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Kanji 近 - near, close relationship, to approach
近
near, close relationship, to approach
This character can be used for naming.
Meaning
Near - Close in time or distance; small separation.
Close Relationship - Relative; family.
Approaching - Moving closer to something.
7 strokes
Examples of ideas to incorporate into a name
Near - Nearness represents closeness, intimacy, and the warmth of close relationships. May your child keep loved ones near, nurturing close and warm relationships.
Close Relationship - Close Relationship - Relative; family - carries meaning in Japanese naming tradition. May your child embody the positive aspects of close relationship throughout life.
To Approach - The act of approach represents purposeful action and the will to make a difference. May your child approach with wisdom and purpose, making a positive difference in the world.
Approaching - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
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First Names containing 近 - 142 names
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Last Names containing 近 - 330 names
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What is Hiragana?
Hiragana is one of the two Japanese syllabaries. Each character represents a sound (mora), not a meaning. It is used for native words, grammatical particles, verb/adjective endings (okurigana), and to show pronunciation above kanji (furigana). It developed from cursive forms of kanji.
What is Katakana?
Katakana is one of the two Japanese syllabaries. Each character represents a sound (mora), not a meaning. It is mainly used to write foreign words and names, loanwords, onomatopoeia, and for emphasis.
What are English Syllables?
A syllable is a unit of pronunciation in English — it’s the beat you hear when you say a word.
Here are a few quick examples:
cat = 1 syllable
ba-by = 2 syllables
beau-ti-ful = 3 syllables
On this site, English Syllables show how a name naturally breaks into sounds when spoken in English. This helps you understand how English speakers naturally say the name and where they pause between sounds.
What are Japanese Morae?
A mora (plural: morae, Japanese: 拍 Haku) is the basic unit of sound in Japanese — think of it as one rhythmic “beat” when speaking.
Here are a few quick examples:
あ (a) = 1 mora
あい (a-i) = 2 morae
きょう (kyo-u) = 2 morae
On this site, Japanese Morae show how many “beats” a name has in Japanese. Most Japanese names have about 2–4 morae, which affects how natural and rhythmic the name sounds to native speakers.
This helps you see how the name fits into the natural rhythm of Japanese speech.
What is English Transcription?
“English transcription” (romanization) is the romanized form of a Japanese name, intended to reproduce its pronunciation as closely as possible. It is also useful for searching names on this site.
Japanese-Style Nicknames
In Japan, nicknames are used to express familiarity and affection. Typical features include:
Shortened forms: Names are often shortened for closeness, e.g., “Yuki” from “Yukiko” or “Taka” from “Takashi”.
Suffixes: Terms like “-chan” (often for girls, also for young children) and “-kun” (often for boys) are used among family and close friends. Among very close adults, “-chan” may still be used. More details
Use & context: Nicknames are informal—common among friends, family, or close colleagues—and are not suitable for formal or professional settings. Their use implies a certain degree of intimacy.
Long vowels: The long vowel mark “chōonpu” (ー) extends the preceding vowel. For example, “あーちゃん” (A-chan) lengthens the “あ” sound.
Households
Sorts surnames by the estimated number of Japanese households that use them. More households generally indicates a more common or well-known surname.
About our last-name data
What is Onyomi?
Onyomi (“Sino-Japanese reading”) is a kanji reading derived from historical Chinese pronunciation.
What is Kunyomi?
Kunyomi (“native Japanese reading”) is a kanji reading based on native Japanese words. It often appears when a kanji stands alone or is followed by hiragana (okurigana), as in verbs and adjectives.
What is a Radical?
A radical (“bushu”) is a basic component used to classify and look up kanji in dictionaries. There are 214 traditional radicals, and many give a clue to the character’s meaning.
What is Stroke Count?
Stroke count (“kakusuu”) is the number of brushstrokes used to write a kanji. Following the correct stroke order and count helps maintain proper balance and readability.
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