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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!
Soukun(そうくん)Souchan( そうちゃん)
Soutan( そうたん)
This name is considered unisex, but it's more commonly used for boys. See the girls' version here.
This name is also used as a surname: Sou
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 "Sou," ranked by the total number of "Good!" votes.
蘇 means "revive, resurrect, return to life."
Revive, Come Back To Life - To come back to life or to be revived.
Ornament - A decorative ornament made from a bird's tail.
宇 means "space, universe."
Roof, House - A roof or house, representing a home and shelter.
Universe - The universe, representing the world and all that is in it.
Spirit, Intelligence - Spirit or intelligence, representing a person's capacity for thought and understanding.
Shelter - Representing a safe and secure home for the baby.
Universe - Representing the vastness of the world and the baby's place in it.
Intelligence - Representing the baby's potential for learning and growth.
想 means "thought, idea, concept."
Think - To think or ponder in one's mind.
Consider - To contemplate or reflect upon.
Contemplate - To think deeply or carefully about something.
Thoughtful - Showing consideration and care for others.
Intuitive - Having the ability to understand or know something without conscious reasoning.
Insightful - Having or showing an ability to understand and think deeply about a situation.
雨 means "rain, precipitation."
Rain - This is a symbol of renewal and growth, as rain brings life to the earth. It is also a reminder of the importance of perseverance, as rain can be seen as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles.
Blessing - Rain is often seen as a blessing from the heavens, and can be a reminder of the blessings that come with life.
Strength - Rain is often seen as a symbol of strength and resilience, as it can be seen as a metaphor for overcoming difficult times.
Purity - Rain is often seen as a symbol of purity and innocence, as it is a natural element that is free from human interference.
Renewal - Rain is often seen as a symbol of renewal and rebirth, as it brings new life to the earth.
操 means "control, manipulate, operate."
To Manipulate Or Control - To move or handle something skillfully or in a way that produces the desired result.
To Take Or Grasp - To take something into one's hands or possession.
To Adhere To One's Will - To maintain one's will or determination.
Skillful - Suggesting skill or expertise in a particular activity or field.
Determined - Showing a strong will or determination to do something.
Possessive - Showing a desire to possess or control something.
将 means "general, commander, leader."
To Help - To rescue, to support.
To Advance - To move forward.
To Do - To perform an action.
To Suggest - To imply something that will happen in the future.
To Intend - To express one's will to do something in the future.
To Be Almost - To express something that is almost the same.
To Choose - To express a choice between two or more options.
To Use - To use something to do something.
Leader - This kanji symbolizes a leader, someone who is able to lead and guide others. It is a great choice for a baby's name, as it conveys strength and courage.
Help - This kanji symbolizes helping and rescuing others. It is a great choice for a baby's name, as it conveys kindness and compassion.
Progress - This kanji symbolizes progress and advancement. It is a great choice for a baby's name, as it conveys ambition and determination.
Action - This kanji symbolizes taking action and doing something. It is a great choice for a baby's name, as it conveys a sense of purpose and drive.
Speculation - This kanji symbolizes the ability to speculate and make predictions. It is a great choice for a baby who is destined to be a thinker and a visionary.
Will - This kanji symbolizes the ability to have a strong will and determination. It is a great choice for a baby who is destined to be a determined and ambitious individual.
Nearness - This kanji symbolizes the ability to be close to something or someone.
爽 means "refreshing, exhilarating."
Refreshing, Invigorating - Fresh and invigorating.
Different, Divergent - To differ, to make a mistake, to err, to violate.
To Be Hurt, Damaged - To be injured, to suffer a loss, to lose, to be scattered.
Clear, Bright - Symbolizing clarity and brightness, a reminder of the dawn of a new day.
Refreshing, Invigorating - Representing freshness and energy, a reminder of the joy of life.
Different, Divergent - Symbolizing uniqueness and individuality, a reminder to stand out from the crowd.
走 means "run, race, dash."
Run - This is a positive and uplifting meaning, as it implies that the baby will have the energy and determination to pursue their goals.
Quickly - This is a good meaning for a baby, as it implies that the baby will be able to move quickly and efficiently in life.
