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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!
This name is also used as a first name: Ogawa
In Japanese culture, kanji are characters that originated from Chinese script, and the meaning of a name changes depending on the kanji characters chosen. Even surnames with the same pronunciation can have different meanings based on the kanji used. Below are the kanji variations for "Ogawa," listed in order of popularity based on household usage in Japan.
Introduction to how Japanese names work About this site's data of last names
小 means "small, little, tiny."
Small - Refers to something that is of a small size or amount.
Insignificant - Refers to something that is not important or of little value.
Young - Refers to someone who is young in age.
Humble - Refers to someone who speaks of themselves in a humble manner.
Prefix - Used as a prefix to modify the meaning of a word or phrase.
川 means "river, stream, brook."
小 means "small, little, tiny."
Small - Refers to something that is of a small size or amount.
Insignificant - Refers to something that is not important or of little value.
Young - Refers to someone who is young in age.
Humble - Refers to someone who speaks of themselves in a humble manner.
Prefix - Used as a prefix to modify the meaning of a word or phrase.
河 means "river, stream, watercourse."
River - A large river, such as the Yellow River in China.
梶 means "tree branch."
Directional Control - Used to control the direction of a boat or car.
Broussonetia Papyrifera - A deciduous tree of the Quercus family.
川 means "river, stream, brook."
押 means "push, press, hold down."
Push - To press or push something.
Restrain - To hold back or restrain something.
Impose - To force or impose something.
Secure - To secure or hold something in place.
Stamp - A mark or signature used as a substitute for a signature.
Pressure - The force of trying to get one's point across, even if it is unreasonable.
川 means "river, stream, brook."
及 means "and, as well as, reach, extend."
川 means "river, stream, brook."
雄 means "male, masculine."
Male Animal - A male animal, usually referring to a dominant male in a species.
Male Plant - A male plant, usually referring to a plant with male reproductive organs.
Superior - To be better than others, to be superior in some way.
Outstanding Person - A person who is outstanding in some way, usually referring to someone who is highly skilled or talented.
Strong - To be powerful, brave, and forceful.
Prosperous - To be full of energy and vigor.
川 means "river, stream, brook."
緒 means "beginning, end, thread, cord, strap."
Beginning - The start or origin of something.
Thread - The end or tip of a thread.
Continuity - A connection or series of events.
Heart - A feeling or emotion.
Cord - A long, continuous thing.
川 means "river, stream, brook."
老 means "old, aged, senior."
To Age - To grow old, to become elderly.
Elderly Person - Someone who has accumulated experience and is experienced.
To Treat As Elderly - To treat someone with respect due to their age.
To Retire Due To Age - To retire from work due to having reached a certain age.
Lao Tzu - A Chinese philosopher, also known as Laozi, whose abbreviated name is "Lao".
川 means "river, stream, brook."
緒 means "beginning, end, thread, cord, strap."
Beginning - The start or origin of something.
Thread - The end or tip of a thread.
Continuity - A connection or series of events.
Heart - A feeling or emotion.
Cord - A long, continuous thing.
河 means "river, stream, watercourse."
River - A large river, such as the Yellow River in China.
於 means "at, in, on."
At, On, In - This kanji is used to indicate a time or place.
Oh - This kanji is used to express emotion, such as awe or admiration.
川 means "river, stream, brook."
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.
川 means "river, stream, brook."
恩 means "gratitude, kindness, favor."
Grace - A kind and generous act, often given without expecting anything in return.
Mercy - Compassion and forgiveness shown towards someone, especially when punishment is deserved.
Compassion - A deep feeling of sympathy and understanding for someone or something, often accompanied by a desire to help.
河 means "river, stream, watercourse."
River - A large river, such as the Yellow River in China.
The list contains people mentioned in Wikipedia. All JP links are in Japanese only. Sorry!
Last names that have the same initial of O.
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Sort by: Most Kanji Variations
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).
Sort by: Most Viewed
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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