Japanese maiden names. Japanese names and their meanings
Women of aristocratic and samurai families also usually did not have surnames, since they did not have the right to inherit. In 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 surnames of aristocrats has practically not increased since ancient times. Many of them date back to the priestly past of the Japanese aristocracy.
The most revered and respected clans of aristocrats were: Konoe, Takashi, Kujo, Ichijo and Gojo. All of them belonged to the Fujiwara clan and had common name- Gosetsuke. From among the men of this kind, regents (sessho) and chancellors (kampaku) of Japan were appointed, and wives for emperors were chosen from among women.
The following in nobility were the Hirohata, Daigo, Kuga, Oimikado, Saionji, Sanjo, Imaidegawa, Tokudaiji, and Kaoin clans. From among them, the highest state dignitaries were appointed. So, representatives of the Saionji clan served as imperial stables (meryo no gogen). Then came all the other aristocratic clans.
The hierarchy of nobility of aristocratic families began to take shape in the VI century and lasted until the end of the XI century, when power in the country passed to the samurai. Among them, the clans of Genji (Minamoto), Heike (Taira), Hojo, Ashikaga, Tokugawa, Matsudaira, Hosokawa, Shimazu, Oda enjoyed special respect. A number of their representatives in different time were the shoguns (military rulers) of Japan.
The personal names of aristocrats and high-ranking samurai were formed from two kanji (hieroglyphs) of a "noble" meaning.
The 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, and so on. Also, in addition to "-ro", the suffixes "-emon", "-ji", "-zo", "-suke", "-be" were used for this purpose.
Upon entering the samurai during his youth, he chose a different name for himself than what he was given at birth. Sometimes the samurai changed their names and throughout adulthood, for example, to emphasize the onset of her new period (promotion or moving to another duty station). The lord had the right to rename his vassal. In the event of a serious illness, the name was sometimes changed to the name of the Buddha Amida in order to appeal to his mercy.
According to the rules of samurai fights, before the fight, the samurai had to give his full name so that the enemy could decide whether he was worthy of such an opponent. Of course, in life this rule was observed much less frequently than in novels and chronicles.
At the end of the names of girls from noble families, the suffix "-hime" was added. It is often translated as "princess", but in fact it was used in relation to all noble young ladies.
For the names of the wives of the samurai, the suffix "-gozen" was used. Often they were called simply by their husband's surname and rank. personal names married women practically used only by their close relatives.
For the names of monks and nuns from the noble classes, the suffix "-in" was used.
Do you know Japanese names and their meanings? What names are popular in Japan today? We will answer these and other questions in the article. Japanese names nowadays, as a rule, they include a family name (surname) and the personal name following it. This practice is common in East and Southeast Asia, including in Korean, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and other cultures.
Name comparison
- Akayo is an intelligent man;
- Aki - bright, autumn;
- Akio is a charmer;
- Akira - clear, brilliant;
- Akihiko is a colorful prince;
- Akihiro - spectacular, learned, smart;
- Areta - the newest;
- Goro is the fifth son;
- Jero is the tenth son;
- Jun - obedient;
- Daisyuk is a great helper;
- Izamu - daring, warrior;
- Isao - merit, honor;
- Iori - addiction;
- Yoshieki - true glory, spectacular luck;
- Ichiro is the first heir;
- Kayoshi - calm;
- Ken is healthy and strong;
- Kero is the ninth son;
- Kichiro is a lucky son;
- Katsu - triumph;
- Makoto - true;
- Mitseru - complete;
- Memoru is a protector;
- Naoki is an honest tree;
- Nobu - faith;
- Norio is a man of principles;
- Ozemu - autocrat;
- Rio is magnificent;
- Raiden - thunder and lightning;
- Ryuu is a dragon;
- Seiji - warning, second (son);
- Suzumu - progressive;
- Takayuki - noble, filial happiness;
- Teruo is a flamboyant person;
- Toshi - emergency;
- Temotsu - protecting, full;
- Tetsuo - dragon man;
- Tetsuya is the dragon one transforms into (and possesses his longevity and wisdom);
- Fumayo is an academic, literary child;
- Hideo is a luxury person;
- Hizoka - saved;
- Hiroki - rich fun, strength;
- Hechiro is the eighth son;
- Shin - true;
- Shoichi - correct;
- Yukayo is a happy person;
- Yuki - grace, snow;
- Yuudei is a great hero;
- Yasuhiro - rich honesty;
- Yasushi - honest, peaceful.
Beautiful names of men in Japan are usually divided into two types: single-component and multi-component. The composition of names with one element includes a verb, as a result of which the name has an ending - for example, Mamoru (intercessor). Or an adjective with an ending - si, for example, Hiroshi (spacious).
Sometimes you can find names with one sign that have an on-reading. Names made up of a pair of hieroglyphs usually indicate masculinity. For example: son, warrior, man, husband, courageous and so on. Each of these indicators has its own ending.
In the structure of such names, there is usually a hieroglyph that reveals what reading the name should be read. There are also names consisting of three elements. In this episode, the indicator will be two-link. For example, "eldest son", " younger son" etc. It is rare to find a person with a three-link name and a one-component indicator. Infrequently, there are names that contain four components, written in Japanese alphabet, and not in hieroglyphs.
Name Shizuka
Japanese name meaning "dragon" like local residents as well as foreigners. What is the name Shizuka? Interpretation of this name: quiet. The meanings of the letters in this name are as follows:
- Ш - developed intuition, impulsiveness, ambition, diligence, independence.
- And - intelligence, emotionality, kindness, pessimism, uncertainty, creative inclinations.
- Z - independence, developed intuition, intelligence, diligence, pessimism, secrecy.
- U - kindness, developed intuition, sincerity, creative inclinations, spirituality, optimism.
- K - developed intuition, ambition, impulsiveness, practicality, kindness, sincerity.
- A - selfishness, activity, creative inclinations, impulsiveness, ambition, sincerity.
