I’ve implemented a Name Filter in the Japanese Name Generator, which allows you to filter through the displayed names. You can also specify multiple strings separated by spaces for a more refined search. Please give it a try!
03/25/2024
On the Japanese Name Generator page, I’ve added notations for the first name and last name for each name. I’ve also made some layout adjustments. Enjoy creating your new Japanese name!
03/13/2024
On the Japanese Name Generator page, I’ve added Romanized versions to the reading of Kanji names. This should make it easier for people who are unfamiliar with Hiragana to read the names.
02/24/2024
I have added the Kanji combination ‘是空‘ for the first name Zekuu.
02/19/2024
The My Name in Japanese page now allows for conversion not only to Katakana names but also to Hiragana and Kanji names!
02/19/2024
This site’s contact form did not work properly from the beginning of January 2024 until February 19, 2024. If you sent messages during this time, please resend them. I apologize for the inconvenience.
01/24/2024
Japanese Name Generator I increased the number of names displayed initially on the page from 30 to 100.
12/26/2023
I’ve added English transcription to Last Names, similar to First Names. Additionally, enhanced the search functionality for hiragana and katakana.
Previously, searching in Japanese Hiragana or Katakana would only yield results if the name was registered in Hiragana or Katakana. Now, names that have Hiragana or Katakana phonetic guides (Furigana) will also appear in search results.
English transcriptions are assisted by the power of AI. If you find anything unusual, please let us know via the Contact form!
12/15/2023
I have added furigana (small kana characters next to kanji to indicate their pronunciation) and text-to-speech functionality to the hiragana and katakana in the Japanese Naming Characters List.
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 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
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