cultivation of inner peace. May your child find stillness like a pond, reflecting wisdom from peaceful contemplation.
Wide and Large - Width represents breadth of understanding, inclusiveness, and comprehensive vision. May your child have wide understanding, inclusive and comprehensive in their view.
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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. About our last-name data
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Nankai
:なんかい 
Nankai