The number of the name Shizuka is 7. It hides the ability to direct abilities into the world of philosophy or art, into religious activity, the sphere of science. But the results of the activities of people with this name largely depend on a deep analysis of already accomplished victories and on the true planning of their own future. Knowing other people, they often turn into leaders and teachers of the highest class. But if they are engaged in commercial or financial affairs, then here they themselves will need someone's help.
The planet named Shizuka is Mercury, the element is cold dry air, the sign of the zodiac is Virgo and Gemini. The color of this name is changeable, colorful, mixed, day - Wednesday, metals - bismuth, mercury, semiconductors, minerals - agate, emerald, topaz, porphyry, rock crystal, glass, sardonyx, plants - parsley, basil, celery, walnut tree, valerian , animals - weasel, monkey, fox, parrot, stork, thrush, nightingale, ibis, lark, flying fish.
Japanese female names, unlike men's, are read quite simply and have a clear meaning. They have interesting traditions and unforgettable translation. Women's names amaze with their sound, and one can only guess what is hidden behind it. But we propose not to guess, but to find out what female Japanese names really mean. It will be interesting! Doubt? Read on and check for yourself!
Female Japanese names
Japanese female names are very easy to read and easily translated. The translation from Japanese is excellent as always. The meaning of the name gives its owner something sublime and beautiful. You can see for yourself, before you list of female Japanese given names.
| Name | Meaning |
| A zumi | safe place to live |
| ai | indigo or love |
| Ayano | silk colors |
| Aika | love song |
| Akemi | bright beauty |
| Aimi | beauty of love |
| Asuka | fragrance |
| Atsuko | kind child |
| Amea | evening rain |
| Ayame | iris flower |
| Akane | brilliant |
| Akane | brilliant red |
| Ayame | patterned girl |
| Arizou | noble appearance |
| B unco | educated child |
| D janco | pure child |
| June | obedient |
| AND zumi | fountain |
| Yoko | ocean baby |
| Yoshi | fragrant branch |
| Yoshiko | noble child |
Japanese female names are most often read by kuna so there is no difficulty in reading. And they have a simpler structure than male names. There are exceptions when female names are written exclusively in katakana or hiragana, and sometimes names can also be read according to on reading. But these are just exceptions to the rule. If you want to see also male Japanese names, click on the link!
| Name | Meaning |
| TO ame |
turtle (meaning long life) |
| Kamiko | perfect child |
| kyoko | child of the capital |
| Kaworu | fragrance |
| Cotoon | harp sound |
| Katsumi | conquering beauty |
| Kumiko | long-lived child |
| Kyoko | child of the city |
| Koheku | amber |
| Coe | peace |
| Kiku | chrysanthemum |
| M ari | beloved woman |
| Mai | dance |
| Miwa | beautiful harmony |
| Makoto | correct and true |
| Miko | beautiful child blessings |
| Mizuki | beautiful moon |
| Masami | elegant beauty |
| Minori | beautiful harbor |
| Michiko | baby that's on the right track |
| Madoka | flower circle |
| Momo | peach |
| Mamoko | baby peach |
| Mayumi | true absorbing beauty |
| Meiko | baby dance |
Depending on the main component, female Japanese names can be divided into several groups. Yes, it could be the main component of the abstract meaning. For example, “love” (ay), “mind” (ti), “beauty” (mi). Often such components indicate the desire to possess the necessary qualities in the future. The second kind is animal or plant components. Thus, animal components are now practically not used, they are considered old-fashioned, but earlier this characterized the desired health. Components flora today are popular and are quite frequent among female Japanese names. For example, momo (peach), hana (flower) and so on.
| Name | Meaning |
| H atsuko | summer baby |
| Naoki | fair punishment |
| Natsumi | summer beauty |
| Nobuko | devoted child |
| R en | water lily |
| Ray | call, spirit, polite woman |
| rica | flavor that is appreciated |
| Rieux | valuable blessing |
| Ren | water lily |
| Rico | jasmine baby |
| WITH ake | cape |
| Sumiko | thinking child |
| Sacker | japanese flourish |
| Sekiko | blooming baby |
| Sengo | coral |
| T omiko | the child who keeps clean |
| Thacker | treasure |
| Tomoko | wise child, friendly |
| Teruko | bright child |
| At zaji | rabbit |
| Umeko | plum blossom child |
There are names and numerals. For example, a thousand (ti). There are also names that mean seasons or natural phenomena. For example, yuki (snow), natsu (summer).
| Name | Meaning |
| F umiko | the child who keeps the beauty |
| Hideko | luxury baby |
| Haruka | distance |
| hickary | shining |
| Hotaru | Firefly |
| Hitomi | name for a girl with very beautiful eyes |
| Harumi | spring beauty |
| Hoshi | star |
| Haruki | spring tree |
| Chi | a thousand blessings |
| chiasa | a thousand flowers |
| Chiyoko | child of a thousand generations |
| Chow | butterfly |
| Chiheru | one thousand springs |
| W ijeco | abundant child |
| Shizuka | quiet girl |
| Shinju | pearl |
| Shika | gentle deer |
Do you want to learn how to write names (and not only) in hieroglyphs and learn more about hieroglyphs?
Then sign up for a free course on the effective study of Japanese characters
What Japanese female names have you already come across, for example, when watching Japanese movies or anime? Which ones do you like the most? Share in the comments, please.
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Many of us are familiar with Japanese names from anime plots, from literary and artistic characters, from famous Japanese actors and singers. But what do these sometimes beautiful and cute, and sometimes quite dissonant for our ears, Japanese names and surnames mean? What is the most popular Japanese name? How can I translate Russian names into Japanese? What is the meaning of the characters of the Japanese name? What Japanese names are rare? I will try to tell about this and many other things, 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 focus on Japanese names and surnames in general, and the last will focus on beautiful female names and their meanings.
A Japanese given name is made up of a surname and a given name. A nickname is sometimes inserted between them, for example, Nakamura Nue Satoshi (here Nue is a nickname), but, of course, he is not in the passport. Moreover, during the roll call and in the list of document authors, the order will be exactly this: first the last name, then the first name. For example Honda Yosuke, not Yosuke Honda.
