Japanese female names. Japanese male names

A Japanese name (人名 jinmei?) these days usually consists of a family name (surname) followed by a personal name. This is a very common practice in Eastern and South-East Asia, including for Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai and some other cultures.

Names are usually written using kanji, which in different cases can have a variety of various options pronunciation.

Modern Japanese names can be compared to names in many other cultures. All Japanese have a single surname and a single given name without a patronymic, with the exception of the Japanese imperial family, whose members do not have a surname.

In Japan, the surname comes first, and then the given name. At the same time, in Western languages ​​(often also in Russian), Japanese names are written in the reverse order first name - last name - according to European tradition.

Names in Japan are often created independently from existing characters, so the country has a huge number of unique names. Surnames are more traditional and most often go back to place names. There are significantly more first names in Japanese than surnames. Male and female names differ due to their characteristic components and structure. Reading Japanese proper names is one of the most difficult parts of the Japanese language.

Using the tables below you can see how preferences have changed when choosing names over the past almost 100 years:

Popular names for boys

Year/Place 1 2 3 4 5

1915 Kiyoshi Saburou Shigeru Masao Tadashi

1925 Kiyoshi Shigeru Isamu Saburou Hiroshi

1935 Hiroshi Kiyoshi Isamu Minoru Susumu

1945 Masaru Isamu Susumu Kiyoshi Katsutoshi

1955 Takashi Makoto Shigeru Osamu Yutaka

1965 Makoto Hiroshi Osamu Naoki Tetsuya

1975 Makoto Daisuke Manabu Tsuyoshi Naoki

1985 Daisuke Takuya Naoki Kenta Kazuya

1995 Takuya Kenta Shouta Tsubasa Daiki

2000 Shou Shouta Daiki Yuuto Takumi

Popular names for girls

Year/Place 1 2 3 4 5

1915 Chiyo Chiyoko Fumiko Shizuko Kiyo

1925 Sachiko Fumiko Miyoko Hirsako Yoshiko

1935 Kazuko Sachiko Setsuko Hiroko Hisako

1945 Kazuko Sachiko Youko Setsuko Hiroko

1955 Youko Keiko Kyouko Sachiko Kazuko

1965 Akemi Mayumi Yumiko Keiko Kumiko

1975 Kumiko Yuuko Mayumi Tomoko Youko

1985 Ai Mai Mami Megumi Kaori

1995 Misaki Ai Haruka Kana Mai

2000 Sakura Yuuka Misaki Natsuki Nanami

Ai - F - Love

Aiko - F - Favorite child

Akako - F - Red

Akane - F - Sparkling red

Akemi - F - Dazzlingly beautiful

Akeno - M - Clear morning

Aki - F - Born in autumn

Akiko - F - Autumn child

Akina – F – Spring flower

Akio - M - Handsome

Akira - M - Smart, quick-witted

Akiyama - M - Autumn, mountain

Amaya - F - Night rain

Ami - F - Friend

Amida - M - Name of Buddha

Anda - F - Met in the field

Aneko - F - Older sister

Anzu - F - Apricot

Arata - M - Inexperienced

Arisu - F - Japanese. form of the name Alice

Asuka – F – Scent of Tomorrow

Ayame - F - Iris

Azarni – F – Thistle flower

Benjiro - M - Enjoying the World

Botan - M - Peony

Chika - F - Wisdom

Chikako - F - Child of Wisdom

Chinatsu - F - Thousand Years

Chiyo - F - Eternity

Chizu - F - Thousand storks (implies longevity)

Cho - F - Butterfly

Dai - M/F - Great

Daichi - M - Great First Son

Daiki - M - Great Tree

Daisuke - M - Great Help

Etsu - F - Delightful, charming

Etsuko - F - Delightful child

Fudo - M - God of fire and wisdom

Fujita – M/F – Field, meadow

Gin - F - Silver

Goro - M - Fifth Son

Hana - F - Flower

Hanako - F - Flower Child

Haru - M - Born in spring

Haruka - F - Distant

Haruko - F - Spring

Hachiro - M - Eighth Son

Hideaki - M - Brilliant, excellent

Hikaru – M/F – Light, shining

Hide - F - Fertile

Hiroko - F - Generous

Hiroshi - M - Generous

Hitomi - F - Doubly beautiful

Hoshi - F - Star

Hotaka - M - Name of a mountain in Japan

Hotaru - F - Firefly

Ichiro - M - First son

Ima - F - Gift

Isami - M - Courage

Ishi - F - Stone

Izanami - F - Attractive

Izumi - F - Fountain

Jiro - M - Second Son

Joben - M - Loving cleanliness

Jomei - M - Bringing Light

Junko - F - Pure child

Juro - M - Tenth Son

Kado - M - Gate

Kaede - F - Maple leaf

Kagami - F - Mirror

Kameko - F - Turtle Child (symbol of longevity)

Kanaye - M - Diligent

Kano - M - God of Water

Kasumi - F - Fog

Katashi - M - Hardness

Katsu - M - Victory

Katsuo - M - Victorious Child

Katsuro - M - Victorious Son

Kazuki - M - Joyful World

Kazuko - F - Cheerful child

Kazuo - M - Dear son

Kei - F - Respectful

Keiko - F - Adored

Keitaro - M - Blessed One

Ken - M - Big Man

Ken`ichi - M - Strong first son

Kenji - M - Strong second son

Kenshin - M - Heart of the Sword

Kenta - M - Healthy and brave

Kichi - F - Lucky

Kichiro - M - Lucky Son

Kiku - F - Chrysanthemum

Kimiko - F - Child of noble blood

Kin - M - Golden

Kioko - F - Happy child

Kisho - M - Having a head on his shoulders

Kita - F - North

Kiyoko - F - Clean

Kiyoshi - M - Quiet

Kohaku – M/F – Amber

Kohana - F - Small flower

Koko - F - Stork

Koto - F - Japanese. musical instrument "koto"

Kotone - F - Sound of koto

Kumiko - F - Forever beautiful

Kuri - F - Chestnut

Kuro - M - Ninth Son

Kyo - M - Agreement (or red)

Kyoko - F - Mirror

Leiko - F - Arrogant

Machi - F - Ten thousand years

Machiko - F - Lucky child

Maeko - F - Honest child

Maemi - F - Sincere smile

Mai - F - Bright

Makoto - M - Sincere

Mamiko - F - Child Mami

Mamoru - M - Earth

Manami – F – Beauty of love

Mariko - F - Child of truth

Marise – M/F – Infinite

Masa – M/F – Straightforward (person)

Masakazu - M - First son of Masa

Mashiro - M - Wide

Matsu - F - Pine

Mayako - F - Child Maya

Mayoko - F - Child Mayo

Mayuko - F - Child Mayu

Michi - F - Fair

Michie - F - Gracefully hanging flower

Michiko - F - Beautiful and wise

Michio - M - A man with the strength of three thousand

Midori - F - Green

Mihoko - F - Child Miho

Mika – F – New Moon

Miki – M/F – Stem

Mikio – M – Three woven trees

Mina - F - South

Minako - F - Beautiful child

Mine - F - Brave Defender

Minoru - M - Seed

Misaki – F – The Bloom of Beauty

Mitsuko - F - Child of Light

Miya - F - Three arrows

Miyako – F – Beautiful child of March

Mizuki – F – Beautiful Moon

Momoko - F - Child Peach

Montaro - M - Big Guy

Moriko - F - Child of the Forest

Morio - M - Forest boy

Mura - F - Village

Mutsuko - F - Child Mutsu

Nahoko - F - Child Naho

Nami - F - Wave

Namiko - F - Child of the Waves

Nana - F - Apple

Naoko - F - Obedient child

Naomi – F – “First of all, beauty”

