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Kanji 始 - begin, start, first
始
begin, start, first
This character can be used for naming.
Examples of ideas to incorporate into a name
Begin - Beginning represents fresh starts, initiation, and new chapters. May your child begin each day and endeavor with hope.
Start - Starting represents beginning, initiative, and fresh starts. May your child start new ventures with courage and enthusiasm.
First - Being first represents leadership, pioneering spirit, and the courage to lead the way. May your child be first in character and courage, leading others with integrity.
Activate, Initiate - Objects serve purposes and remind us of what matters. May your child value things for their true worth and purpose.
Origin - Origin represents source, beginning, and the roots from which all grows. May your child honor their origins while growing beyond them.
Explore Names by Tag
First Names containing 始 - 75 names
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Explore First Names by Meaning
Here are some sample tags. Choose 'English word meanings' and try searching for any English word you like!
Last Names containing 始 - 14 names
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Explore Last Names by Meaning
Here are some sample tags. Choose 'English word meanings' and try searching for any English word you like!
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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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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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