In Russia, as a rule, the opposite is true. Compare for yourself what is more familiar to Anastasia Sidorova or Sidorova Anastasia? 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 solid Irina. The Japanese, on the contrary, are dominated by the same surnames.
According to site version myoji-yurai Japanese "Ivanov, Petrov, Sidorov" is:
- Satō (佐藤 - assistant + wisteria, 1 million 877 thousand people),
- Suzuki (鈴木 - bell + tree, 1 million 806 thousand people) and
- 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 sites - aggregators of names (yes, such exist!) bi-name.
- Parents' surnames are given first (women don't always change their surnames when they get 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 given in order to select names that match with it. This is no different from Russia. The names of the parents are needed in order to use one of the characters from the name of the father (in the case of a boy) or from the characters of the mother (in the case of a girl) in the name of the child. This is how continuity is maintained.
- Next, the number of characters in the name is selected. Most often 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: they will only be hieroglyphs: 和香 - Waka, or hiragana for those who want to quickly write the name: さくら - Sakura, or katakana used to write foreign words: サヨリ - Sayori. Also, a mixture of hieroglyphs and katakana, hieroglyphs and hiragana can be used in the name.
When selecting hieroglyphs, it is taken into account how many features it consists of: they distinguish between a favorable and unfavorable number. 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 realizing dreams). 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 the names have a similar sound, but a different meaning? This question is solved in different ways. For example, my sons' names are Ryuga and Taiga, but Russian grandparents call them Yurik and Tolyan, while it's more convenient for me to call them Ryugash and Taygusha.
The Chinese, who use only hieroglyphs, simply write down Russian names in accordance with their sound, choosing hieroglyphs with more or less good value. In my opinion, the most consecutive translation 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, the protector, which in Japanese sounds like Mamoru, means the same and is written with one character 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. By name + suffix -san, female girlfriends call each other: Keiko-san, Masako-san.
In families, when family members address each other, their family status is used, not their first name. For example, husband and wife do not call each other by their first names, they use "supurug" and "spouse": danna-san 旦那さん and oku-san 奥さん.
The same goes for grandparents, brothers and sisters. The emotional coloring and one or another status of the household is emphasized by the notorious suffixes -kun, -chan, -sama. For example, "grandmother" 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 a girlfriend or wife by name - in a fit of passion, when he can no longer control himself. It is permissible for women to use "anta" - あなた or "dear".
Only children are called by name, and not only their own. Suffixes are also used eldest daughter, for example, - Mana-san, the youngest son - Sa-chan. Wherein real name"Saiki" shortened to "Sa". It's cute from a Japanese point of view. Boys who have gone from infancy to adulthood are called -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 that conveys 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 the use of such names.
A scandalous case, widely discussed in the Japanese press, is when a son was given a name that literally means "demon" - jap. Akuma 悪魔. This name, as well as the use of such hieroglyphs in the name, was banned after this incident. Another example is Pikachu (this is not a joke!!!) Jap. ピカチュウ after the name of an anime character.
Speaking of successful "kira-kira-nemu", one cannot fail to mention the female name Rose, which is written with the hieroglyph "rose" - 薔薇 yap. "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 in Latin, then June, that is, "June". She was born in June. And the name is written 樹音 - literally "the sound of a tree."
Summing up the story about such different and unusual Japanese names, I will give tables of popular Japanese names for girls and boys for 2017. Such tables are compiled every year on the basis of statistics. Often, it is these tables that become the last argument for Japanese parents choosing a name for their child. Probably, the Japanese really like to be like everyone else. These tables display the rating of names by hieroglyphs. There is also a similar rating for the sound of the name. It is less popular because the choice of characters is always a very difficult task for a Japanese parent.
| Place inranking 2017 | Hieroglyphs | Pronunciation | Meaning | Frequency of occurrence in 2017 |
| 1 | 蓮 | Ren | Lotus | 261 |
| 2 | 悠真 | Yuma / Yuma | Calm and true | 204 |
| 3 | 湊 | Minato | safe harbor | 198 |
| 4 | 大翔 | Hiroto | Large spread wings | 193 |
| 5 | 優人 | Yuto / Yuto | gentle man | 182 |
| 6 | 陽翔 | Haruto | Sunny and free | 177 |
| 7 | 陽太 | Yota | Sunny and courageous | 168 |
| 8 | 樹 | Itsky | stately like a tree | 156 |
| 9 | 奏太 | Sōta | Harmonious and courageous | 153 |
| 10 | 悠斗 | Yuto / Yuto | Calm and eternal like a starry sky | 135 |
| 11 | 大和 | Yamato | Great and Reconciling, the ancient name of Japan | 133 |
| 12 | 朝陽 | Asahi | Morning sun | 131 |
| 13 | 蒼 | Сō | green meadow | 128 |
| 14 | 悠 | Yu / Yū | Calm | 124 |
| 15 | 悠翔 | Yuto / Yuto | Calm and free | 121 |
| 16 | 結翔 | Yuto / Yuto | Unifying and free | 121 |
| 17 | 颯真 | Sōma | Fresh wind, truthful | 119 |
| 18 | 陽向 | Hinata | Sunny and purposeful | 114 |
| 19 | 新 | Arata | Updated | 112 |
| 20 | 陽斗 | Haruto | Eternal like the sun and stars | 112 |
| Place in the ranking2017 | Hieroglyphs | Pronunciation | Meaning | Frequency of occurrence in 2017 |
| 1 | 結衣 | Yui / Yui | Warming with your embrace | 240 |
| 2 | 陽葵 | Himari | flower facing the sun | 234 |
| 3 | 凜 | Rin | hardened, bright | 229 |
| 4 | 咲良 | Sakura | Charming smile | 217 |
| 5 | 結菜 | Yuna / Yuna | Captivating like a spring flower | 215 |
| 6 | 葵 | Aoi | Delicate and elegant, the shamrock from the crest of the Tokugawa family | 214 |
| 7 | 陽菜 | hina | sunny, spring | 192 |
| 8 | 莉子 | Rico | Soothing like the scent of jasmine | 181 |
| 9 | 芽依 | May | Independent, with great life potential | 180 |
| 10 | 結愛 | Yua / Yua | Uniting people, awakening love | 180 |
| 11 | 凛 | Rin | majestic | 170 |
| 12 | さくら | Sakura | Sakura | 170 |
| 13 | 結月 | Yuzuki | Charming | 151 |
| 14 | あかり | Akari | Light | 145 |
| 15 | 楓 | Kaede | Bright as autumn maple | 140 |
| 16 | 紬 | Tsumugi | Strong and durable like a sheet | 139 |
| 17 | 美月 | Mitsky | Beautiful like the moon | 133 |
| 18 | 杏 | An | Apricot, fertile | 130 |
| 19 | 澪 | Mio | A waterway that brings peace | 119 |
| 20 | 心春 | Miharu | Warming people's hearts | 116 |
What are your favorite Japanese names?