Nara - F - Oak

Nariko - F - Sissy

Natsuko - F - Summer child

Natsumi – F – Wonderful summer

Nayoko - F - Baby Nayo

Nibori - M - Famous

Nikki – M/F – Two trees

Nikko - M - Daylight

Nori - F - Law

Noriko - F - Child of the Law

Nozomi - F - Nadezhda

Nyoko - F - Gemstone

Oki - F - Middle of the ocean

Orino – F – Peasant meadow

Osamu - M - Firmness of the Law

Rafu - M - Network

Rai - F - Truth

Raidon - M - God of Thunder

Ran - F - Water lily

Rei - F - Gratitude

Reiko - F - Gratitude

Ren - F - Water lily

Renjiro - M - Honest

Renzo - M - Third Son

Riko - F - Child of Jasmine

Rin - F - Unfriendly

Rinji - M - Peaceful Forest

Rini - F - Little bunny

Risako - F - Child Risa

Ritsuko - F - Child Ritsu

Roka - M - White wave crest

Rokuro - M - Sixth Son

Ronin - M - Samurai without a master

Rumiko - F - Child Rumi

Ruri - F - Emerald

Ryo - M - Excellent

Ryoichi - M - First son of Ryo

Ryoko - F - Child Ryo

Ryota - M - Strong (fat)

Ryozo - M - Third son of Ryo

Ryuichi - M - First son of Ryu

Ryuu - M - Dragon

Saburo - M - Third Son

Sachi - F - Happiness

Sachiko - F - Child of Happiness

Sachio - M - Fortunately born

Saeko - F - Child Sae

Saki - F - Cape (geographical)

Sakiko - F - Child Saki

Sakuko - F - Child Saku

Sakura – F – Cherry blossoms

Sanako - F - Child Sana

Sango - F - Coral

Saniiro - M - Wonderful

Satu - F - Sugar

Sayuri - F - Little lily

Seiichi - M - Sei's first son

Sen - M - Spirit of the Tree

Shichiro - M - Seventh Son

Shika - F - Deer

Shima - M - Islander

Shina - F - Decent

Shinichi - M - First son of Shin

Shiro - M - Fourth Son

Shizuka - F - Quiet

Sho - M - Prosperity

Sora - F - Sky

Sorano - F - Heavenly

Suki - F - Favorite

Suma - F - Asking

Sumi - F - Purified (religious)

Susumi - M - Moving forward (successful)

Suzu - F - Bell (bell)

Suzume - F - Sparrow

Tadao - M - Helpful

Taka - F - Noble

Takako - F - Tall child

Takara - F - Treasure

Takashi - M - Famous

Takehiko - M - Bamboo Prince

Takeo - M - Bamboo-like

Takeshi - M - Bamboo tree or brave

Takumi - M - Craftsman

Tama – M/F – Gemstone

Tamiko - F - Child of Abundance

Tani - F - From the valley (child)

Taro - M - Firstborn

Taura - F - Many lakes; many rivers

Teijo - M - Fair

Tomeo - M - Cautious person

Tomiko - F - Child of Wealth

Tora - F - Tigress

Torio - M - Bird's tail

Toru - M - Sea

Toshi - F - Mirror image

Toshiro - M - Talented

Toya – M/F – House door

Tsukiko - F - Moon Child

Tsuyu - F - Morning dew

Udo - M - Ginseng

Ume - F - Plum blossom

Umeko – F – Plum Blossom Child

Usagi - F - Rabbit

Uyeda - M - From the rice field (child)

Yachi - F - Eight thousand

Yasu - F - Calm

Yasuo - M - Peaceful

Yayoi - F - March

Yogi – M – Yoga practitioner

Yoko - F - Child of the Sun

Yori - F - Trustworthy

Yoshi - F - Perfection

Yoshiko - F - Perfect Child

Yoshiro - M - Perfect Son

Yuki - M - Snow

Yukiko - F - Snow Child

Yukio - M - Cherished by God

Yuko - F - Kind child

Yumako - F - Child Yuma

Yumi - F - Bow-like (weapon)

Yumiko – F – Arrow Child

Yuri - F - Lily

Yuriko - F - Child of the Lily

Yuu - M - Noble Blood

Yuudai - M - Great Hero

Nagisa - "coast"

Kaworu - “to smell”

Ritsuko - "science", "attitude"

Akagi - "mahogany"

Shinji - "death"

Misato - "beautiful city"

Katsuragi - "fortress with walls entwined with grass"

Asuka - lit. "love-love"

Soryu - "central current"

Ayanami - “strip of fabric”, “wave pattern”

Rei - “zero”, “example”, “soul”

KENSHIN name means "Heart of the Sword".

Akito - Sparkling Man

Kuramori Reika - "Treasure Protector" and "Cold Summer" Rurouni - Wandering Wanderer

Himura - "Burning Village"

Shishio Makoto - True Hero

Takani Megumi - "Love Sublime"

Shinomori Aoshi - "Green Bamboo Forest"

Makimachi Misao - "Run the City"

Saito Hajime - "The Beginning of Human Life"

Hiko Seijuro - "Justice Prevailed"

Seta Sojiro - “Comprehensive Forgiveness”

Mirai - the future

Hajime - boss

Mamoru - protector

Jibo - earth

Hikari - light

Atarashiki - transformations

Namida - tears

Sora - sky

Ginga - the universe

Eva - alive

Izya is a doctor

Usagi - hare

Tsukino - Lunnaya

Rey - soul

Hino - fire

Ami - rain

Mitsuno - merman

Corey - ice, icy

Makoto is true

Cinema - aerial, forest

Minako - Venus

Aino - loving

Setsuna - guard

Mayo - castle, palace

Haruka - 1) distant, 2) heavenly

Teno - heavenly

Michiru - the way

Kayo - sea

Hotaru - light

Tomo is a friend.

Kaori - soft, affectionate

Yumi - "Fragrant Beauty"

Hakufu - Noble Sign

What to name the child?

For future parents in Japan, special collections of names are published - just like here in general - so that they can choose the most suitable one for their child. In general, the process of choosing (or coming up with) a name comes down to one of the following ways:

1. can be used in the name keyword- seasonal phenomenon, shade of color, gemstone, etc.

2. the name may contain the parents’ wish to become strong, wise or brave, for which the hieroglyphs of strength, wisdom and courage are used, respectively.

3. You can also go from choosing the hieroglyphs you like most (in different spellings) and combining them with each other.

4. It has recently become popular to name a child based on hearing, i.e. depending on how pleasant the desired name is to the ear. Having chosen the desired pronunciation, they determine the hieroglyphs with which this name will be written.

5. It has always been popular to name a child after celebrities - heroes of historical chronicles, politicians, pop stars, TV series characters, etc.

6. Some parents rely on various fortune telling, believing that the number of traits in the hieroglyphs of the first and last names should be combined with each other.

The most common endings for Japanese names are:

Male names: ~aki, ~fumi, ~go, ~haru, ~hei, ~hiko, ~hisa, ~hide, ~hiro, ~ji, ~kazu, ~ki, ~ma, ~masa, ~michi, ~mitsu , ~nari, ~nobu, ~nori, ~o, ~rou, ~shi, ~shige, ~suke, ~ta, ~taka, ~to, ~toshi, ~tomo, ~ya, ~zou

Female names: ~a, ~chi, ~e, ~ho, ~i, ~ka, ~ki, ~ko, ~mi, ~na, ~no, ~o, ~ri, ~sa, ~ya, ~yo

Nominal suffixes

Personal pronouns

Japanese nominal suffixes and personal pronouns

Nominal suffixes

In Japanese, there is a whole set of so-called nominal suffixes, that is, suffixes added to colloquial speech to first names, last names, nicknames and other words designating an interlocutor or a third party. They are used to indicate the social relationship between the speaker and the one being spoken about. The choice of suffix is ​​determined by the character of the speaker (normal, rude, very polite), their attitude towards the listener (common politeness, respect, ingratiation, rudeness, arrogance), their position in society and the situation in which the conversation takes place (one-on-one, in a circle of loved ones friends, between colleagues, between strangers, in public). What follows is a list of some of these suffixes (in order of increasing respectfulness) and their usual meanings.