Leave - This is a good meaning for a baby, as it implies that the baby will have the courage to take risks and explore new opportunities.
Escape - This is a good meaning for a baby, as it implies that the baby will have the courage to take risks and explore new opportunities.
Go - This is a positive and uplifting meaning, as it implies that the baby will have the energy and determination to pursue their goals.
Attend - This is a good meaning for a baby, as it implies that the baby will be able to move quickly and efficiently in life.
Depart - This is a good meaning for a baby, as it implies that the baby will have the courage to take risks and explore new opportunities.
Beast - This is an interesting meaning for a baby, as it implies that the baby will have a wild and untamed spirit.
創 means "creation, genesis, origin."
To Create Or Initiate - To start something new or make something from nothing.
To Injure Or Be Injured - To cause or suffer physical or emotional harm.
To Discipline Or Admonish - To reprimand or punish someone for their wrongdoings.
Creative - Possessing the ability to create something new or unique.
Innovative - Having the ability to think of new ideas or solutions.
Resilient - Having the ability to bounce back from difficult situations.
壮 means "majestic, robust, heroic."
Young And Energetic Man - Refers to a man in his late twenties or early thirties.
Vigorous - Full of energy and enthusiasm.
Bold - Showing courage and confidence.
Impressive - Having a strong impact.
Grand - Impressive and majestic in size or appearance.
Strong - This kanji conveys the idea of strength and vigor, which is a great quality to have in life. It is also a great name for a baby, as it conveys the idea of a strong and healthy child.
Vigorous - This kanji conveys the idea of vigor and energy, which is a great quality to have in life. It is also a great name for a baby, as it conveys the idea of a vigorous and energetic child.
Robust - This kanji conveys the idea of robustness and resilience, which is a great quality to have in life. It is also a great name for a baby, as it conveys the idea of a robust and resilient child.
Bold - This kanji conveys the idea of boldness and courage, which is a great quality to have in life. It is also a great name for a baby, as it conveys the idea of a bold and courageous child.
Grand - This kanji conveys the idea of grandeur and magnificence, which is a great quality to have in life. It is also a great name for a baby, as it conveys the idea of a grand and magnificent child.
曽 means "ancestor, formerly, once, before, ever."
Formerly - Used to describe something that happened in the past.
Multiple Layers - Describes something that is layered or has multiple layers.
Increase - Used to describe something that is increasing or growing.
In Other Words - Used to express the meaning of "on the other hand", "what", "really", etc.
Formerly - To remind the baby of the past and the importance of learning from it.
Multiple Layers - To remind the baby of the complexity of life and the importance of understanding it.
Increase - To remind the baby of the importance of growth and progress.
In Other Words - To remind the baby of the importance of communication and understanding.
曾 means "ancestor, previous, once, ever."
Previously - Refers to something that has happened in the past.
Multiple Times - Refers to something that has happened multiple times.
Increase - Refers to something that is increasing or being added to.
Previously - This meaning implies that the baby has a history and a past, and that they are connected to something greater than themselves.
Increase - This meaning implies that the baby will grow and develop, and that they will become more than they are now.
Multiple Layers - This meaning implies that the baby will have many layers to their personality, and that they will be complex and interesting.
Overlap - This meaning implies that the baby will have many connections and relationships, and that they will be able to bring people together.
聡 means "wise, clever, intelligent."
Intelligent - Possessing great knowledge and understanding.
Acute - Having a keen sense of hearing.
Wise - Having sound judgement and insight.
Gifted - Possessing exceptional talent and intelligence.
Insightful - Having a deep understanding of a situation.
Intelligent - This kanji conveys the idea of being intelligent and having a sharp mind. It implies that the person is wise and has a good understanding of things.
Wise - This kanji also implies that the person is wise and has a good understanding of things. It suggests that the person is able to make sound decisions and has a good grasp of the situation.
Perceptive - This kanji implies that the person is perceptive and has a good sense of hearing. It suggests that the person is able to pick up on subtle cues and has a good understanding of the environment.