For the Japanese beautiful combination name and surname is the main thing. They consider it a complex science. It is known that the choice of a name for a child, they trust only people who specialize in this. Due to such a serious attitude to the choice of names, in the same village you can never hear the same names of boys and girls. In Japan, there is no such thing as a "namesake", but all because the Japanese prefer to use their surnames rather than given names, which, by the way, are many.
First name after last name
Japanese names consist of two adjectives: a family name and a personal name. In Japan, in turn, the surname is the main one, it is written and spoken first everywhere. Modern Japanese are used to writing their first and last name like Europeans, but in order to designate their last name as the main one, they write it in capital letters. Europeans do not attach importance to such a strange and serious attitude of the Japanese to their surnames, which causes misunderstandings associated with reading, translating and transcribing Japanese names and surnames.
Until the second half of the 19th century, only aristocrats and samurai had surnames in Japan, even their wives did not have the honor of bearing a surname. The rest of the population had only nicknames and personal names. The most notable were the clans of aristocrats - Fuji, which had the common name "Gosetsuke". Today in the dictionary Japanese surnames, there are 100,000 family names, of which approximately 70,000 appeared 135 years ago (for comparison: 50,000 in Europe, a couple of hundred in China, about 160 in Korea, about 85,000 in Russia, more than 1 million surnames in the USA). During the era of His Eminence (1868–1911), the reigning Emperor Mutsuhito ordered all Japanese peasants to choose any surname for their families. The Japanese were shocked by this idea, many did not know what to come up with. Someone wrote the name of their locality, someone wrote the name of their store, and creative people came up with unusual last name, consonant with the name.
The surname is the hereditary name of the clan, which in Japan is passed from father to children, wives almost always take the husband's surname.
The first legislative act on Japanese surnames appeared in 1870, it stated that every Japanese must take a surname for himself. By this time, already 35 million people (descendants of aristocrats and samurai) had surnames.
Surnames in Japanese in 70% consist of two hieroglyphs. It is very rare to find a surname of 3 or more hieroglyphs.
Surname types
The first type includes surnames indicating the place of residence. The dictionary of Japanese surnames considers this type to be the leading one. Often it uses not only the names of settlements, but also the names of trees, rivers, areas, settlements, reservoirs, etc.
Very often Japanese surnames are associated with peasant life, rice cultivation and harvesting (almost 60%), it is rare to find an interesting or simply beautiful (from the point of view of a Russian-speaking person) surname.
The second type includes surnames formed as a result of simple professions. For example, "Inukai" - in translation, this word means nothing more than "dog breeder".
The third type includes individual nicknames.
Rare, but well-aimed beautiful surnames
Here is a small list of popular, beautiful and unusual surnames:
- Akiyama - autumn;
- Araki - tree;
- Baba is a horse;
- Wada - rice field;
- Yoshida - happiness;
- Yoshikawa - river;
- Kaneko - gold;
- Mizuno - water;
- Suzuki - bell;
- Takagi - tall tree;
- Fukui - happiness;
- Homma - good luck;
- Yano is an arrow.
Common surname
In Japan, surnames do not have a generic affiliation. One surname is suitable for both men and women.
Previously, Japanese law stipulated that a husband and wife must have the same surname. Until 1946, inclusive, only the husband's surname could be family, but the constitution, written in the post-war period, abolished this inequality. Modern Japanese can optionally choose a surname, even a husband or wife, but according to the traditions of the old time, spouses stop at the surname of a man.
Interesting Japanese Surnames
For Russian people, all Japanese names and surnames seem interesting and unusual. But there are those whose translation sounds like real music.
This is, for example:
- Igarashi - 50 storms;
- Katayama - wild well;
- Kikuchi is a chrysanthemum.
Common surnames in Japan
The most popular Japanese surnames in alphabetical order offers, of course, a dictionary of Japanese surnames. Surnames include:
- A- Ando, Arai, Araki, Asano, Akiyama, Asayama.
- AND- Imai, Ito, Iwasaki, Iwata, Igarasti, Iida, Inoe, Ishida (despite the similarity of sound, she has nothing to do with the ancient Egyptian goddess), Ishihara, Ichikawa.
- TO- Kawaguchi, Kawasaki, Kaneko, Kitano.
- M- Maruyama, Masuda, Morimoto, Matila.
- H- Nakahara, Narita, Nakanishi.
- O- Oyama, Okazaki, Okumura, Ogiva, Ootsuoka.
- WITH- Saida, Sato, Sano, Sakurai, Shibada, Shima.
- T- Tachibana, Takaki, Takeguchi.
- At- Ueda, Uematsu, Ueno, Uchida.
- F- Fujii, Fukushima, Fujimomo, Fujivra
- X- Hattori, Hattochi, Hirai, Hirata, Hirosa, Homma, Hori.
- C- Tsubaki, Tsuji, Tsuchiya
- I AM- Yamamura, Yano, Yamanaka, Yamamoto, Yamashita, Yamauchi, Yasuda, Yamashita.
And also Enomoto, Yumake also belong to the list of popular and common, according to the data offered by the dictionary of Japanese surnames.