Tian (chan) - A close analogue of the “diminutive” suffixes of the Russian language. Usually used in relation to junior or inferior in social sense with whom a close relationship develops. There is an element of baby talk in the use of this suffix. Typically used when adults address children, boys address their girlfriends, girlfriends address each other, and small children address each other. The use of this suffix in relation to people who are not very close, equal in status to the speaker, is impolite. Let’s say, if a guy addresses a girl his age this way, with whom he is not “having an affair,” then he is being inappropriate. A girl who addresses a guy of her own age in this way, with whom she is not “having an affair,” is, in essence, being rude.

Kun (kun) - An analogue of the address “comrade”. Most often used between men or in relation to guys. Indicates, rather, a certain “officiality” of, nevertheless, close relationships. Let's say, between classmates, partners or friends. It can also be used in relation to juniors or inferior in a social sense, when there is no need to focus on this circumstance.

Yang (yan) - Kansai analogue of "-chan" and "-kun".

Pyon (pyon) - Children's version"-kun."

Tti (cchi) - Children's version of "-chan" (cf. "Tamagotti".

Without a suffix - Close relationships, but without “lisping.” The usual address of adults to teenage children, friends to each other, etc. If a person does not use suffixes at all, then this is a clear indicator of rudeness. Calling by last name without a suffix is ​​a sign of familiar, but “detached” relationships (a typical example is the relationship of schoolchildren or students).

San (san) - An analogue of the Russian “Mr./Madam”. General information for a respectful attitude. Often used to communicate with strangers, or when all other suffixes are inappropriate. Used in relation to elders, including older relatives (brothers, sisters, parents).

Han (han) - Kansai equivalent of "-san".

Si (shi) - “Master”, used exclusively in official documents after the surname.

Fujin - “Lady”, used exclusively in official documents after the surname.

Kouhai - Appeal to the younger. Especially often - at school in relation to those who are younger than the speaker.

Senpai (senpai) - Appeal to an elder. Especially often - at school in relation to those who are older than the speaker.

Dono (dono) - Rare suffix. Respectful address to an equal or superior, but slightly different in position. Currently considered obsolete and practically not found in communication. In ancient times, it was actively used when samurai addressed each other.

Sensei - “Teacher”. Used to refer to teachers and lecturers themselves, as well as doctors and politicians.

Senshu - “Sportsman.” Used to refer to famous athletes.

Zeki - “Sumo wrestler”. Used to refer to famous sumo wrestlers.

Ue (ue) - “Elder”. A rare and outdated respectful suffix used for older family members. Not used with names - only with designations of position in the family (“father”, “mother”, “brother”).

Sama - The highest degree of respect. Appeal to gods and spirits, to spiritual authorities, girls to lovers, servants to noble masters, etc. Roughly translated into Russian as “respected, dear, venerable.”

Jin (jin) - “One of.” "Saya-jin" means "one of Saya."

Tachi (tachi) - “And friends.” "Goku-tachi" - "Goku and his friends."

Gumi - “Team, group, party.” "Kenshin-gumi" - "Team Kenshin".

Japanese names and their meanings

Personal pronouns

In addition to nominal suffixes, Japan also uses many different ways to address each other and refer to themselves using personal pronouns. The choice of pronoun is determined by the social laws already mentioned above. The following is a list of some of these pronouns.

Group with the meaning "I"

Watakushi - A very polite female version.

Washi - An outdated polite option. Doesn't depend on gender.

Wai - Kansai equivalent of washi.

Boku - Familiar youth male version. Rarely used by women, in this case “unfemininity” is emphasized. Used in poetry.

Ore - Not a very polite option. Purely masculine. Like, cool. ^_^

Ore-sama - "Great Self". A rare form, an extreme degree of boasting.

Daiko or Naiko (Daikou/Naikou) - Similar to “ore-sama”, but somewhat less boastful.

Sessha - Very polite form. Typically used by samurai when addressing their masters.

Hishou - “Insignificant.” A very polite form, now practically not used.

Gusei - Similar to hisho, but somewhat less derogatory.

Oira - Polite form. Typically used by monks.

Chin - A special form that only the emperor has the right to use.

Ware - Polite (formal) form, translated as [I/you/he] “himself.” Used when the importance of "I" needs to be particularly expressed. For example, in spells (“I conjure.” In modern Japanese it is rarely used in the meaning of “I”. It is more often used to form a reflexive form, for example, “forgetting about oneself” - “ware wo wasurete.”

[Speaker's name or position] - Used by or when communicating with children, usually within the family. Let's say a girl named Atsuko might say, "Atsuko is thirsty." Or her older brother, addressing her, may say, “Brother will bring you juice.” There is an element of “lisping” in this, but such treatment is quite acceptable.

Group meaning “We”

Watashi-tachi - Polite option.

Ware-ware - Very polite, formal option.

Bokura - Impolite option.

Touhou - Regular option.

Group with the meaning “You/You”:

Anata - General polite option. It is also common for a wife to address her husband (“dear”).

Anta - Less polite option. Typically used by young people. A slight hint of disrespect.

Otaku - Literally translated as "Your home." A very polite and rare form. Due to the ironic use by Japanese informals in relation to each other, the second meaning was fixed - “feng, crazy.”

Kimi - Polite option, often between friends. Used in poetry.

Kijou - “Mistress”. A very polite form of addressing a lady.

Onushi - “Insignificant.” An outdated form of polite speech.

Omae - Familiar (when addressing an enemy - offensive) option. Usually used by men in relation to a socially younger person (father to daughter, say).

Temae/Temee (Temae/Temee) - Insulting male version. Usually in relation to the enemy. Something like “bastard” or “bastard.”

Honore (Onore) - Insulting option.

Kisama - A very offensive option. Translated with dots. ^_^ Oddly enough, it literally translates as “noble master.”

Japanese names

Modern Japanese names consist of two parts - the surname, which comes first, and the given name, which comes second. True, the Japanese often write their names in “European order” (first name - surname) if they write them in romaji. For convenience, the Japanese sometimes write their last name in CAPITAL letters so that it is not confused with their first name (due to the inconsistency described above).

The exception is the emperor and members of his family. They don't have a last name. Girls who marry princes also lose their surnames.

Ancient names and surnames

Before the Meiji Restoration, only aristocrats (kuge) and samurai (bushi) had surnames. The rest of the Japanese population was content with personal names and nicknames.

Women of aristocratic and samurai families also usually did not have surnames, since they did not have the right of inheritance. In those cases where women did have surnames, they did not change them upon marriage.

Surnames were divided into two groups - the surnames of aristocrats and the surnames of samurai.

Unlike the number of samurai surnames, the number of aristocratic surnames has practically not increased since ancient times. Many of them went back to the priestly past of the Japanese aristocracy.

The most respected and respected clans of aristocrats were: Konoe, Takashi, Kujo, Ichijo and Gojo. All of them belonged to the Fujiwara clan and had a common name - “Gosetsuke”. From among the men of this family, regents (sessho) and chancellors (kampaku) of Japan were appointed, and from among the women, wives for the emperors were chosen.

The next most important clans were the Hirohata, Daigo, Kuga, Oimikado, Saionji, Sanjo, Imaidegawa, Tokudaji and Kaoin clans. The highest state dignitaries were appointed from among them.

Thus, representatives of the Saionji clan served as imperial grooms (meryo no gogen). Next came all the other aristocratic clans.

The hierarchy of nobility of aristocratic families began to take shape in the 6th century and lasted until the end of the 11th century, when power in the country passed to the samurai. Among them, the clans Genji (Minamoto), Heike (Taira), Hojo, Ashikaga, Tokugawa, Matsudaira, Hosokawa, Shimazu, Oda enjoyed special respect. A number of their representatives at different times were shoguns (military rulers) of Japan.

The personal names of aristocrats and high-ranking samurai were formed from two kanji (hieroglyphs) with a “noble” meaning.

