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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!
Saochan(さおちゃん)
Saorin(さおりん)
Saotan(さおたん)![]()
This name is considered unisex, but it's more commonly used for girls.
See the boys' version here.
This name is also used as a surname:
Sao
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 "Sao," ranked by the total number of "Good!" votes.
彩 means "to color, coloring, appearance."
Appearance - Figure; state; manner.
Coloring - Colors represent the variety and vibrancy of life's experiences. May your child's life be filled with beautiful colors and experiences.
Appearance - Appearance represents presentation, first impressions, and outer form. May your child's appearance reflect their inner beauty.
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.
冴 means "to be clear, sharp, to freeze."
To be Clear - Clarity represents transparency, understanding, and the absence of confusion. May your child have clear vision and understanding in all of life's situations.
To Freeze - The act of freeze represents purposeful action and the will to make a difference. May your child freeze with wisdom and purpose, making a positive difference in the world.
Sharp - Sharpness represents keen perception, intelligence, and cutting through confusion. May your child have a sharp mind, cutting through confusion to find truth.
Cold - Cold represents clarity, objectivity, and the cool head needed for difficult decisions. May your child have a cool head when needed, clear and objective in judgment.
Frigid - Age brings wisdom, experience, and connection to the past. May your child respect what is old and learn from history.
愛 means "love, affection, cherish."
To Love - To feel deep affection and care for someone or something.
Love - Love encompasses affection, devotion, and the selfless care for others' wellbeing. May your child give and receive love abundantly, their heart full of warmth for others.
To Love - To love is the highest calling, giving oneself for the wellbeing of others. May your child love deeply and be deeply loved, finding life's greatest meaning in love.
Affection - Love represents deep connection, care, and the heart of all relationships. May your child love deeply and be deeply loved in return.
Cherish - Cherishing represents deep appreciation, love, and treasuring what is valuable. May your child cherish the precious moments and relationships in life.
紗 means "gauze."
Gauze - A thin, sheer fabric made of silk or cotton.
Gauze - Fabrics represent the weaving together of life's threads. May your child weave a beautiful tapestry with their life.
桜 means "cherry blossom, cherry tree."
Sakura - Cherry Blossom. A deciduous tree of the rose family.
Cherry Tree - Cherry trees symbolize renewal, beauty, and the celebratory spirit of spring. As a beloved tree in Japanese culture, they represent hope and new beginnings. May your child blossom like the cherry tree, bringing beauty and joy each season of life.
Sakura - Sakura (cherry blossoms) embody mono no aware, the poignant beauty of impermanence, reminding us to cherish each moment. May your child embrace life's fleeting beauty like the cherry blossom, living fully and leaving a lasting impression.
紗 means "gauze."
Gauze - A thin, sheer fabric made of silk or cotton.
Gauze - Fabrics represent the weaving together of life's threads. May your child weave a beautiful tapestry with their life.
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.
伎 means "skill, art, performer."
Art - A craft requiring special ability.
Performer - One who performs artistic works.
Craftsman - A person who is skilled in a particular craft or trade.
Performance - The action or process of performing a task or activity.
Work - Physical or mental effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result.
Skill - Skill - Technical Ability; expertise - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of skill throughout life.
Art - Art and craft represent creativity, skill, and the joy of making. May your child create beauty and meaning through their work.
Performer - Performer represents a role of purpose and contribution to society. May your child embody the performer's dedication and skill in their life's work.
Craftsman - Children carry forward the hopes and dreams of their families. May your child fulfill the hopes placed in them and add their own.
Performance - Performance represents showing one's abilities, artistic expression, and accomplishment. May your child perform well in all they undertake and share their gifts.
Work - Working represents effort, contribution, and meaningful labor. May your child work with purpose and find satisfaction in effort.
倭 means "winding, japan."
Winding - Wind represents change, freedom, and the invisible forces that shape our lives. May your child move through the world with the wind's freedom, refreshing all they encounter.
Japan - Japan represents the Land of the Rising Sun, harmony with nature, and refined aesthetics. May your child embody Japanese values of harmony, respect, and attention to beauty.