Types of surnames by origin
- American
- English
- Jewish
- Italian
- German
- Polish
- Russians
- French
- Japanese
Japanese names and their meanings. Male and female Japanese names: list
Do you know Japanese names and their meanings? What names are popular in Japan today? We will answer these and other questions in the article. Japanese given names these days tend to include a family name (surname) followed by a personal name. This practice is common in East and Southeast Asia, including in Korean, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and other cultures.
Name comparison
Few people know Japanese names and their meanings. Japanese names are usually written using kanji, which in different cases have completely different pronunciations. The current names of Japan can be compared with the names present in other cultures. Every Japanese has one surname and one name without a patronymic, minus the Japanese royal family - its members do not have a surname.
A lot of people say that the Japanese name meaning "fire" sounds amazing. In Japan, the surname comes first, and then the given name. Meanwhile, in Western languages(sometimes in Russian) the names of the Japanese are written vice versa - first name-surname. This nuance corresponds to the European tradition.
Creation of names
Are you interested in Japanese names and their meanings? The Japanese often create names from the characters they have on hand, so there are a huge number of unformatted names in the country. Surnames are more rooted and often rise to toponyms. There are more given names in Japanese than surnames. Female and male names differ due to their typical elements and patterns. Reading Japanese proper names is one of the most intricate details of the Japanese language.
A bit of history
So what are Japanese names and their meanings? As stated above, the names of the Japanese are usually written in hieroglyphs. However, parents can sometimes use the Japanese katakana and hiragana syllabaries to record the names of their babies. In addition, in 1985, the list of formally permitted characters for writing Japanese names was expanded, and now people in this country can use Latin characters (romanji), hentaiganu, syllabary alphabets (manyoganu), as well as special letters, characters like % * ^ $ etc. But in fact, people usually use hieroglyphs.
Earlier in Japan, people were the property of the autocrat, and their surname reflected their role in the directory. For example, Otomo (comrade, great friend). Names were also given so that everyone would know that a person had made a contribution, some great achievement, and so on.
Before the Meiji Restoration common people there were no surnames: if necessary, people used the name of the place of birth. At that time, the Japanese name, meaning "Angel", had not yet been invented. After the Meiji Reconstruction, the upper classes ordered all the plebeians to compose a surname for themselves. Some people preferred historical names, others - came up with fortune-telling or turned to priests. This explains why there are so many different surnames in Japan, both in spelling and pronunciation, which makes it difficult to read.
Japanese male names
Many experts study Japanese male names and their meaning. What features do they have? Many classic Japanese names can be easily read and written, but despite this, most parents choose names with unusual pronunciations and characters. Such names do not have an unambiguous spelling or reading.
This trend started in 1990. For example, many boys are named after Hiroto. There were also multiple readings of this name: Yamato, Haruto, Taiga, Daito, Taito, Sora, Masato, and all of them began to be used.
Men's names often end in -ro (Ichiro - "son", but also "bright", "clear"), -ta (Kenta - "big, fat"), contain "ichi" or "ji" (Jiro - " next"), give (Daiiti - "big, great").
Also, in the names of men with a pair of hieroglyphs, their indicator signs are often used.
Japanese female names
Consider Japanese female names and their meaning. Most of the names of Japanese women have an abstract meaning. As a rule, they use such characters as “ma” (truth), “ai” (love), “mi” (beauty), “ti” (mind), “an” (calmness), “yu” (tenderness ) other. For the most part, names with such inclusions are given to girls, wishing that they would have these qualities in the future.
There are names of a different kind, including hieroglyphs of plants and animals. Names with the hieroglyphs "deer" or "tiger" were considered to be conducive to health. However, today they are considered outdated and almost never used. The exception is the hieroglyph "crane".
Those names containing hieroglyphs related to vegetation are still used frequently. For example, "ine" (rice), "take" (bamboo), "hana" (flower), "kiku" (chrysanthemum), "yanagi" (willow), "momo" (peach) and others. And there are also names with numerals, but they are few and they are quite rare. They most likely originated from ancient custom name girls from noble families in order of birth. Today, from the numerals, the hieroglyphs "nana" (seven), "ti" (one thousand), "go" (five), "mi" (three) are usually used.
In Japan, there are also names with subtexts of the seasons, time of day, natural phenomena and many others. For example, "kumo" (cloud), "yuki" (snow), "asa" (morning), "natsu" (summer).
Sometimes syllabic alphabets are used instead of hieroglyphs. Along with this, the record of such a name is permanent, unlike words that are written differently (mixed, alphabet, hieroglyphs). So, if a woman's name is written in hiragana, then it will always be written that way, although it can be written in a hieroglyph in meaning. Many Japanese like the name Megumi - blessed.
By the way, among the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun, it is possible and unusual, instead of typical ladies' names, to use foreign names: Maria, Anna, Rena, Emiri, Rina and others.
Popular names of Japan
The following male names are popular in Japan:
- Hiroto (large, flying);
- Ren (lotus);
- Yuma (calm, honest);
- Sora (blue sky);
- Yamato (large, peaceful, fat);
- Riku (earth, land);
- Haruto (positive, flying, sunny).
The following female names are considered the most popular in Japan:
- Yui (clothing, tie);
- Aoi (mallow, geranium, marshmallow);
- Yua (love, connect);
- Rin (impressive, majestic);
- Hina (positive, solar, vegetable, greens);
- Yuina (to form, greens, vegetable);
- Sakura (sakura);
- Mana (greens, vegetable, love);
- Saki (bloom, desire).
Japanese nicknames
To form one or a pair of diminutive names from each name, you just need to add the nominal suffix -kun or -chan to the stem. There are two types of stem names. The first is made up of the full name, for example, Yasunari-chan (Yasunari) or Kimiko-chan (Kimiko).
The second type of base is an abbreviation of the full name: Ya:-chan (Yasunari), Kii-chan (Kimiko) and so on. This type conveys the more intimate nature of the relationship (for example, between friends).
There are other ways to create short names, for example, a girl named Megumi can be called Kei-chan. In this case, the character that is written first in Megumi's name can be read as Kei.