Personal names of samurai servants and peasants were often given according to the principle of "numbering". The first son is Ichiro, the second is Jiro, the third is Saburo, the fourth is Shiro, the fifth is Goro, etc. Also, in addition to “-ro”, the suffixes “-emon”, “-ji”, “-zo”, “-suke”, “-be” were used for this purpose.

Upon entering the period of adolescence, the samurai chose a different name for himself than the one given to him at birth. Sometimes samurai changed their names throughout adult life, for example, to emphasize the onset of a new period (promotion or moving to another duty station). The master had the right to rename his vassal. In cases of serious illness, the name was sometimes changed to that of Amida Buddha to appeal to his mercy.

According to the rules of samurai duels, before the fight the samurai had to say his full name so that the opponent could decide whether he was worthy of such an opponent. Of course, in life this rule was observed much less often than in novels and chronicles.

The suffix "-hime" was added to the end of the names of girls from noble families. It is often translated as "princess", but in fact it was used in relation to all noble young ladies.

The suffix “-gozen” was used for the names of samurai wives. They were often called simply by their husband's surname and rank. Personal names of married women were practically used only by their close relatives.

For the names of monks and nuns from the noble classes, the suffix “-in” was used.

Modern names and surnames

During the Meiji Restoration, all Japanese people were given surnames. Naturally, most of them were associated with various signs of peasant life, especially with rice and its processing. These surnames, like the surnames of the upper class, were also usually made up of two kanji.

The most common Japanese surnames now are Suzuki, Tanaka, Yamamoto, Watanabe, Saito, Sato, Sasaki, Kudo, Takahashi, Kobayashi, Kato, Ito, Murakami, Oonishi, Yamaguchi, Nakamura, Kuroki, Higa.

Men's names have changed less. They also often depend on the “serial number” of the son in the family. The suffixes "-ichi" and "-kazu" meaning "first son" are often used, as are the suffixes "-ji" ("second son" and "-zō" ("third son").

Most Japanese female names end in “-ko” (“child” or “-mi” (“beauty”). Girls, as a rule, are given names associated with everything beautiful, pleasant and feminine. Unlike male names, female names names are usually written in hiragana rather than kanji.

Some modern girls They don’t like the ending “-ko” in their names and prefer to omit it. For example, a girl named "Yuriko" might call herself "Yuri".

According to a law passed during the time of Emperor Meiji, after marriage, husband and wife are legally required to adopt the same surname. In 98% of cases this is the husband's last name. For several years now, parliament has been discussing an amendment to Civil Code, allowing spouses to keep premarital surnames. However, so far she cannot get the required number of votes.

After death, a Japanese person receives a new, posthumous name (kaimyo), which is written on a special wooden tablet (ihai). This tablet is considered to be the embodiment of the spirit of the deceased and is used in funeral rites. Kaimyo and ihai are purchased from Buddhist monks - sometimes even before the person's death.

The surname in Japanese is called "myoji" (苗字 or 名字), "uji" (氏) or "sei" (姓).

Vocabulary composition of the Japanese language for a long time was divided into two types: wago (Japanese 和語?) - native Japanese words and kango (Japanese 漢語?) - borrowed from China. Names are also divided into these types, although they are now actively expanding new type- gairaigo (Japanese 外来語?) - words borrowed from other languages, but components of this type are rarely used in names.

Modern Japanese names are divided into the following groups:

kunnye (consisting of vago)

onny (consisting of kango)

mixed

The ratio of kun and on surnames is approximately 80% to 20%.

The most common surnames in Japan:

Sato (Japanese: 佐藤 Sato:?)

Suzuki (Japanese: 鈴木?)

Takahashi (Japanese: 高橋?)

Tanaka (Japanese: 田中?)

Watanabe (Japanese: 渡辺?)

Ito (Japanese: 伊藤 Ito:?)

Yamamoto (Japanese: 山本?)

Nakamura (Japanese: 中村?)

Ohayashi (Japanese: 小林?)

Kobayashi (Japanese: 小林?) (different surnames, but spelled the same and have approximately the same distribution)

Kato (Japanese: 加藤 Kato:?)

Many surnames, although read according to the onon (Chinese) reading, go back to ancient Japanese words and are written phonetically, and not by meaning.

Examples of such surnames: Kubo (Japanese 久保?) - from Japanese. kubo (Japanese 窪?) - hole; Sasaki (Japanese 佐々木?) - from the ancient Japanese sasa - small; Abe (Japanese 阿部?) - from the ancient word ape - to connect, mix. If we take into account such surnames, then the number of native Japanese surnames reaches 90%.

For example, the character 木 (“tree”) is read in kun as ki, but in names it can also be read as ko; The character 上 (“up”) can be read in kun as either ue or kami. There are two different surnames, Uemura and Kamimura, which are written the same - 上村. In addition, there are dropouts and fusions of sounds at the junction of components, for example, in the surname Atsumi (Japanese 渥美?), the components individually are read as atsui and umi; and the surname 金成 (kana + nari) is often read simply as Kanari.

When combining hieroglyphs, it is typical to alternate the endings of the first component A/E and O/A - for example, 金 kane - Kanagawa (Japanese 金川?), 白 shiro - Shiraoka (Japanese 白岡?). In addition, the initial syllables of the second component often become voiced, for example 山田 Yamada (yama + ta), 宮崎 Miyazaki (miya + saki). Also, surnames often contain the remainder of the case indicator but or ha (in ancient times it was customary to place them between the first and last names). Usually this indicator is not written, but is read - for example, 一宮 Ichinomiya (ichi + miya); 榎本 Enomoto (e + moto). But sometimes the case indicator is displayed in writing in hiragana, katakana or hieroglyph - for example, 井之上 Inoue (and + but + ue); 木ノ下 Kinoshita (ki + katakana no + shita).

The vast majority of surnames in Japanese consist of two characters; surnames with one or three characters are less common, and surnames with four or more characters are very rare.

One-component surnames are mainly of Japanese origin and are formed from nouns or medial forms of verbs. For example, Watari (Japanese 渡?) - from watari (Japanese 渡り crossing?), 　Hata (Japanese 畑?) - the word hata means “plantation, vegetable garden”. Significantly less common are surnames consisting of one hieroglyph. For example, Cho (Japanese 兆 Cho:?) means “trillion”, In (Japanese 因?) means “reason”.

The majority of Japanese surnames consisting of two components are reported as 60-70%. Of these, the majority are surnames from Japanese roots - it is believed that such surnames are the easiest to read, since most of them are read according to the usual kuns used in the language. Examples - Matsumoto (Japanese 松本?) - consists of the nouns matsu “pine” and moto “root” used in the language; Kiyomizu (Japanese: 清水?) - consists of the adjective stem 清い kiyoi - “pure” and the noun 水 mizu - “water”. Chinese two-part surnames are less numerous and usually have one single reading. Often Chinese surnames contain numbers from one to six (excluding four 四, since this number is read in the same way as “death” 死 si and they try not to use it). Examples: Ichijo: (Japanese: 一条?), Saito: (Japanese: 斉藤?). There are also mixed surnames, where one component is read as on, and the other as kun. Examples: Honda (Japanese 本田?), hon - “base” (on reading) + ta - “rice field” (kun reading); Betsumiya (Japanese 別宮?), betsu - “special, different” (on reading) + miya - “temple” (kun reading). Also, a very small part of surnames can be read both in onam and kun: 坂西 Banzai and Sakanishi, 宮内 Kunai and Miyauchi.

Three-component surnames often contain Japanese roots written phonetically. Examples: 久保田 "Kubota (probably the word 窪 kubo "hole" is written phonetically as 久保), 阿久津 Akutsu (probably the word 明く aku "to open" is written phonetically as 阿久). However, ordinary three-component surnames consisting of three kun readings are also common. Examples: 矢田部 Yatabe, 小野木 Onoki. There are also three-component surnames with Chinese reading.

Four or more component surnames are very rare.