冴 means "to be clear, sharp, to freeze."
To be Clear - Clarity represents transparency, understanding, and the absence of confusion. May your child have clear vision and understanding in all of life's situations.
To Freeze - The act of freeze represents purposeful action and the will to make a difference. May your child freeze with wisdom and purpose, making a positive difference in the world.
Sharp - Sharpness represents keen perception, intelligence, and cutting through confusion. May your child have a sharp mind, cutting through confusion to find truth.
Cold - Cold represents clarity, objectivity, and the cool head needed for difficult decisions. May your child have a cool head when needed, clear and objective in judgment.
Frigid - Age brings wisdom, experience, and connection to the past. May your child respect what is old and learn from history.
桜 means "cherry blossom, cherry tree."
Sakura - Cherry Blossom. A deciduous tree of the rose family.
Cherry Tree - Cherry trees symbolize renewal, beauty, and the celebratory spirit of spring. As a beloved tree in Japanese culture, they represent hope and new beginnings. May your child blossom like the cherry tree, bringing beauty and joy each season of life.
Sakura - Sakura (cherry blossoms) embody mono no aware, the poignant beauty of impermanence, reminding us to cherish each moment. May your child embrace life's fleeting beauty like the cherry blossom, living fully and leaving a lasting impression.
咲 means "to smile, to bloom."
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.
咲 means "to smile, to bloom."
愛 means "love, affection, cherish."
To Love - To feel deep affection and care for someone or something.
Love - Love encompasses affection, devotion, and the selfless care for others' wellbeing. May your child give and receive love abundantly, their heart full of warmth for others.
To Love - To love is the highest calling, giving oneself for the wellbeing of others. May your child love deeply and be deeply loved, finding life's greatest meaning in love.
Affection - Love represents deep connection, care, and the heart of all relationships. May your child love deeply and be deeply loved in return.
Cherish - Cherishing represents deep appreciation, love, and treasuring what is valuable. May your child cherish the precious moments and relationships in life.
咲 means "to smile, to bloom."
桜 means "cherry blossom, cherry tree."
Sakura - Cherry Blossom. A deciduous tree of the rose family.
Cherry Tree - Cherry trees symbolize renewal, beauty, and the celebratory spirit of spring. As a beloved tree in Japanese culture, they represent hope and new beginnings. May your child blossom like the cherry tree, bringing beauty and joy each season of life.
Sakura - Sakura (cherry blossoms) embody mono no aware, the poignant beauty of impermanence, reminding us to cherish each moment. May your child embrace life's fleeting beauty like the cherry blossom, living fully and leaving a lasting impression.
小 means "small, trivial, young person."
Small - Little in Size; small in degree; few in number or quantity.
Trivial - Insignificant; of little importance.
Prefix - A prefix meaning "small" or "slight," or used to adjust the tone of words.
Small - Smallness carries humility, attention to detail, and the appreciation of subtlety. May your child notice and appreciate small blessings others might overlook.
Trivial - Being trivial represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be trivial, letting this quality guide their path.
Young Person - Young people carry the hopes and energy of the future. May your child embrace the possibilities of youth and grow wisely.
Humble Term - 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.
Prefix - Small things often hold great importance; attention to detail matters. May your child appreciate small blessings and attend to fine details.
桜 means "cherry blossom, cherry tree."
Sakura - Cherry Blossom. A deciduous tree of the rose family.
Cherry Tree - Cherry trees symbolize renewal, beauty, and the celebratory spirit of spring. As a beloved tree in Japanese culture, they represent hope and new beginnings. May your child blossom like the cherry tree, bringing beauty and joy each season of life.
Sakura - Sakura (cherry blossoms) embody mono no aware, the poignant beauty of impermanence, reminding us to cherish each moment. May your child embrace life's fleeting beauty like the cherry blossom, living fully and leaving a lasting impression.
彩 means "to color, coloring, appearance."
Appearance - Figure; state; manner.
Coloring - Colors represent the variety and vibrancy of life's experiences. May your child's life be filled with beautiful colors and experiences.