It is known that the Japanese are able to create abbreviations by combining the first pair of syllables of two words. This practice is commonly used when composing celebrity names.
So, Kimura Takuya (famous Japanese singer and actor) becomes Kimutaku. Thus, the names of foreign luminaries are sometimes modified: Brad Pitt (pronounced Buraddo Pitto in Japanese) is known as Burapi. Another less recognized way is to double one or two syllables in a human name. For example, Mamiko Noto is often referred to as MamiMami.
It is known that in Japan it is customary to address each other by their last names. And when referring to a person, the Japanese use nominal suffixes for a surname or name.
Japanese emperors
At Japanese emperors there are no surnames, and their vital names are taboo and not used in the official documents of Japan. Instead, the autocrat is addressed only by title. When the ruler dies, he is given a posthumous name, which consists of two parts: the name of the righteousness praising him and the tenno title: - "ruler". So, if during his lifetime the ruler had the name Mutsuhito, then he will receive a posthumous name - Meiji-tenno (Monarch of highly developed government).
During the life of the ruler, it is also not customary to address him by name, as this is impolite. Instead, various titles apply. For example, Akihito had a title in childhood - Tsugu-no-miya (Infant Tsugu). Similar titles are mostly applied when a person has not received a specific name or is an heir.
If a member of the ruler's family turned into an ordinary person, then the emperor gave him a surname. The surname Minamoto was very popular in the Middle Ages. And on the contrary, if a third-party person entered the family of an autocrat, his surname was lost. For example, the crowned Michiko, before she became the wife of the ruler Akihito, was called Michiko Shoda.
The meaning of ladies' names
So, let's study Japanese female names and their meaning in as much detail as possible. Women's names differ from men's in a more understandable translation and easy pronunciation. This is due to the fact that they are mainly read in kuna, and they also have simple structure. However, sometimes there are deviations from the rules. In Japan, there are such ladies' names:
- Azumi - a protected house;
- Azemi - thistle flower;
- Ai - love;
- Ayano - shades of silk;
- Akiko - autumn child;
- Aoi - blue;
- Asuka - fragrance;
- Aya - woven or colorful silk;
- Banquo is a child;
- Janko is a pure baby;
- June - submissive;
- Zhina - silver;
- Izumi is the source;
- Yoko is an ocean child;
- Yoshi - fragrant branch;
- Kay - respectful;
- Keen - gold;
- Kemeko - turtle (symbol of long life);
- Keori - fragrance;
- Mizuki is a beautiful moon;
- Miko is a beautiful blessing child;
- Miyuki - beautiful happiness;
- Meiko - child's dance;
- Nobuko is a devoted child;
- Netsumi - summer splendor;
- Ran - water lily;
- Rei - respectful;
- Riko is the child of jasmine;
- Sora - heaven;
- Suzu is a signal;
- Sengo - coral;
- Tomoko - friendly;
- Tamiko - child of abundance;
- Uzeji - a hare;
- Umeko is the child of the blossoming plum tree;
- Fuji - wisteria;
- Hana - flower or favorite;
- Herumi - the splendor of spring;
- Chi - intelligence;
- Chico is a wise little one;
- Chiesa - morning;
- Shizuka - quiet;
- Shika - fragile;
- Shinju - pearl;
- Eiko is a long-lived child;
- Eiko is a beloved baby;
- Eri is a blessed prize;
- Yuko is a superior, helpful kid;
- Yuri - lily;
- Yasu - serene;
- Yasuko is an honest, peaceful child.
The current names of women and their interpretation show the transformation of the attitude of the Japanese towards their customs. Previously, the Japanese name, meaning "moon", for example, was liked by many parents. It sounded like Mizuki. V last years The Japanese are increasingly naming their babies after manga or anime characters. This phenomenon has already begun to spread throughout the world.
The meaning of male names
Why are Japanese male names and their meanings of interest to many people? Japanese names for men are one of the most difficult parts of the Japanese language, since it is in them that rare and non-standard readings, as well as surprising variations of individual components, are very popular. There are even cases when the spelling of a name is not related to its pronunciation, and only the native speaker can read it.
The names of men, as well as women, have undergone tremendous changes associated with the modification of Japanese values. In Japan, there are the following meanings of male names:
- Akayo is a smart man;
- Aki - bright, autumn;
- Akio is a charmer;
- Akira - clear, brilliant;
- Akihiko is a colorful prince;
- Akihiro - spectacular, learned, smart;
- Areta - the newest;
- Goro is the fifth son;
- Jero is the tenth son;
- Jun - obedient;
- Daisyuk is a great helper;
- Izamu - daring, warrior;
- Isao - merit, honor;
- Iori - addiction;
- Yoshieki - true glory, spectacular luck;
- Ichiro is the first heir;
- Kayoshi - calm;
- Ken is healthy and strong;
- Kero is the ninth son;
- Kichiro is a lucky son;
- Katsu - triumph;
- Makoto - true;
- Mitseru - complete;
- Memoru is a protector;
- Naoki is an honest tree;
- Nobu - faith;
- Norio is a man of principles;
- Ozemu - autocrat;
- Rio is magnificent;
- Raiden - thunder and lightning;
- Ryuu is a dragon;
- Seiji - warning, second (son);
- Susumu - progressive;
- Takayuki - noble, filial happiness;
- Teruo is a bright person;
- Toshi - emergency;
- Temotsu - protecting, full;
- Tetsuo - dragon man;
- Tetsuya is the dragon one transforms into (and possesses its longevity and wisdom);
- Fumayo is an academic, literary child;
- Hideo is a luxurious person;
- Hizoka - saved;
- Hiroki - rich fun, strength;
- Hechiro is the eighth son;
- Shin - true;
- Shoichi - correct;
- Yukayo is a happy person;
- Yuki - grace, snow;
- Yuudei is a great hero;
- Yasuhiro - rich honesty;
- Yasushi - honest, peaceful.
Beautiful names of men in Japan are usually divided into two types: single-component and multi-component. The composition of names with one element includes a verb, as a result of which the name has an ending - for example, Mamoru (intercessor). Or an adjective with an ending - si, for example, Hiroshi (spacious).