There are surnames with very unusual readings that look like puzzles. Examples: 十八女 Wakairo - written in hieroglyphs for “eighteen-year-old girl”, and read as 若色 “young + color”; The surname denoted by the hieroglyph 一 “one” is read as Ninomae, which can be translated as 二の前 ni no mae “before two”; and the surname 穂積 Hozue, which can be interpreted as “gathering ears of grain”, is sometimes written as 八月一日 “the first day of the eighth lunar month” - apparently on this day in ancient times the harvest began.

Japanese names consist of a surname followed by a given name, and as a rule, Japanese names are written in kanji. However, parents may also sometimes use the Japanese syllabaries hiragana and katakana to write their children's names. Moreover, in 1985, the list of officially permitted characters for recording Japanese names was expanded and now you can use Latin characters (Romanji), hentaiganu, man'yogana (syllabary alphabet), as well as special characters and symbols like * % $ ^ and the like. But in practice, hieroglyphs are almost always used to write Japanese names.

In the past, people in Japan were the property of the emperor, and their surname reflected their role in government. For example, Otomo (大友 "great friend, comrade"). Names were also given to let people know that the person had made some great achievement, contribution, etc.

Before the Meiji Restoration, common people did not have surnames, but, if necessary, used the name of the place of birth. For example, a person named Ichiro: could introduce himself as: "Ichiro: from Asahi Village, Musashi Province. Merchants used the names of their shops or brands. For example, Denbei, the owner of Sagamiya, could introduce himself as "Sagamiya Denbei." Peasants could name themselves after their father (for example, Isuke, whose father was called Genbei, could say: “Iseke, son of Genbei”).

After the Meiji Restoration, the government ordered all commoners to create a surname for themselves as part of a plan to modernize and westernize. Some people chose historical names, others simply made them up, for example by fortune telling, or turned to priests to choose a surname. This explains the fact that in Japan there are many different surnames, both in pronunciation and spelling, and creates difficulties in reading.

Japanese surnames are extremely diverse, with an estimated over 100,000 different surnames. Typical, most common Japanese surnames include: Sato (佐藤), Suzuki (铃木) and Takahashi (高桥).

However, Japanese surnames vary in prevalence in different regions of Japan. For example, the surnames Chinen (知念), Higa (比嘉), and Shimabukuro (岛袋) are common in Okinawa, but not in other parts of Japan. This is due mainly to the differences between the language and culture of the people of Yamato and Okinawa.

Many Japanese surnames come from characteristic features rural landscape, for example: Ishikawa (石川) means “stone river”, Yamamoto (山本) - “base of the mountain”, Inoue (井上) - “above the well”.

In general, surnames usually have some patterns and their reading does not cause any particular difficulties, but Japanese names are very diverse both in pronunciation and spelling.

Although many typical Japanese names can be easily written and read, many parents choose names with unusual characters or pronunciation. Such names do not have a clear reading or spelling.

The tendency to give such names has especially appeared since 1990. For example, the popular name for boys 大翔 is traditionally read as Hiroto, but alternative readings of this name have appeared: Haruto, Yamato, Daito, Taiga, Sora, Taito, Masato, and all of them have come into use.

Male names often end in –ro: (郎 “son”, but also 朗 “clear, bright”, e.g. Ichiro), –ta (太 “big, thick”, e.g. Kenta), contain ichi (一 “first [ son]), ji (二 - second [son]", or 次 "next", for example "Jiro"), or dai (大 "great, great", for example "Daiichi").

In addition, in male names with two hieroglyphs, hieroglyphs that indicate a male name are often used: 夫(o) - “husband”, 男(o) - “man”, 雄(o) - “hero”, 朗(ro:) - “ cheerful", 樹 (ki) - "tree", 助 (suke) "helper" and many others.

Japanese female names

Most Japanese female names have an abstract meaning. Usually in such names such characters are used as 美 mi “beauty”, 愛 ai “love”, 安 an “calmness”, 知 ti “mind”, 優 yu: “tenderness”, 真 ma “truth” and others. As a rule, names with similar hieroglyphs are given to girls as a wish to have these qualities in the future.

There is another type of female names - names with hieroglyphs of animals or plants. Names with the animal characters 虎　"tiger" or 鹿 "deer" were considered to promote health, but such names are now considered old-fashioned and are rarely used, with the exception of the character 鶴 "crane". Names containing hieroglyphs associated with flora, are still often used, for example 花 hana - "flower", 稲 ine - "rice", 菊 kiku - "chrysanthemum", 竹 take - "bamboo", 桃 momo - "peach", 柳 yanagi - "willow", and others.

There are also names with numerals, but they are very few in number and are quite rare. Such names most likely come from the old tradition of naming girls of noble families by birth order. Currently, the following characters are usually used among numerals: 千 ti "thousand", 三 mi "three", 五 go "five" and 七 nana "seven".

Quite often there are names with meanings of seasons, natural phenomena, time of day and many others. For example: 雪 yuki "snow", 夏 natsu "summer", 朝 asa "morning", 雲 kumo "cloud".

It happens that instead of hieroglyphs, syllabic alphabet are used. Moreover, the recording of such a name is constant, unlike words that can be written in different ways (in alphabet, in hieroglyphs, mixed). For example, if female name is written in hiragana, then it will always be written that way, although according to its meaning it can be written as a hieroglyph.

By the way, it’s very fashionable and exotic to use instead of classic female names foreign names: あんな Anna, まりあ Maria, えみり Emiri, れな Rena, りな Rina and others.

Indicator of Japanese female names.

A typical Japanese girl's name ends in the character -子 (child) – ko. (Maiko, Haruko, Hanako, Takako, Yoshiko, Asako, Naoko, Yumiko, etc.). And currently, about a quarter of Japanese female names end in -ko. Until 1868, this name was used only by members of the imperial family, but after the revolution this name became very popular, especially in the mid-20th century. However, after 2006, this indicator of a female name ceased to be fashionable due to the emergence of a new fashion for names, and many girls eliminated it from their names and began to call them simply Yumi, Hana, Haru, etc.

The second most frequently used character is 美 mi "beauty" (up to 12%), unlike many other indicators of the gender of a name, it can appear anywhere in the name (Fumiko, Mie, Kazumi, Miyuki).

Also, about 5% of Japanese female names contain the component 江 e "bay" (Mizue, 廣江 Hiroe).

Many other characters are used to indicate that this is a female name, each of which is found in less than 4% of female names: 代 yo "era", 香 ka "smell", 花 ka "flower", 里 ri "measure of length ri" ( often used phonetically), 奈 na is used phonetically, 織 ori "cloth" and others.

However, there are female names consisting of several hieroglyphs that do not have indicators that this is a female name. Examples: 皐月 Satsuki, 小巻 Komaki.

Popular Japanese names and their meanings

Since 2005, the Japanese company Benesse Corporation has annually published a ranking of popular Japanese names among newborns. In 2011, from January 1 to May 31, 34,500 people were born, of which 17,959 were boys and 16,541 were girls.

Popular Japanese male names

Popular Japanese female names

Japanese pet names/nicknames/nicknames

From each name you can form one or more diminutive names by adding the nominal suffix -chan or -kun to the stem. There are two types of name stems. One consists of the full name, such as Taro: -chan (Taro:), Kimiko-chan (Kimiko) and Yasunari-chan (Yasunari).

Another type of stem is an abbreviation of the full name. Ta:-chan (Taro:), Kii-chan (Kimiko), Ya:-chan (Yasunari), Ko:-kun, Ma:-kun, Sho:-chan, etc. The second type of diminutive name is of a more intimate nature (for example, between friends).

There are other ways to form diminutive names, for example, a girl with the name Megumi can be called Kei-chan, since the character with which the name Megumi begins (恵) can also be read as Kei.

The common Japanese practice of creating abbreviations, which involves combining the first two syllables of two words, is sometimes applied to names (usually celebrities).

For example, Kimura Takuya (木村拓哉), a famous Japanese actor and singer, becomes Kimutaku (キムタク). This is sometimes applied to foreign celebrities: Brad Pitt, whose full name in Japanese is Buraddo Pitto (ブラッド ピット), is fairly well known as Burapi (ブラピ), and Jimi Hendrix is ​​shortened to Jimihen (ジミヘン). Another slightly less common method is to double one or two syllables in a person's name. For example, Mamiko Noto may be called MamiMami.

