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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!
Neokun(ねおくん)
Oneochan(おねおちゃん)
Neotan(ねおたん)![]()
This name is considered unisex, but it's more commonly used for girls.
See the girls' version here.
This name is also used as a surname:
Neo
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 "Neo," ranked by the total number of "Good!" votes.
子 means "child, boy, honorific."
Boy - A Male Child; when "子" refers to boys and "女" to girls.
Honorific - A respectful title for adult males.
Master - A respectful title for teachers, scholars, or people of status.
Philosopher - A Thinker; one well-versed in learning; also their writings and teachings.
Rat - The first of the twelve zodiac signs; north direction; midnight; the animal is the rat.
Thinker - A person knowledgeable in scholarship and philosophy, as well as their writings and thoughts.
Time - The twelfth hour of the night, and the two hours before and after it.
Viscount - The fourth of five noble ranks (duke, marquis, earl, viscount, baron).
Child - Children represent hope, innocence, and the continuation of family and dreams. May your child remain young at heart, carrying hope and wonder throughout their life.
Boy - Boys represent potential, energy, and the promise of future accomplishment. May your child carry boundless energy and fulfill their great potential.
Honorific - Honorifics reflect respect, social harmony, and proper recognition of others. May your child both earn and give respect appropriately throughout life.
Female Name - Names carry identity and destiny, shaping one's path through life. May your child's name bring them good fortune and guide their character.
Feminine Suffix - This element in names traditionally conveyed wishes for grace and gentleness. May your child embody grace and gentleness in all their interactions.
Master - Mastery comes through dedicated practice and the humility to remain always a student. May your child pursue mastery in their chosen path, dedicated to lifelong improvement.
Philosopher - Philosophers seek truth and wisdom, guiding others toward deeper understanding. May your child seek wisdom and truth, enlightening both themselves and others.
Rat - The rat (子) is the first zodiac sign, symbolizing resourcefulness, intelligence, and new beginnings in Japanese culture. May your child possess the rat's cleverness and resourcefulness, always finding opportunities in any situation.
Seed - Seeds contain infinite potential, representing beginnings and future growth. May your child, like a seed, grow into something magnificent from humble beginnings.
Small Thing - Small things are often the most precious; simplicity and humility have their own greatness. May your child appreciate the small things, finding great meaning in simple moments.
Thinker - Thinkers shape the world through ideas, reason, and contemplation. May your child think deeply and contribute valuable ideas to the world.
Time - Time is precious and irreplaceable, the medium through which life unfolds. May your child use time wisely, treasuring each moment as the gift it is.
Viscount - Noble titles represent responsibility, honor, and service to others. May your child carry themselves with nobility, serving others with honor.
央 means "center, middle, harmonious."
Harmonious - Voices blending in harmony.
Harmony - The harmonious sound or balance of something.
Vividness - The vividness or clarity of something.
Center - The center represents balance, stability, and being at the heart of things. May your child find their center, balanced and stable at the heart of their world.
Middle - Middle represents moderation, balance, and the golden mean between extremes. May your child find the golden middle path, avoiding extremes with wisdom.
Harmonious - Being harmonious represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be harmonious, letting this quality guide their path.
End, Cease - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Harmony - Harmony (和) is the central Japanese value of peaceful coexistence and balanced relationships. May your child bring harmony wherever they go, creating peace and balance in all relationships.
Vividness - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
寧 means "peaceful, rather, tranquil."
Rather - Preferably; would rather.
Comforting, Reassuring - Expressing that something is comforting and reassuring.
Homecoming - Expressing the idea of a woman returning home to her family and bringing them peace of mind.
Kind, Considerate - Expressing that someone is kind and considerate.
Why, What For - Expressing a question of why something is the way it is.
Peaceful - Peace represents harmony, tranquility, and the absence of conflict. May your child be a peacemaker, creating harmony wherever they go.
Rather - Rather represents a role or one who acts with purpose. May your child be a worthy rather when called to that role.
Tranquil - Peace represents harmony, serenity, and inner stillness. May your child know inner peace and bring peace to others.
Comforting, Reassuring - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Homecoming - Home (家) represents family, security, and the foundation from which we venture forth. May your child always have a home—a place of family, security, and love.