Insightful - This kanji implies that the person is insightful and has a good understanding of things. It suggests that the person is able to think deeply and has a good grasp of the situation.
Knowledgeable - This kanji implies that the person is knowledgeable and has a good understanding of things. It suggests that the person is able to draw on their knowledge and has a good grasp of the situation.
想 means "thought, idea, concept."
Think - To think or ponder in one's mind.
Consider - To contemplate or reflect upon.
Contemplate - To think deeply or carefully about something.
Thoughtful - Showing consideration and care for others.
Intuitive - Having the ability to understand or know something without conscious reasoning.
Insightful - Having or showing an ability to understand and think deeply about a situation.
双 means "twin, double."
Two - Refers to two of something, either in terms of quantity or in terms of a pair.
Pair - Refers to two things that are part of a set or a pair.
Equivalent - Refers to two things that have equal power or strength.
Matching - Refers to two things that are equal or can compete with each other.
Counter - Refers to a numerical suffix used to count the number of pairs of something.
Two - Symbolizes the bond between two people, such as a parent and child.
Pair - Symbolizes the connection between two people, such as a couple.
Equivalent - Symbolizes the balance between two people, such as a brother and sister.
Matching - Symbolizes the harmony between two people, such as a husband and wife.
聰 means "."
蒼 means "blue, pale, unripe."
Blue - A deep blue color.
Thrive - The way plants and trees thrive in a blue hue.
Aging - The way someone looks when they are old and their hair is mixed with white.
Hurried - The way someone looks when they are in a hurry.
Blue - A beautiful and calming color that symbolizes peace and tranquility.
Thrive - A reminder to the child to strive and grow in life.
Aging - A reminder to the child to appreciate the wisdom and experience of the elderly.
Hurried - A reminder to the child to take their time and not rush through life.
友 means "friend, companion."
Friend - A close relationship between two people, usually based on mutual trust and understanding.
Companionship - A feeling of camaraderie and shared experiences between two or more people.
Alliance - A strong bond of loyalty and support between two or more people.
Friendship - A strong bond of friendship and love between two people.
Loyalty - A strong sense of loyalty and commitment to another person.
Support - A feeling of support and encouragement for another person.
宙 means "space, air, midair."
Sky - A vast and limitless space in the sky.
Time - An infinite span of time from the past to the present and future.
Memorization - Memorizing something.
Sky - Symbolizing a limitless potential and a bright future.
Time - Symbolizing the importance of cherishing the present moment and making the most of it.
Memorization - Symbolizing the importance of knowledge and wisdom.
優 means "gentleness, kindness, superiority."
Outstanding - Superior to others.
Kind - Refined and beautiful.
Harmonious - Peaceful and harmonious.
Abundant - Relaxed and with plenty of room.
Skilled - A performer or entertainer.
Highest - The highest ranking in evaluations such as performance.
Outstanding - This kanji that conveys excellence and superiority.
Kind - This kanji that conveys gentleness and beauty.
Harmonious - This kanji that conveys peace and harmony.
Abundant - This kanji that conveys abundance and plenty.
奏 means "play music, perform, report, petition."
Perform - To play or execute a musical piece.
Accomplish - To complete or bring something to a successful conclusion.
Recommend - To suggest or advise something.
Offer - To present or give something.
Dedicate - To present or give something as an offering.
Declare - To state or express something.
To Perform - It conveys the idea of performing something of value for the child, such as a song or a dance.
To Recommend - It conveys the idea of offering advice and guidance to the child as they grow up.
To Offer - It conveys the idea of offering something of value to the child, such as love, support, and guidance.
To Present - It conveys the idea of presenting something of value to the child, such as a gift or a blessing.
To Accomplish - It conveys the idea of achieving something of value for the child, such as a goal or a dream.
宇 means "space, universe."
Roof, House - A roof or house, representing a home and shelter.
Universe - The universe, representing the world and all that is in it.
Spirit, Intelligence - Spirit or intelligence, representing a person's capacity for thought and understanding.
Shelter - Representing a safe and secure home for the baby.
Universe - Representing the vastness of the world and the baby's place in it.