Appearance - Appearance represents presentation, first impressions, and outer form. May your child's appearance reflect their inner beauty.
愛 means "love, affection, cherish."
To Love - To feel deep affection and care for someone or something.
Love - Love encompasses affection, devotion, and the selfless care for others' wellbeing. May your child give and receive love abundantly, their heart full of warmth for others.
To Love - To love is the highest calling, giving oneself for the wellbeing of others. May your child love deeply and be deeply loved, finding life's greatest meaning in love.
Affection - Love represents deep connection, care, and the heart of all relationships. May your child love deeply and be deeply loved in return.
Cherish - Cherishing represents deep appreciation, love, and treasuring what is valuable. May your child cherish the precious moments and relationships in life.
彩 means "to color, coloring, appearance."
Appearance - Figure; state; manner.
Coloring - Colors represent the variety and vibrancy of life's experiences. May your child's life be filled with beautiful colors and experiences.
Appearance - Appearance represents presentation, first impressions, and outer form. May your child's appearance reflect their inner beauty.
桜 means "cherry blossom, cherry tree."
Sakura - Cherry Blossom. A deciduous tree of the rose family.
Cherry Tree - Cherry trees symbolize renewal, beauty, and the celebratory spirit of spring. As a beloved tree in Japanese culture, they represent hope and new beginnings. May your child blossom like the cherry tree, bringing beauty and joy each season of life.
Sakura - Sakura (cherry blossoms) embody mono no aware, the poignant beauty of impermanence, reminding us to cherish each moment. May your child embrace life's fleeting beauty like the cherry blossom, living fully and leaving a lasting impression.
捺 means "press, stamp."
Press - Press - To push down firmly - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of press throughout life.
Stamp - The stamp represents marking, authenticating, and leaving impression. May your child leave good impressions.
Secure - Places hold meaning, memory, and the context for our lives. May your child find their place in the world and make it better.
愛 means "love, affection, cherish."
To Love - To feel deep affection and care for someone or something.
Love - Love encompasses affection, devotion, and the selfless care for others' wellbeing. May your child give and receive love abundantly, their heart full of warmth for others.
To Love - To love is the highest calling, giving oneself for the wellbeing of others. May your child love deeply and be deeply loved, finding life's greatest meaning in love.
Affection - Love represents deep connection, care, and the heart of all relationships. May your child love deeply and be deeply loved in return.
Cherish - Cherishing represents deep appreciation, love, and treasuring what is valuable. May your child cherish the precious moments and relationships in life.
沙 means "sand, beach, select."
Sand - Fine particles of rock.
Beach - A sandy shore.
Desert - A barren area of land, typically with little vegetation, extreme temperatures, and sparse population.
Sift - To separate out the good from the bad by washing with water.
Sand - Language elements enable expression and communication. May your child communicate clearly and understand others well.
Beach - Beach - A sandy shore - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of beach throughout life.
Select - Selecting represents wisdom, choice, and careful decision-making. May your child select wisely in all of life's important choices.
Desert - Earth represents stability, nurturing, and solid foundation. May your child stand on solid ground with deep roots.
Sift - Sifting represents separating, discerning, and finding the valuable. May your child discern what is valuable.
愛 means "love, affection, cherish."
To Love - To feel deep affection and care for someone or something.
Love - Love encompasses affection, devotion, and the selfless care for others' wellbeing. May your child give and receive love abundantly, their heart full of warmth for others.
To Love - To love is the highest calling, giving oneself for the wellbeing of others. May your child love deeply and be deeply loved, finding life's greatest meaning in love.
Affection - Love represents deep connection, care, and the heart of all relationships. May your child love deeply and be deeply loved in return.
Cherish - Cherishing represents deep appreciation, love, and treasuring what is valuable. May your child cherish the precious moments and relationships in life.
沙 means "sand, beach, select."
Sand - Fine particles of rock.
Beach - A sandy shore.
Desert - A barren area of land, typically with little vegetation, extreme temperatures, and sparse population.