Kind, Considerate - Kind/Considerate - Expressing that someone is kind and considerate - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of kind/considerate throughout life.
Sincere - Sincerity represents authenticity, honesty, and the alignment of heart with action. May your child be sincere in all things, their heart and actions in harmony.
Why, What For - Why/What For represents a role of purpose and contribution to society. May your child embody the why/what for's dedication and skill in their life's work.
央 means "center, middle, harmonious."
Harmonious - Voices blending in harmony.
Harmony - The harmonious sound or balance of something.
Vividness - The vividness or clarity of something.
Center - The center represents balance, stability, and being at the heart of things. May your child find their center, balanced and stable at the heart of their world.
Middle - Middle represents moderation, balance, and the golden mean between extremes. May your child find the golden middle path, avoiding extremes with wisdom.
Harmonious - Being harmonious represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be harmonious, letting this quality guide their path.
End, Cease - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Harmony - Harmony (和) is the central Japanese value of peaceful coexistence and balanced relationships. May your child bring harmony wherever they go, creating peace and balance in all relationships.
Vividness - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
寧 means "peaceful, rather, tranquil."
Rather - Preferably; would rather.
Comforting, Reassuring - Expressing that something is comforting and reassuring.
Homecoming - Expressing the idea of a woman returning home to her family and bringing them peace of mind.
Kind, Considerate - Expressing that someone is kind and considerate.
Why, What For - Expressing a question of why something is the way it is.
Peaceful - Peace represents harmony, tranquility, and the absence of conflict. May your child be a peacemaker, creating harmony wherever they go.
Rather - Rather represents a role or one who acts with purpose. May your child be a worthy rather when called to that role.
Tranquil - Peace represents harmony, serenity, and inner stillness. May your child know inner peace and bring peace to others.
Comforting, Reassuring - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Homecoming - Home (家) represents family, security, and the foundation from which we venture forth. May your child always have a home—a place of family, security, and love.
Kind, Considerate - Kind/Considerate - Expressing that someone is kind and considerate - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of kind/considerate throughout life.
Sincere - Sincerity represents authenticity, honesty, and the alignment of heart with action. May your child be sincere in all things, their heart and actions in harmony.
Why, What For - Why/What For represents a role of purpose and contribution to society. May your child embody the why/what for's dedication and skill in their life's work.
生 means "to live, alive, life."
To Give Birth - To be Born; to produce; to create; to occur.
Raw - Unprocessed; unripe; inexperienced.
Scholar - A title for learned people; teacher.
To Give Birth - Birth represents new beginnings, potential, and the miracle of new life. May your child bring new beginnings wherever they go, birthing fresh possibilities.
To Grow - Growing represents continuous improvement, development, and reaching potential. May your child never stop growing, always reaching toward greater potential.
To Reside - The act of reside represents purposeful action and the will to make a difference. May your child reside with wisdom and purpose, making a positive difference in the world.
Alive - Being alive represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be alive, letting this quality guide their path.
Life - Life is the precious gift, the journey of experiences that shapes who we become. May your child live fully, treasuring every moment of this precious gift.
Humble Self - 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.
Innate - Innate - From Birth; natural disposition - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of innate throughout life.
Opera Role - Historical periods remind us to learn from the past while building the future. May your child appreciate history and contribute to their own era.
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.
Raw - Raw - Unprocessed; unripe; inexperienced - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of raw throughout life.
Scholar - Scholars dedicate themselves to learning and the preservation of knowledge. May your child embrace learning with passion and share knowledge generously.
Student - Student - One who learns; a pupil - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of student throughout life.
寧 means "peaceful, rather, tranquil."
Rather - Preferably; would rather.
Comforting, Reassuring - Expressing that something is comforting and reassuring.
Homecoming - Expressing the idea of a woman returning home to her family and bringing them peace of mind.
Kind, Considerate - Expressing that someone is kind and considerate.
Why, What For - Expressing a question of why something is the way it is.
Peaceful - Peace represents harmony, tranquility, and the absence of conflict. May your child be a peacemaker, creating harmony wherever they go.
Rather - Rather represents a role or one who acts with purpose. May your child be a worthy rather when called to that role.