Intelligence - Representing the baby's potential for learning and growth.
征 means "conquest, subjugation, expedition."
To Go (on a journey) - To travel to a distant place.
To Conquer - To defeat an enemy or villain.
To Take - To seize or collect.
侑 means "to help, to assist, to give aid."
Help - To provide protection or assistance.
Recommend - To suggest or offer something, such as a dish or drink.
Reward - To express gratitude or appreciation.
Forgive - To pardon or excuse a fault or offense.
Blessing - To bestow a blessing on the baby, to wish them good fortune and success.
Protection - To provide protection and safety for the baby.
Gratitude - To express gratitude for the baby’s arrival and to show appreciation for them.
Forgiveness - To forgive the baby for any mistakes they may make and to show unconditional love.
染 means "dye, color, stain."
Dye - To apply color to fabric or other materials.
Be Influenced - To be changed in character due to external influences.
Imbue - To deeply feel or be filled with emotion.
To Be Influenced - This kanji implies that the baby will be influenced by the people and environment around them, and will be able to adapt and grow.
To Be Dyed - This kanji implies that the baby will be able to take on different colors and shades, and will be able to express themselves in a unique way.
To Be Contagious - This kanji implies that the baby will be able to spread joy and happiness to those around them, and will be able to bring people together.
To Be Deeply Felt - This kanji implies that the baby will be able to feel deeply and connect with others on an emotional level.
生 means "life, birth, raw, uncooked."
To Live - Alive, living, life, living things, life force.
To Dwell - Dwelling, living, life.
Innate - Innate, inborn, natural.
To Grow - Grow, sprout, cultivate.
Unprocessed - Unprocessed, unripe, unskilled.
Pure - Pure, Unmixed, unadulterated.
Scholar - Scholar, intellectual, teacher.
Student - Student, pupil, disciple.
Alive - Symbolizing life and vitality.
Life - Representing the preciousness of life.
Living - Signifying the joy of living.
To Live - Encouraging the baby to live life to the fullest.
To Produce - Inspiring the baby to create and innovate.
To Grow - Reminding the baby to keep growing and learning.
Pure - Wishing the baby to remain pure and innocent.
Scholar - Honoring the baby’s intelligence and knowledge.
Student - Encouraging the baby to pursue knowledge.
想 means "thought, idea, concept."
Think - To think or ponder in one's mind.
Consider - To contemplate or reflect upon.
Contemplate - To think deeply or carefully about something.
Thoughtful - Showing consideration and care for others.
Intuitive - Having the ability to understand or know something without conscious reasoning.
Insightful - Having or showing an ability to understand and think deeply about a situation.
優 means "gentleness, kindness, superiority."
Outstanding - Superior to others.
Kind - Refined and beautiful.
Harmonious - Peaceful and harmonious.
Abundant - Relaxed and with plenty of room.
Skilled - A performer or entertainer.
Highest - The highest ranking in evaluations such as performance.
Outstanding - This kanji that conveys excellence and superiority.
Kind - This kanji that conveys gentleness and beauty.
Harmonious - This kanji that conveys peace and harmony.
Abundant - This kanji that conveys abundance and plenty.
蒼 means "blue, pale, unripe."
Blue - A deep blue color.
Thrive - The way plants and trees thrive in a blue hue.
Aging - The way someone looks when they are old and their hair is mixed with white.
Hurried - The way someone looks when they are in a hurry.
Blue - A beautiful and calming color that symbolizes peace and tranquility.
Thrive - A reminder to the child to strive and grow in life.
Aging - A reminder to the child to appreciate the wisdom and experience of the elderly.
Hurried - A reminder to the child to take their time and not rush through life.
羽 means "feather, wing."
Feathers - The feathers of a bird or insect.
Bird - A bird or other avian species.
Ornament - An ornament held in the hand when dancing.
Help - Something that provides assistance. An assistant.
Numeral - A numeral used to count birds or rabbits.
Wing - This is a symbol of freedom and hope, and is a reminder that the baby will have the opportunity to explore the world and reach their full potential.
Bird - This is a symbol of beauty and grace, and is a reminder that the baby will have the opportunity to soar and reach new heights.