Sift - To separate out the good from the bad by washing with water.
Sand - Language elements enable expression and communication. May your child communicate clearly and understand others well.
Beach - Beach - A sandy shore - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of beach throughout life.
Select - Selecting represents wisdom, choice, and careful decision-making. May your child select wisely in all of life's important choices.
Desert - Earth represents stability, nurturing, and solid foundation. May your child stand on solid ground with deep roots.
Sift - Sifting represents separating, discerning, and finding the valuable. May your child discern what is valuable.
桜 means "cherry blossom, cherry tree."
Sakura - Cherry Blossom. A deciduous tree of the rose family.
Cherry Tree - Cherry trees symbolize renewal, beauty, and the celebratory spirit of spring. As a beloved tree in Japanese culture, they represent hope and new beginnings. May your child blossom like the cherry tree, bringing beauty and joy each season of life.
Sakura - Sakura (cherry blossoms) embody mono no aware, the poignant beauty of impermanence, reminding us to cherish each moment. May your child embrace life's fleeting beauty like the cherry blossom, living fully and leaving a lasting impression.
燦 means "brilliant."
Bright - Clear and vivid.
Glittering - Sparkling and shimmering.
Splendid - Magnificent and beautiful.
Bright - Brightness symbolizes intelligence, optimism, and a future full of promise. May your child's future be bright, filled with intelligence, joy, and boundless opportunity.
Glittering - Glittering represents active engagement and purposeful effort. May your child engage in glittering with purpose and skill.
Radiant - Light represents hope, wisdom, and the illumination of truth. May your child shine brightly, illuminating the path for others.
Splendid - Splendor represents magnificence, glory, and the dazzling beauty of achievement. May your child achieve splendid things, their glory brightening the world.
桜 means "cherry blossom, cherry tree."
Sakura - Cherry Blossom. A deciduous tree of the rose family.
Cherry Tree - Cherry trees symbolize renewal, beauty, and the celebratory spirit of spring. As a beloved tree in Japanese culture, they represent hope and new beginnings. May your child blossom like the cherry tree, bringing beauty and joy each season of life.
Sakura - Sakura (cherry blossoms) embody mono no aware, the poignant beauty of impermanence, reminding us to cherish each moment. May your child embrace life's fleeting beauty like the cherry blossom, living fully and leaving a lasting impression.
紗 means "gauze."
Gauze - A thin, sheer fabric made of silk or cotton.
Gauze - Fabrics represent the weaving together of life's threads. May your child weave a beautiful tapestry with their 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.
紗 means "gauze."
Gauze - A thin, sheer fabric made of silk or cotton.
Gauze - Fabrics represent the weaving together of life's threads. May your child weave a beautiful tapestry with their life.
愛 means "love, affection, cherish."
To Love - To feel deep affection and care for someone or something.
Love - Love encompasses affection, devotion, and the selfless care for others' wellbeing. May your child give and receive love abundantly, their heart full of warmth for others.
To Love - To love is the highest calling, giving oneself for the wellbeing of others. May your child love deeply and be deeply loved, finding life's greatest meaning in love.
Affection - Love represents deep connection, care, and the heart of all relationships. May your child love deeply and be deeply loved in return.
Cherish - Cherishing represents deep appreciation, love, and treasuring what is valuable. May your child cherish the precious moments and relationships in life.
紗 means "gauze."
Gauze - A thin, sheer fabric made of silk or cotton.
Gauze - Fabrics represent the weaving together of life's threads. May your child weave a beautiful tapestry with their life.
碧 means "blue-green, jade color, azure."
Blue-green - A deep azure-green color.
Azure - Clear blue like the sky.
Blue-green - Blue represents the sky and sea, symbolizing depth, trust, and infinite possibility. May your child have blue's depth and trustworthiness, vast as the sky and sea.
Jade Color - Jade Color represents a role of purpose and contribution to society. May your child embody the jade color's dedication and skill in their life's work.
Azure - The sky represents limitless possibility, aspiration, and higher ideals. May your child reach toward the sky with boundless dreams.
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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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