Tranquil - Peace represents harmony, serenity, and inner stillness. May your child know inner peace and bring peace to others.
Comforting, Reassuring - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Homecoming - Home (家) represents family, security, and the foundation from which we venture forth. May your child always have a home—a place of family, security, and love.
Kind, Considerate - Kind/Considerate - Expressing that someone is kind and considerate - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of kind/considerate throughout life.
Sincere - Sincerity represents authenticity, honesty, and the alignment of heart with action. May your child be sincere in all things, their heart and actions in harmony.
Why, What For - Why/What For represents a role of purpose and contribution to society. May your child embody the why/what for's dedication and skill in their life's work.
緒 means "beginning, thread, clue."
Beginning - The start of something.
Thread - The end of a string.
Clue - A hint that leads to understanding.
Continuity - A connection or series of events.
Cord - A long, continuous thing.
Heart - A feeling or emotion.
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.
Thread - Threads represent connection, continuity, and the fabric of relationships. May your child weave strong threads of connection throughout life.
Clue - Clue - A hint that leads to understanding - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of clue throughout life.
Continuity - Bridges connect what is separated and enable crossing over. May your child build bridges of understanding and connection.
Cord - Length represents endurance, reach, and sustained effort. May your child have the endurance to see things through to completion.
Heart - Heart (心) in Japanese represents both the physical heart and the mind/spirit. May your child's heart be pure and their mind clear, unified in purpose.
嶺 means "peak, ridge."
Peak - The summit of a mountain.
Ridge - A continuous mountain range.
Mountain Range - A series of mountains or hills connected together.
Peak - Peaks represent achievement, high points, and reaching summits. May your child reach the peaks of their aspirations.
Ridge - Ridges represent pathways, high roads, and maintaining perspective. May your child walk the high ridges of integrity.
Mountain Range - The mountain range represents connected strength, vast vision, and extended reach. May your child see far and reach wide.
生 means "to live, alive, life."
To Give Birth - To be Born; to produce; to create; to occur.
Raw - Unprocessed; unripe; inexperienced.
Scholar - A title for learned people; teacher.
To Give Birth - Birth represents new beginnings, potential, and the miracle of new life. May your child bring new beginnings wherever they go, birthing fresh possibilities.
To Grow - Growing represents continuous improvement, development, and reaching potential. May your child never stop growing, always reaching toward greater potential.
To Reside - The act of reside represents purposeful action and the will to make a difference. May your child reside with wisdom and purpose, making a positive difference in the world.
Alive - Being alive represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be alive, letting this quality guide their path.
Life - Life is the precious gift, the journey of experiences that shapes who we become. May your child live fully, treasuring every moment of this precious gift.
Humble Self - 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.
Innate - Innate - From Birth; natural disposition - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of innate throughout life.
Opera Role - Historical periods remind us to learn from the past while building the future. May your child appreciate history and contribute to their own era.
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.
Raw - Raw - Unprocessed; unripe; inexperienced - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of raw throughout life.
Scholar - Scholars dedicate themselves to learning and the preservation of knowledge. May your child embrace learning with passion and share knowledge generously.
Student - Student - One who learns; a pupil - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of student throughout life.
希 means "hope, rare, few."
Faint, Dim - Something that is barely visible or barely audible.
Greece - An abbreviation for the country name "Greece".
Hope - Hope represents optimism, faith in the future, and the light that guides through darkness. May your child live in hope, carrying light through every darkness.
Rare - Rare - Uncommon; scarce - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of rare throughout life.
Few - Few represents selectivity, quality over quantity, and treasured intimacy. May your child choose quality over quantity, treasuring deep connections.
Faint, Dim - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Greece - Noble titles carry both honor and responsibility to serve others. May your child carry themselves with dignity and serve others honorably.
音 means "sound, melody, tidings."
Sound - Vibrations of air and other substances perceived by the ear.
Tidings - News, messages, or correspondence from someone.
On-yomi - The Chinese-derived pronunciation of kanji characters; the Sino-Japanese reading.
Verse - A song or piece of music.
Sound - Sound carries meaning across distances, representing communication, harmony, and the essence of music. May your child's voice carry far, communicating truth and creating harmony wherever they go.