Help - This is a symbol of support and guidance, and is a reminder that the baby will have the support of their family and friends to help them reach their goals.
Number - This is a symbol of luck and fortune, and is a reminder that the baby will have the opportunity to make their own luck and find success in life.
征 means "conquest, subjugation, expedition."
To Go (on a journey) - To travel to a distant place.
To Conquer - To defeat an enemy or villain.
To Take - To seize or collect.
享 means "enjoy, receive, be blessed with."
Offer - To present or suggest something for consideration or acceptance.
Accomplish - To successfully bring about or complete a task.
Bestow - To give or confer something, especially as a gift or honor.
Provide - To make something available for use.
Receive - To accept or take something offered.
Accept - To receive or admit something willingly.
Fulfill - To bring to completion or realization, to satisfy.
To Recommend - It conveys the idea of offering something special and valuable to the child. It also implies that the parents have high hopes for the child and want to give them the best possible start in life.
To Accomplish - It implies that the parents have faith in the child's ability to achieve great things. It also conveys the idea that the parents are willing to provide the necessary support and guidance to help the child reach their goals.
To Offer - It conveys the idea of providing something special and valuable to the child. It also implies that the parents are willing to give the child whatever they need to succeed in life.
To Receive - It conveys the idea of being open to new experiences and opportunities. It also implies that the parents are willing to provide the necessary support and guidance to help the child make the most of their life.
To Fulfill - It conveys the idea of achieving one's goals and dreams. It also implies that the parents are willing to provide the necessary support and guidance to help the child reach their goals.
颯 means "brisk, swift, quick."
優 means "gentleness, kindness, superiority."
Outstanding - Superior to others.
Kind - Refined and beautiful.
Harmonious - Peaceful and harmonious.
Abundant - Relaxed and with plenty of room.
Skilled - A performer or entertainer.
Highest - The highest ranking in evaluations such as performance.
Outstanding - This kanji that conveys excellence and superiority.
Kind - This kanji that conveys gentleness and beauty.
Harmonious - This kanji that conveys peace and harmony.
Abundant - This kanji that conveys abundance and plenty.
漱 means "rinse, gargle."
Rinse - To rinse the mouth or throat.
Gargle - To gargle or make a gurgling sound.
Wash - To wash or clean off dirt.
宇 means "space, universe."
Roof, House - A roof or house, representing a home and shelter.
Universe - The universe, representing the world and all that is in it.
Spirit, Intelligence - Spirit or intelligence, representing a person's capacity for thought and understanding.
Shelter - Representing a safe and secure home for the baby.
Universe - Representing the vastness of the world and the baby's place in it.
Intelligence - Representing the baby's potential for learning and growth.
素 means "plain, unadorned, simple."
Pure, Unadulterated - Without anything added
Pure - Symbolizing a child who is innocent and untainted by the world.
Original - Representing a unique individual who is unlike any other.
Source - Signifying a baby who is the beginning of something new and special.
White - Representing a child who is pure and innocent.
Meager - Signifying a baby who is humble and unassuming.
優 means "gentleness, kindness, superiority."
Outstanding - Superior to others.
Kind - Refined and beautiful.
Harmonious - Peaceful and harmonious.
Abundant - Relaxed and with plenty of room.
Skilled - A performer or entertainer.
Highest - The highest ranking in evaluations such as performance.
Outstanding - This kanji that conveys excellence and superiority.
Kind - This kanji that conveys gentleness and beauty.
Harmonious - This kanji that conveys peace and harmony.
Abundant - This kanji that conveys abundance and plenty.
素 means "plain, unadorned, simple."
Pure, Unadulterated - Without anything added
Pure - Symbolizing a child who is innocent and untainted by the world.
Original - Representing a unique individual who is unlike any other.
Source - Signifying a baby who is the beginning of something new and special.
White - Representing a child who is pure and innocent.
Meager - Signifying a baby who is humble and unassuming.
生 means "life, birth, raw, uncooked."
To Live - Alive, living, life, living things, life force.
To Dwell - Dwelling, living, life.