Sometimes you can find names with one sign that have an on-reading. Names made up of a pair of hieroglyphs usually indicate the masculine principle. For example: son, warrior, man, husband, courageous and so on. Each of these indicators has its own ending.
In the structure of such names, there is usually a hieroglyph that reveals what reading the name should be read. There are also names consisting of three elements. In this episode, the indicator will be two-link. For example, "eldest son", "youngest son" and so on. It is rare to find a person with a three-link name and a one-component indicator. Infrequently, there are names that contain four components, written in Japanese alphabet, and not in hieroglyphs.
Name Shizuka
The Japanese name meaning "dragon" is popular with locals and foreigners alike. What is the name Shizuka? Interpretation of this name: quiet. The meanings of the letters in this name are as follows:
- Ш - developed intuition, impulsiveness, ambition, diligence, independence.
- And - intelligence, emotionality, kindness, pessimism, uncertainty, creative inclinations.
- Z - independence, developed intuition, intelligence, diligence, pessimism, secrecy.
- U - kindness, developed intuition, sincerity, creative inclinations, spirituality, optimism.
- K - developed intuition, ambition, impulsiveness, practicality, kindness, sincerity.
- A - selfishness, activity, creative inclinations, impulsiveness, ambition, sincerity.
The number of the name Shizuka is 7. It hides the ability to direct abilities into the world of philosophy or art, into religious activity, the sphere of science. But the results of the activities of people with this name largely depend on a deep analysis of already accomplished victories and on the true planning of their own future. Knowing other people, they often turn into leaders and teachers of the highest class. But if they are engaged in commercial or financial affairs, then here they themselves will need someone's help.
The planet named after Shizuka is Mercury, the element is cold dry air, the sign of the zodiac is Virgo and Gemini. The color of this name is changeable, variegated, mixed, day is Wednesday, metals are bismuth, mercury, semiconductors, minerals are agate, emerald, topaz, porphyry, rock crystal, glass, sardonyx, plants are parsley, basil, celery, walnut tree, valerian , animals - weasel, monkey, fox, parrot, stork, thrush, nightingale, ibis, lark, flying fish.
Tell me beautiful Japanese names and surnames (female)
Ksyusha Darova
_Yuki_nyan_ sweet
Female Japanese names.
Azumi is a safe place to live
Azemi - thistle flower
Ai - love
Ayano - the color of silk
Akemi - bright beauty
Aki - autumn, bright
Akane - shiny, red
Amaterezu - bright in the sky
Amaya - evening rain
Aoi - blue
Arizou - noble look
Asuka - fragrance
Asemi - morning beauty
Ayako is an academic kid
Ayam - iris
Banquo is a literary child
Janko is a pure child
Jun - obedient
Zhina - silver
Izumi - fountain
Izanami - the woman who invites
Yoko is an ocean child, a confident child
Yoshi - fragrant branch, good bay
Yoshiko - fragrant, good, noble child
Yoshshi - good
Kam - turtle (symbol of long life)
Kayao - beautiful generation, increase generation
Keiko is a happy, respectful child
Kay - respectful
Kyoko is a pure child
Kiku - chrysanthemum
Kimi is an abbreviation for names beginning with "Kimi"
Kimiko - beautiful child of history, dear child, ruling child
Keen - golden
Kyoko is a child of the capital
Cotone - the sound of a harp
Koheku - amber
Kumiko is a beautiful, long-lived child
Kaed - maple
Kezu - branch, blessed, harmonious
Kazuko is a harmonious child
Kazumi - harmonious beauty
Cameio - turtle (symbol of long life)
Kemeko - turtle (symbol of long life)
Keori - fragrance
Kaoru - fragrance
Katsumi - winning beauty
Marie - Beloved
Megumi - blessed
Miwa - beautiful harmony, three rings
Midori - green
Mizuki is a beautiful moon
Mizeki - flower of beauty
Miyoko - beautiful generation child, third generation child
Mika - first sound
Miki - beautiful tree, three trees
Miko is a beautiful child of blessing
Minori - beautiful harbor, village of beautiful areas
Mineko is a beautiful child
Mitsuko - complete baby(blessings), bright child
Miho - beautiful bay
Michi - trail
Michiko - a child on the right track, a thousand beauties of a child
Miyuki - beautiful happiness
Miyako is a beautiful baby in March
Mommo - peach
Momo - a hundred blessings, a hundred rivers
Momoko is the child of the peach
Moriko - forest child
Madoka - calm
Mezumi - increased beauty, true purity
Masako - fix, control baby
Mathemy - proper, graceful beauty
May - dance
Meiko - child's dance
Mayumi - true bow, true absorbed beauty
Mackie - true report, tree
Maine is true
Manami - the beauty of love
Mariko - true reason child
Mesa is an abbreviation for names beginning with "Mesa"
Nana - seven
Naoki - an honest tree
Naomi - above all beauty
Nobuko is a devoted child
Nori is an abbreviation for names beginning with "Nori"
Noriko is a child of principles
Neo - honest
Neoko is an honest child
Netsuko - summer child
Netsumi - summer beauty
Ran - water lily
Reiko is a beautiful, suave child
Ray - polite
Ren - water lily