Tidings - Tidings carry news and connection, linking people across distance and time. May your child bring good tidings wherever they go, connecting hearts and spreading joy.
On-yomi - On-yomi (音読み) is the Chinese-derived reading, connecting to historical knowledge. May your child appreciate the connections between cultures and languages.
Verse - Children carry forward the hopes and dreams of their families. May your child fulfill the hopes placed in them and add their own.
練 means "refine, train, skilled."
Refine - To Improve Through Practice; to perfect by repetition.
Train - To develop skills through exercise; to practice diligently.
Skilled - Having Mastered Through Repetition; experienced and proficient.
Familiarize - To become accustomed to something through repeated exposure or experience.
Master - To become proficient in something through practice or experience.
Practice - To practice or refine a skill or technique.
Repetition - To repeat something in order to become familiar with it.
Sort - To separate good from bad.
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.
Train - Train - To develop skills through exercise; to practice di - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of train throughout life.
Skilled - Colors represent the variety and vibrancy of life's experiences. May your child's life be filled with beautiful colors and experiences.
Familiarize - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Kneaded Thread - Kneaded Thread - A type of thread used for weaving - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of kneaded thread throughout life.
Master - Mastery comes through dedicated practice and the humility to remain always a student. May your child pursue mastery in their chosen path, dedicated to lifelong improvement.
Practice - Practicing represents dedication, improvement through repetition, and mastery. May your child practice until excellence becomes natural.
Repetition - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Sort - Goodness and virtue form the foundation of a meaningful life. May your child embody goodness and cultivate virtue throughout life.
央 means "center, middle, harmonious."
Harmonious - Voices blending in harmony.
Harmony - The harmonious sound or balance of something.
Vividness - The vividness or clarity of something.
Center - The center represents balance, stability, and being at the heart of things. May your child find their center, balanced and stable at the heart of their world.
Middle - Middle represents moderation, balance, and the golden mean between extremes. May your child find the golden middle path, avoiding extremes with wisdom.
Harmonious - Being harmonious represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be harmonious, letting this quality guide their path.
End, Cease - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Harmony - Harmony (和) is the central Japanese value of peaceful coexistence and balanced relationships. May your child bring harmony wherever they go, creating peace and balance in all relationships.
Vividness - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
音 means "sound, melody, tidings."
Sound - Vibrations of air and other substances perceived by the ear.
Tidings - News, messages, or correspondence from someone.
On-yomi - The Chinese-derived pronunciation of kanji characters; the Sino-Japanese reading.
Verse - A song or piece of music.
Sound - Sound carries meaning across distances, representing communication, harmony, and the essence of music. May your child's voice carry far, communicating truth and creating harmony wherever they go.
Tidings - Tidings carry news and connection, linking people across distance and time. May your child bring good tidings wherever they go, connecting hearts and spreading joy.
On-yomi - On-yomi (音読み) is the Chinese-derived reading, connecting to historical knowledge. May your child appreciate the connections between cultures and languages.
Verse - Children carry forward the hopes and dreams of their families. May your child fulfill the hopes placed in them and add their own.
於 means "at, alas."
At - Indicating time or place.
Alas - An exclamation of feeling.
Oh - Used to express emotion, such as awe or admiration.
At - Places hold meaning, memory, and the context for our lives. May your child find their place in the world and make it better.
Alas - Expressions of sorrow acknowledge difficulty while moving forward. May your child face sorrows with resilience and hope.
Oh - Oh - Used to express emotion, such as awe or admiration - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of oh throughout life.
音 means "sound, melody, tidings."
Sound - Vibrations of air and other substances perceived by the ear.
Tidings - News, messages, or correspondence from someone.
On-yomi - The Chinese-derived pronunciation of kanji characters; the Sino-Japanese reading.
Verse - A song or piece of music.
Sound - Sound carries meaning across distances, representing communication, harmony, and the essence of music. May your child's voice carry far, communicating truth and creating harmony wherever they go.
Tidings - Tidings carry news and connection, linking people across distance and time. May your child bring good tidings wherever they go, connecting hearts and spreading joy.
On-yomi - On-yomi (音読み) is the Chinese-derived reading, connecting to historical knowledge. May your child appreciate the connections between cultures and languages.
Verse - Children carry forward the hopes and dreams of their families. May your child fulfill the hopes placed in them and add their own.
