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Zen
Zen- Gender:Female
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:ぜん - :ゼン
- :zen (1)
- :ze-n (2)
- :Zen, Zenn
- :
Zenchan(ぜんちゃん)
Zenrin(ぜんりん)Zenpon(ぜんぽん)
This name is considered unisex, but it's more commonly used for boys. 
See the boys' version here.
This name is also used as a surname: 
Zen
Kanji Names & Meanings - 1 variation
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 "Zen."
是 means "correct, to consider correct, this."
This - Used to indicate people, things, or matters (read as "kore," "kono," "koko").
Affirmation - Read as "kore", it is used to express an assertion or confirmation.
Name ideas examples
Correct - Correctness represents accuracy, righteousness, and alignment with truth. May your child always seek what is correct, living in alignment with truth.
To Consider Correct - Correctness represents accuracy, righteousness, and alignment with truth. May your child always seek what is correct, living in alignment with truth.
This - Specificity represents focus, attention, and being present. May your child be fully present in this moment, this place.
Affirmation - Affirmation represents a significant process or state. May your child understand and embody the meaning of affirmation.
礼 means "courtesy, ritual, thanks."
Ritual - A ceremonial act.
Thanks - An expression of gratitude.
Bow - A gesture of respect and gratitude.
Gift - Monetary or verbal gifts to express appreciation.
Respect - Showing respect to others and expressing gratitude.
Name ideas examples
Courtesy - Courtesy - Polite Behavior; manners - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of courtesy throughout life.
Ritual - Being ritual represents a valuable quality that enriches character and life. May your child be ritual, letting this quality guide their path.
Thanks - Thanksgiving represents gratitude, recognition, and appreciation for blessings. May your child live with thanksgiving, grateful for every blessing.
Bow - The bow represents respect, humility, and honoring others. May your child bow in respect to those who deserve honor.
Gift - Congratulatory gifts represent shared joy, celebration, and the bonds of community. May your child give and receive gifts of celebration, sharing joy with many.
Respect - Respect (敬) is fundamental to Japanese social harmony, honoring the dignity of all beings. May your child show and earn respect, honoring others while being worthy of honor themselves.
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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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