Japanese names in Chinese

As a rule, Japanese names are written in hieroglyphs. And the Japanese, like many other things, borrowed hieroglyphs from the Chinese. Those. Japanese and Chinese will read the same character differently. For example, 山田太郎 (Yamada Taro:) a Chinese will read approximately as “Shantien Tailang”, and 鳩山由紀夫 (Hatoyama Yukio) as “Jiushan Youjifu”. That's why the Japanese don't understand their names when they read them in Chinese."

Reading Japanese first and last names

Reading names in Japanese is very difficult. The hieroglyphs of one name can be read different ways and at the same time, the pronunciation of one name can also be written in different ways... You can learn more about the features of reading Japanese names

Japanese nominal suffixes

In Japan, when addressing a person, it is customary to use nominal suffixes to refer to the surname or first name (usually the Japanese address each other by surname), more details about them are briefly written

Names and Surnames of Japanese Emperors

Japanese emperors do not have surnames, and their lifetime Japanese names are taboo and not used in official Japanese documents, and instead the emperor is addressed by his title without a given name. When an emperor dies, he receives a posthumous name, which consists of two parts: the name of the virtue glorifying him and the tenno title: “emperor.” For example:

During the life of the emperor, it is also not customary to address him by name, since in general it is not polite to address him by name, much less to the emperor, and instead various titles are used. For example, as a child, Akihito had a title - Tsugu-no-miya (Prince Tsugu). Such titles are mainly used while a person is an heir or has not received a special name.

please help

"heavenly distance" is translated as tengoku no kyori() or not?._.

Hehe, they asked... I'll try to explain.
Tengoku is the formation of two characters. The first when read ten means sky, heavens, and the second when read in phrases koku, something like a country. It turns out, a heavenly country, a heavenly kingdom. By the way, this can also be understood as the place where the gods lived.
Kyori, if my memory serves me correctly, this is the distance. Not the concept of “far, far”, but simply an expression of a certain length to an object. I would recommend taking something like tooku. It means "far, far, far away."
If you want such an elevated version, divine, then it’s better to Tengoku no tooku (I remind you that a double vowel in a translit from Japanese does not always mean its double reading. This syllable just lasts a little longer and more emphasis is placed on it. Or emphasis, if you like) .
Well, if you want more wood, then I would still recommend the good old “Sora”. Yes, now this is no longer so fashionable, because everyone knows it, but it is best suited because it means, first of all, airy, heavenly space (by the way, the same hieroglyph also means emptiness, but then it reads kara (karate from there ^_^ Empty hands)).
So the second option is Sora no tooka.
Even better is Tooka no Sora. After all, in Russian you can distort it in any way (heavenly distance, distant sky, sky in the distance). In Japan, you need to clarify because they can easily misunderstand. It is better to immediately indicate that the main word in the phrase “sky” is the object from which we start. The sky will always remain the sky, but distance is a subjective concept.

You can suggest Japanese names that sound similar to these: Lena, Lisa, Danil, Dasha, Maxim, Tanya, Arina. Thanks in advance.

Well, I tried to pick it up using katakana...
Arina: "ari", "arisi" - storm
Maxim: The sound is approximately “makusutateru” - to chat, “to chatter incessantly”))
Lena: "rea" - rare ("r" = "l")
Lisa: “Furiseina” is the only thing I remember. So it's a snow storm.
Tanya: reading "tanu" - fabric
Daniil: I remembered the physical term for “annealing” - “ail” (emphasis on “and”, it’s drawn out)
Dasha: “daru” is a binding “to be”. There was something similar in English. And there is also “dasi” - to leave, exit, get ready to leave. The meaning is clear.

And if possible something similar in sound to the name Sveta.) Thank you.

This is... "Sukhete" - everything, everything, all, in general, completely, everything, completeness. In short, something that includes everything. Mmm... comprehensive or something...

Please tell me how to say it in Japanese - green lightning, blue lightning, yellow lightning, red lightning, purple lightning, pink lightning, white lightning and black lightning

In advance Arigato

Midori Raiden

Aoi Raiden

Kiiroi Raiden

aka Raiden

Murasaki Raiden

Barairo Raiden

Shiroi Raiden

Kuroi Raiden

kou, why do you write midori and aka, but add something to shiro and kuro? In combinations of color names without the ending "th"!
Aoraiden
Kiirorayden
Shiroraiden
Kuroraiden
And yes, midori is still more often used to mean “live”, “ Live nature", "green". I don't think that lightning belongs to the plant kingdom. It's more like "ao" ("Aoi" is both blue and green).

How is iti-miti translated?

More like "Ichi-michi".
There are two options because two hieroglyphs can be written the same way.
Or "ichi" meaning "one" (count). "One Way" is released. It's kind of awkward.
"Ichi" means market, bazaar. It turns out to be a "trade route". I'm leaning towards this option.

But Bree knows.

I don't know anything! I just listened to enough anime with subs and the sound just stuck in my mind.
Well, a couple of grammar lessons somewhere at the first grade level in a Japanese school.
And then I remembered katakana and hiragana. (How tired of them I am T_T) Eh, but I should sign up for courses, at least I can write something.

Japanese female names, unlike male ones, in most cases have a simple reading and a clear, understandable meaning. Most female names are composed according to the “main component + exponent” scheme, but there are names without an indicative component.

Sometimes female Japanese names may be written in full or . Also, sometimes there are names with an onic reading, and also only in female names there are new non-Chinese borrowings (). In Japanese female names consisting of two or more hieroglyphs, there is usually a component at the end of the name that indicates that this name is a female one. Just as in male names, the component often determines how the entire name is read - by he or by kunu.