生 means "to live, alive, life."
To Give Birth - To be Born; to produce; to create; to occur.
Raw - Unprocessed; unripe; inexperienced.
Scholar - A title for learned people; teacher.
To Give Birth - Birth represents new beginnings, potential, and the miracle of new life. May your child bring new beginnings wherever they go, birthing fresh possibilities.
To Grow - Growing represents continuous improvement, development, and reaching potential. May your child never stop growing, always reaching toward greater potential.
To Reside - The act of reside represents purposeful action and the will to make a difference. May your child reside with wisdom and purpose, making a positive difference in the world.
Alive - Being alive represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be alive, letting this quality guide their path.
Life - Life is the precious gift, the journey of experiences that shapes who we become. May your child live fully, treasuring every moment of this precious gift.
Humble Self - 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.
Innate - Innate - From Birth; natural disposition - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of innate throughout life.
Opera Role - Historical periods remind us to learn from the past while building the future. May your child appreciate history and contribute to their own era.
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.
Raw - Raw - Unprocessed; unripe; inexperienced - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of raw throughout life.
Scholar - Scholars dedicate themselves to learning and the preservation of knowledge. May your child embrace learning with passion and share knowledge generously.
Student - Student - One who learns; a pupil - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of student throughout life.
音 means "sound, melody, tidings."
Sound - Vibrations of air and other substances perceived by the ear.
Tidings - News, messages, or correspondence from someone.
On-yomi - The Chinese-derived pronunciation of kanji characters; the Sino-Japanese reading.
Verse - A song or piece of music.
Sound - Sound carries meaning across distances, representing communication, harmony, and the essence of music. May your child's voice carry far, communicating truth and creating harmony wherever they go.
Tidings - Tidings carry news and connection, linking people across distance and time. May your child bring good tidings wherever they go, connecting hearts and spreading joy.
On-yomi - On-yomi (音読み) is the Chinese-derived reading, connecting to historical knowledge. May your child appreciate the connections between cultures and languages.
Verse - Children carry forward the hopes and dreams of their families. May your child fulfill the hopes placed in them and add their own.
緒 means "beginning, thread, clue."
Beginning - The start of something.
Thread - The end of a string.
Clue - A hint that leads to understanding.
Continuity - A connection or series of events.
Cord - A long, continuous thing.
Heart - A feeling or emotion.
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.
Thread - Threads represent connection, continuity, and the fabric of relationships. May your child weave strong threads of connection throughout life.
Clue - Clue - A hint that leads to understanding - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of clue throughout life.
Continuity - Bridges connect what is separated and enable crossing over. May your child build bridges of understanding and connection.
Cord - Length represents endurance, reach, and sustained effort. May your child have the endurance to see things through to completion.
Heart - Heart (心) in Japanese represents both the physical heart and the mind/spirit. May your child's heart be pure and their mind clear, unified in purpose.
音 means "sound, melody, tidings."
Sound - Vibrations of air and other substances perceived by the ear.
Tidings - News, messages, or correspondence from someone.
On-yomi - The Chinese-derived pronunciation of kanji characters; the Sino-Japanese reading.
Verse - A song or piece of music.
Sound - Sound carries meaning across distances, representing communication, harmony, and the essence of music. May your child's voice carry far, communicating truth and creating harmony wherever they go.
Tidings - Tidings carry news and connection, linking people across distance and time. May your child bring good tidings wherever they go, connecting hearts and spreading joy.
On-yomi - On-yomi (音読み) is the Chinese-derived reading, connecting to historical knowledge. May your child appreciate the connections between cultures and languages.
Verse - Children carry forward the hopes and dreams of their families. May your child fulfill the hopes placed in them and add their own.
雄 means "male, superior, strong."
Prosperous - Having Vigor; energetic.
Male - The masculine represents strength, protection, and active energy. May your child embody vigorous strength of character.
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.
Strong - Strength includes physical power, mental fortitude, and moral courage. May your child be strong in body, mind, and spirit, facing all with courage.
Prosperous - Prosperity represents flourishing, abundance, and the success that comes from effort. May your child prosper in all good endeavors, flourishing in every season.
Names that have the same gender and start with N.
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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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