Innate - Innate, inborn, natural.
To Grow - Grow, sprout, cultivate.
Unprocessed - Unprocessed, unripe, unskilled.
Pure - Pure, Unmixed, unadulterated.
Scholar - Scholar, intellectual, teacher.
Student - Student, pupil, disciple.
Alive - Symbolizing life and vitality.
Life - Representing the preciousness of life.
Living - Signifying the joy of living.
To Live - Encouraging the baby to live life to the fullest.
To Produce - Inspiring the baby to create and innovate.
To Grow - Reminding the baby to keep growing and learning.
Pure - Wishing the baby to remain pure and innocent.
Scholar - Honoring the baby’s intelligence and knowledge.
Student - Encouraging the baby to pursue knowledge.
壮 means "majestic, robust, heroic."
Young And Energetic Man - Refers to a man in his late twenties or early thirties.
Vigorous - Full of energy and enthusiasm.
Bold - Showing courage and confidence.
Impressive - Having a strong impact.
Grand - Impressive and majestic in size or appearance.
Strong - This kanji conveys the idea of strength and vigor, which is a great quality to have in life. It is also a great name for a baby, as it conveys the idea of a strong and healthy child.
Vigorous - This kanji conveys the idea of vigor and energy, which is a great quality to have in life. It is also a great name for a baby, as it conveys the idea of a vigorous and energetic child.
Robust - This kanji conveys the idea of robustness and resilience, which is a great quality to have in life. It is also a great name for a baby, as it conveys the idea of a robust and resilient child.
Bold - This kanji conveys the idea of boldness and courage, which is a great quality to have in life. It is also a great name for a baby, as it conveys the idea of a bold and courageous child.
Grand - This kanji conveys the idea of grandeur and magnificence, which is a great quality to have in life. It is also a great name for a baby, as it conveys the idea of a grand and magnificent child.
生 means "life, birth, raw, uncooked."
To Live - Alive, living, life, living things, life force.
To Dwell - Dwelling, living, life.
Innate - Innate, inborn, natural.
To Grow - Grow, sprout, cultivate.
Unprocessed - Unprocessed, unripe, unskilled.
Pure - Pure, Unmixed, unadulterated.
Scholar - Scholar, intellectual, teacher.
Student - Student, pupil, disciple.
Alive - Symbolizing life and vitality.
Life - Representing the preciousness of life.
Living - Signifying the joy of living.
To Live - Encouraging the baby to live life to the fullest.
To Produce - Inspiring the baby to create and innovate.
To Grow - Reminding the baby to keep growing and learning.
Pure - Wishing the baby to remain pure and innocent.
Scholar - Honoring the baby’s intelligence and knowledge.
Student - Encouraging the baby to pursue knowledge.
楚 means "thin outgrown twigs. whip."
Vitex Cannabifolia - A deciduous shrub of the family Cornaceae.
Whip - A whip used for punishment.
Straight Branch - It symbolizes growth and progress. It also implies that the child will be strong and resilient.
Thorny Small Tree - It symbolizes protection and strength. It also implies that the child will be able to stand up for themselves and protect those they love.
Whip - It symbolizes discipline and strength. It also implies that the child will be able to stay focused and disciplined in order to achieve their goals.
羽 means "feather, wing."
Feathers - The feathers of a bird or insect.
Bird - A bird or other avian species.
Ornament - An ornament held in the hand when dancing.
Help - Something that provides assistance. An assistant.
Numeral - A numeral used to count birds or rabbits.
Wing - This is a symbol of freedom and hope, and is a reminder that the baby will have the opportunity to explore the world and reach their full potential.
Bird - This is a symbol of beauty and grace, and is a reminder that the baby will have the opportunity to soar and reach new heights.
Help - This is a symbol of support and guidance, and is a reminder that the baby will have the support of their family and friends to help them reach their goals.
Number - This is a symbol of luck and fortune, and is a reminder that the baby will have the opportunity to make their own luck and find success in life.
The list contains people mentioned in Wikipedia. All JP links are in Japanese only. Sorry!
Names that have the same gender and start with S.
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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 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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