List of Japanese girl names in translation

Azumi- safe place to live
Azemi- thistle flower
Ay- Love
Ayano- silk colors
Akemi- bright beauty
Aki- autumn, bright
Akiko- autumn child or smart child
Akira- bright, clear, dawn
Akane- old Japanese female name - shiny, red
Amaterezu- bright across the skies
Ameya- evening rain
Aoi- blue
Arizu- noble look
Asuka- aroma
Asemi- women's morning beauty
Atsuko- hardworking, warm child
And I- colorful or woven silk
Ayaka- colorful flower, fragrant summer
Ayako- academic child
Ayam- Iris
Banquo- literary child
Janko- pure child
June- obedient
Zhina- silver
Izumi- fountain
Izenemi- a woman who invites
Yoko- ocean child, confident child
Yoshi- fragrant branch, good bay
Yoshiko- fragrant, good, noble child
Yoshshi- good
Cam
Kayao- beautiful generation, generation of increase
Keiko- happy, respectful child
Kay- respectful girl
Kyoko- pure child
Kiku- chrysanthemum
Kimi- abbreviation for names starting with "Kimi"
Kimiko — beautiful child stories, dear child, ruling child
Keen- golden woman
Kyoko- child of the capital
Cotoun- the sound of a harp
Koheku- amber
Kumiko- a beautiful, long-lasting child
Caed- maple
Kazu- branch, first blessed, harmonious
Kazuko- harmonious child
Kazumi- harmonious beauty
Cameo- turtle (symbol of long life)
Kemeko- turtle (symbol of long life)
Keori- aroma
Keoru- aroma
Katsumi- victorious beauty
Marie- beloved woman
Megumi- blessed
Miwa- beautiful harmony, three rings
Midori- green
Mizuki- beautiful moon
Mizeki- flower of beauty
Miyoko- a beautiful child of a generation, the third child of a generation
Mika- beautiful aroma
Miki- beautiful tree, three trees
Miko- beautiful baby blessing
Minori– beautiful harbor, village of beautiful areas
Mineko- beautiful child
Mitsuko- full child (blessings), bright child
Miho- beautiful bay
Michi- trail
Michiko- child on the right way, a thousand beauties of a child
Miyuki- beautiful happiness
Miyako- beautiful child in March
Mommo- peach
Momo- a hundred blessings, a hundred rivers
Momoko- baby peach
Moriko- forest child
Madoka- calm maiden
Mezumi- increased beauty, true purity
Maseko- manage the child
Mazami- correct, graceful beauty
May- dance
Meiko- child's dance
Meyumi- true bow, true absorbed beauty
Mackie- true report, tree
Maine- true
Manami- the beauty of love
Mariko- the real reason is child
Masa
Nana- seventh
Naoki- honest tree
Naomi- first of all beauty
Nobuko- devoted child
Nori
Noriko- child of principles
Neo- honest
Neoko- honest child
Natsuko- summer child
Natsumi- summer beauty
Ran- water lily
Reiko- a beautiful, polite child
Ray- polite woman
Ren- water lily
Rika- appreciated aroma
Rico- jasmine's child
Ryoko- good child
Sake- cape
Setsuko- moderate child
Sora- sky
Suzu- call
Suzumu- progressive
Suzyum- sparrow
Sumiko- clear, thinking child, pure child
Sayeri- small lily
Secker- cherry blossom
Sekiko- blooming child, earlier child
Sengo- coral
Sechiko- happy child
Teruko- bright child
Tomiko- child who preserved beauty
Tomoko- friendly, wise child
Toshi- emergency
Toshiko- a child of many years, a priceless child
Tsukiko- moon child
Takeko- tall, noble child
Thackera- treasure
Tamiko- child of abundance
Uzeji- rabbit
Umeko- child of plum blossom
Ume-elv- plum blossom
Fuji- wisteria
Fumiko- a child who kept beauty
Hideko- luxurious child
Hizeko- long-lasting child
Hikari- light or shining
Hikaru- light or bright
Hiro- widespread
Hiroko- generous child
Hiromi- widespread beauty
Hitomi- the name is usually given to girls with especially beautiful eyes
Hoteru- firefly, lightning bug
Hoshi- star
Hena- favorite or flower
Heneko- loafer
Haruka- far
Haruki- tree of springtime
Haruko- child of springtime
Harumi- the beauty of springtime
Chi- wisdom, a thousand blessings
Chiyo- a thousand generations
Chiyoko- child of a thousand generations
Chica- wisdom
Chico- wise child, a thousand blessings of a child
Chikeko- child of wisdom
Chinatsu- a thousand years
Chiharu- one thousand springs
Chiesa- morning repeated a thousand times
Cho- butterfly
Shayori- bookmark, guide
Shig
Shigeko- exuberant child
Shizuka- quiet girl
Shizuko- calm the child down
Chic- gentle deer
Shinju- pearl
Eiko- long-lasting child, luxurious child
Eika- love song
Eiko- beloved child, child of love
Amy- the beauty of love
Eyumi- walk
Amy- smile
Emiko- smiling child
Erie- lucky prize
Etsuko- joyful child
Yuka- fragrant, friendly blossom
Yuki- happiness, snow
Yukiko- snow child or happy child
Yuko- useful, superior child
Yumi- bow, useful beauty
Yumiko- a beautiful, useful child
Yuri- lily
Yuriko- Lily's child, dear child
Yayoi- spring
Yasu- calm girl
Yasuko- honest child, peaceful child

Japanese female names

Popular Japanese male names are presented here in Russian. These are modern beautiful Japanese boy names that are used by the Japanese population nowadays.

Male Japanese names are the most difficult part of Japanese writing to read; it is in male Japanese names that non-standard readings are very common nanori and rare readings, strange changes in some components. Although there are also names that are easy to read.

For example, the names Kaoru, Shigekazu and Kungoro use the same character for "aroma", but it is read differently in each name. A common component of names Yoshi can be written 104 different signs and their combinations. Often, reading a Japanese male name is not at all connected with the written hieroglyphs of names, so it happens that only the bearer himself can read the name correctly.

List of Japanese male names in translation

Akayo- clever man
Aki- autumn, bright
Akira- bright, clear, dawn
Akihiko- bright prince
Akihiro- smart, scientist, bright
Aretha- new
Atsushi- warm-hearted, hardworking
Goro- fifth son
Jero- tenth son
Giro- second son
June- obedient
Junichi- obedient, purity, first
Deiki- of great value
Daysuke- great helper
Daichi- great first son or great land
Izamu- brave man, warrior
Izao- honor, merit
Izanaji- a man who invites
Yoichi- male, first (son)
Iori- addiction
Yoshayo- good man
Yoshi- good
Yoshikazu- good and harmonious, fair, first (son)
Yoshinori- noble dignity, fair principles
Yoshiro- good son
Yoshito- a good, lucky person
Yoshihiro- widespread excellence
Yoshieki- fair fame, bright success
Yoshiyuki- fair happiness
Eewoo- stone man
Ichiro- first boy son
Kayoshi- quiet
Keiji- respectful, second (son)
Keiichi- respectful, first (son)
Ken- healthy and strong
Kenji- intellectual ruler
Kenichi- first builder, governor
Kenta- healthy, strong
Kenshin- humble truth
Kero- ninth son
Kiyoshi- pure, holy
Kio- approvals, ginger, or greater
Kichiro- lucky son
Koji- filial ruler, happy, second (son)
Koichi- bright, widespread, first (son)
Koheku- amber
Kunayo- compatriot
Kazuki- the beginning of a new generation, a pleasant world, or radiance
Kazuo- harmonious person
Kazuhiko- the first, harmonious prince
Kazuhiro- harmony, widespread
Keitashi- hardness
Catsero- victorious son
Katsu- victory
Katsuo- victorious child
Makoto- a true man
Masashi- correct, luxurious official
Mikayo- tree trunk man
Minori— a beautiful harbor, a village of beautiful people
Minoru- fruitful
Mitseru- full height
Mitsuo- bright person, third man (son)
Michayo- a person on the (right) path
Michi- trail
Madoka- calm
Mazuio- increasing the world
Mazeki- correct report, elegant tree
Mazenory- correct principles, successful government
Maseo- correct the person
Mazar- intellectual, victorious
Matheto- correct, graceful person
Mazahiko- fix the prince
Mazehiro- control widely
Mazaeki- correct brightness
Memoru- protect
Manebu- diligent
Masa- abbreviation for names starting with "Masa"
Maseyoshi- governing fairly, shining perfection
Maseyuki- true happiness
Naoki- honest tree
Noboru- rise, rise, virtuous
Nobu- faith
Nobuo- a devoted person
Nobuyuki- devoted happiness
Norayo- a man of principles
Nori- abbreviation for names starting with "Nori"
Neo- honest boy
Ozemu- male ruler
Rio- excellent
Riota- strong, strong
Rokero- sixth son
Raiden- Thunder and lightning
Ryuu- the Dragon
Seiji- warning, second (son)
Seiichi- warning, clean, first (son)
Suzumu- progressive
Sabero- third son
Sedeo- deciding person
Satoru- enlightened
Setoshi- clear thinker, quick-witted, wise
Takashi- a filial official worthy of praise
Takayuki- filial happiness, noble
Tarot- great son (this name is given only to the first son)
Teruo- bright person
Tetsuo- clear (thinking) man, iron man
Tetsuya- iron that becomes, clear evening
Tomayo- the person who kept it
Toru- penetrations, wanderer
Toshayo- man of anxiety, genius
Toshi— emergency
Toshieki- emergency and bright, mature brightness
Toshiyuki- emergency and happy
Tsuyoshi- strong
Tsuneo- common person
Tsutomu- working man
Tedeo- loyal person
Tedashi- correct, loyal, fair
Takeo- male warrior
Takehiko- Soldier's Prince
Takeshi- cruel, warrior
Tekumi- artisan
Tekeo- tall, noble man
Takehiro- widespread nobility
Tamotsu- complete, protecting
Tetsuo- dragon man
Tetsuya- a dragon that one becomes (and has its wisdom and longevity)
Hideki- luxury opportunity
Hideo- luxurious person
Hidiqi- brilliant excellence, luxurious brightness
Hizoka- saved
Hizeo- long-lived person
Hizeshi- durable
Hikaru- light or shining
Hiro- wide, widespread
Hiroaki- widespread brightness
Hiroyuki- widespread happiness
Hiroki- rich joy, strength
Hiromi- widespread observation, widespread beauty
Hiroshi- abundant, widespread
Hitoshi- balanced, level
Hoteka- step by step
Hedzheim- Start
Haruo- springtime man
Hechiro- eighth son
Shig- abbreviation for names starting with "Shij"
Shigeru- excellent, plentiful
Shijo- a wealthy person
Shin- a true man
Shinji- devotee, second (son)
Shinichi- devoted, first (son)
Shiro- fourth son
Shichiro- seventh Son
Shoji- corrective, shining, second (son)
Shoichi- correct, successful, first (son)
Shuji- excellent, second (son)
Shuichi- excellent, manager, first (son)
Eiji- excellent second son, luxurious ruler
Yuichi- brave, friendly, first (son)
Yukayo- happy man
Yuki- happiness, snow
Uteka- abundantly, prosperous
Yuu- superior
Yudei- great hero
Yuchi- brave, second, son
Yasuo- honest, peaceful person
Yasuhiro- rich honesty, widespread peace
Yasushi- honest and peaceful

Many of us are familiar with Japanese names from anime, literary and artistic characters, by famous Japanese actors and singers. But what do these sometimes beautiful and sweet, and sometimes completely dissonant Japanese names and surnames mean to our ears? What is the most popular Japanese name? How can you translate Russian names into Japanese? What is the meaning of the characters in a Japanese name? What Japanese names are rare? I will try to talk about this and much more based on personal experience residence in the Country rising sun. Since this topic is very extensive, I will divide it into three parts: the first will talk about Japanese names and surnames in general, and the last will talk about beautiful female names and their meanings.

A Japanese name consists of a surname and a given name. Sometimes a nickname is inserted between them, for example Nakamura Nue Satoshi (here Nue is a nickname), but, naturally, it is not in the passport. Moreover, during roll call and in the list of authors of documents, the order will be exactly this: first the last name, then the first name. For example, Yosuke's Honda, not Yosuke's Honda.

In Russia, as a rule, it’s the other way around. Compare for yourself, which is more familiar: Anastasia Sidorova or Anastasia Sidorova? Russian names and surnames in general differ from Japanese ones in that we have many people with the same names. Depending on the generation, at one time or another among our classmates or classmates there were three Natashas, ​​four Alexanders, or all Irinas. The Japanese, on the contrary, have the same surnames.

According to the site version myoji-yurai Japanese “Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov” are:

1. Satō (佐藤 – helper + wisteria, 1 million 877 thousand people),
2. Suzuki (鈴木 - bell + tree, 1 million 806 thousand people) and
3. Takahashi (高橋 – high bridge, 1 million 421 thousand people).

The same names (not only in sound, but also with the same hieroglyphs) are very rare.

How do Japanese parents come up with names for their children? The most reliable answer can be obtained by looking at one of the typical Japanese name aggregator sites (yes, such exist!) bi-name.

• First, the parents' surname is specified (women do not always change their surname when married, but children have their father's surname), for example, Nakamura 中村, then their names (for example, Masao and Michiyo - 雅夫 and 美千代) and the gender of the child (boy). The surname is specified in order to select names that go with it. This is no different from Russia. The parents' names are needed in order to use one of the hieroglyphs from the father's name (in the case of a boy) or from the mother's hieroglyphs (in the case of a girl) in the child's name. This is how continuity is maintained.
• Next, select the number of hieroglyphs in the name. Most often there are two: 奈菜 - Nana, less often one: 忍 - Shinobu or three: 亜由美 - Ayumi, and in exceptional cases four: 秋左衛門 - Akisaemon.
• The next parameter is the type of characters that the desired name should consist of: these will be only hieroglyphs: 和香 - Waka, or hiragana for those who want to quickly write the name: さくら - Sakura, or katakana used for writing foreign words: サヨリ - Sayori. Also, the name can use a mixture of hieroglyphs and katakana, hieroglyphs and hiragana.

When selecting hieroglyphs, it is taken into account how many features it consists of: a distinction is made between favorable and unfavorable quantities. There is a formed group of hieroglyphs that are suitable for composing names.

So, the first result of my hypothetical query is Nakamura Aiki 中村合希 (the meaning of the hieroglyphs is “dream-realizer”). This is just one among hundreds of options.

Hieroglyphs can also be selected by sound. This is where the main difficulty arises in comparing Russian and Japanese names. What if names have similar sounds but different meanings? This issue is resolved in different ways. For example, my sons’ names are Ryuga and Taiga, but Russian grandparents call them Yurik and Tolyan, and it’s more convenient for me to call them Ryugasha and Taigusha.

The Chinese, who use hieroglyphs exclusively, simply write down Russian names according to their sound, choosing hieroglyphs with more or less good value. In my opinion, the most consistent translation of Russian names into Japanese should be based on their meanings. The most popular example of the implementation of this principle is the name Alexander, that is, protector, which in Japanese sounds like Mamoru, means the same thing and is written with the same hieroglyph 守.

Now regarding the use of names in Everyday life. In Japan, just like in America, surnames are used in formal communication: Mr. Tanaka 田中さん, Mrs. Yamada 山田さん. Female friends call each other by name + suffix -san: Keiko-san, Masako-san.

In families, when family members address each other, their family status is used, not their name. For example, a husband and wife do not call each other by name, they call each other "supurug" and "wife": danna-san 旦那さん and oku-san 奥さん.

It's the same with grandparents, brothers and sisters. The emotional coloring and this or that status of a household member is emphasized by the well-known suffixes -kun, -chan, -sama. For example, “granny” is baa-chan ばあちゃん, a wife as beautiful as a princess is “oku-sama” 奥様. That rare case when a man can call his girlfriend or wife by name is in a fit of passion, when he can no longer control himself. It is permissible for women to address themselves as “anta” - あなた or “dear”.

Only children are called by name, and not only their own. Suffixes are also used, the eldest daughter, for example, is Mana-san, the youngest son is Sa-chan. Wherein real name"Saiki" is shortened to "Sa". It's cute from a Japanese point of view. Boys from infancy to adulthood are called na-kun, for example: Naoto-kun.

In Japan, as well as in Russia, there are strange and even vulgar names. Often such names are given by short-sighted parents who want to somehow distinguish their child from the crowd. Such names are called in Japanese “kira-kira-nemu” キラキラネーム (from Japanese “kira-kira” - a sound conveying shine and from English name), that is, “brilliant name”. They enjoy some popularity, but like all controversial things, there are good and bad examples of using such names.

A scandalous incident that was widely discussed in the Japanese press was when a son was given a name that literally means “demon” - Japanese. Akuma 悪魔. This name, as well as the use of similar hieroglyphs in the name, was banned after this incident. Another example is Pikachu (this is not a joke!!!) Japanese. ピカチュウ named after the anime character.

Speaking about successful “kira-kira-nemu”, one cannot fail to mention the female name Rose, which is written with the hieroglyph “rose” - 薔薇 in Japanese. "bara", but pronounced in a European manner. I also have one of my Japanese nieces (because I have 7 of them!!!) with a brilliant name. Her name is pronounced June. If you write it in Latin, then June, that is, “June”. She was born in June. And the name is written 樹音 - literally “sound of wood”.

To summarize the story about such different and unusual Japanese names, I will give tables of popular Japanese names for girls and boys for 2017. These tables are compiled every year based on statistics. Often, it is these tables that become the last argument for Japanese parents choosing a name for their child. Perhaps the Japanese really like to be like everyone else. These tables display the ranking of names by hieroglyphs. There is also a similar rating based on the sound of the name. It is less popular because choosing characters is always a very difficult task for a Japanese parent.

What Japanese names did you like?