Rika - rated flavor
Rico is a jasmine child
Ryoko is a good child
Sake - cape
Setsuko is a temperate child
Sora - sky
Suzu - call
Susumu - progressive
Suzyum - sparrow
Sumiko - clear, thinking child, pure child
Sayeri - small lily
Sackera - cherry blossom
Sekiko - blooming child, earlier child
Sengo - coral
Sechiko is a happy child
Teruko is a bright child
Tomiko - the child who kept beauty
Tomoko is a friendly, wise child
Toshi - emergency
Toshiko is a child of many years, a priceless child
Tsukiko - moon child
Takeko - tall, noble child
Tekera - treasure
Tamiko - child of abundance
Uzeji - rabbit
Umeko - plum blossom child
Ume-elv - plum blossom
Fuji - wisteria
Fumiko - child, keeping
Filicia latitude
Surnames: Sato: Assistant + Glitz
２Suzuki 鈴木bell (bell) + wood
３Takahashi 高橋high+bridge
４Tanaka 田中rice field+middle
５Watanabe 渡辺／渡邊crossing+surroundings
６Itō: 伊藤and + wisteria
７Yamamoto 山本mountain+base
８Nakamura中村middle+village
9Kobayashi 小林small forest
10Kato: 加藤 add + wisteria
11 Yoshida 吉田 happiness + rice field
12Yamada 山田mountain + rice field
13 Sasaki 佐々木 assistants + tree
14Yamaguchi 山口mountain + mouth entrance
15 Saito: 斎藤／齋藤 purification (religious) + wisteria
16Matsumoto 松本pine+base
17Inoe井上well+top
18Kimura 木村tree+village
19Hayashi林forest
20Shimizu 清水 pure water
21Yamazaki／Yamasaki山崎mountain+cape
22Mori森forest
23Abe 阿部 criminal, shadow; sector;
24Ikeda 池田pond+rice field
25Hashimoto 橋本 bridge + base
26Yamashita 山下mountain+under, down
27Ishikawa 石川stone+river
28Nakajima／Nakashima中島middle+island
29Maeda 前田 behind + rice field
30Fujita 藤田 wisteria+rice field
31Ogawa 小川 small river
32 Goto: 後藤 behind, future + wisteria
33 Okada 岡田 hill + rice field
34Hasegawa 長谷川long+valley+river
35Murakami村上village+top
36Kondo 近藤 close + wisteria
37Ishii 石井stone+well
38 Saito: 斉藤／齊藤 equal + wisteria
39Sakamoto 坂本slope+base
40Iendo: 遠藤 distant + wisteria
41Aoki 青木 green, young + tree
42Fujii 藤井 wisteria+well
43Nishimura 西村west+village
44Fukuda 福田 happiness, prosperity + rice field
45Oota 太田big+rice field
46Miura三浦three bays
47Okamoto 岡本 hill+base
48Matsuda 松田pine+rice field
49Nakagawa 中川 middle+river
50 Nakano 中野 middle + [uncultivated] field; plain
51Harada 原田plain, field; steppe + rice field
52Fujiwara 藤原 wisteria+plain, field; steppe
53It is 小野small+[uncultivated] field; plain
54Tamura 田村rice field + village
55Takeuchi 竹内bamboo+inside
56Kaneko 金子gold+child
57Wada 和田harmony+rice field
58Nakayama 中山 middle+mountain
59Ishida 石田stone+rice field
60Ueda/Ueta上田top+rice field
61 Morita 森田 forest+rice field
62Hara 原plain, field; steppe
63Shibata 柴田 brushwood+rice field
64Sakai 酒井alcohol+well
65Kudou: 工藤 worker + wisteria
66Yokoyama横山side, side of the mountain
67Miyazaki 宮崎 temple, palace + cape
68Miyamoto 宮本 temple, palace + base
69Uchida 内田inside+rice field
70 Takagi 高木 tall tree
71Ando: 安藤calm + wisteria
72Taniguchi 谷口valley+mouth entrance
73Oono 大野big + [uncultivated] field; plain
74Maruyama丸山round+mountain
75Imai今井now+well
76Takada／ Takata 高田high+rice field
77Fujimoto 藤本 wisteria + base
78Takeda 武田military+rice field
79Murata 村田village + rice field
80Ueno上野top+[uncultivated] field; plain
81Sugiyama 杉山Japanese cedar+mountain
82Masuda 増田enlarge+rice field
83Sugawara 菅原sedge + plain, field; steppe
84Hirano 平野 level + [uncultivated] field; plain
85Ootsuka 大塚big+hill
86Kojima小島small+island
87Chiba 千葉Thousand leaves
88Kubo久保long+support
89Matsui 松井pine+well
90Iwasaki岩崎rock+cape
91Sakurai 桜井／櫻井sakura+well
92Kinoshita 木下wood+under, bottom
93 Noguchi 野口 [uncultivated] field; plain + mouth, entrance
94Matsuo 松尾pine+tail
95 Nomura 野村 [uncultivated] field; plain + village
96Kikuchi 菊地chrysanthemum+earth
97Sano 佐野 assistant + [uncultivated] field; plain
98Oonishi大西great west
99Sugimoto 杉本Japanese cedar+roots
100Arai新井new well
101Hamada 浜田／濱田 shore + rice field
102Ichikawa 市川city+river
103Furukawa 古川old river
104 Mizuno 水野 water + [uncultivated] field; plain
105Komatsu 小松little pine
106Shimada 島田 island+rice field
107Koyama 小山small mountain
108Takano 高野 high + [uncultivated] field; plain
109Yamauchi 山内mountain+inside
110Nishida 西田west+rice field
111Kikuchi 菊池chrysanthemum+pond
112Nishikawa 西川west+river
113Igarashi五十嵐50 Storms
114 Kitamura 北村 north+village
115Yasuda 安田calm + rice field
116 Nakata／ Nakada 中田 middle+rice field
117Kawaguchi川
Emina Kulieva
Azumi is a safe place to live
Azemi - thistle flower
Ai - love
Ayano - the color of silk
Akemi - bright beauty
Aki - autumn, bright
Akiko - autumn child or smart child
Akira - bright, clear, dawn
Akane - shiny, red
Amaterezu - bright in the sky
Amaya - evening rain
Aoi - blue
Arizou - noble look
Asuka - fragrance
Asemi - morning beauty
Atsuko is a hardworking, warm child
Aya - colorful or woven silk
Ayaka - colorful flower, fragrant summer
Ayako is an academic kid
Ayam - iris
Drawing up a harmonious combination of a surname and a name for the Japanese is a complex science with long traditions. In Japan, there is a special code of names, consisting of more than two thousand hieroglyphs. Until now, parents turn to specialists - compilers of Japanese names. Usually the names of boys and girls living in the same village are never repeated.
In Japan, there is no concept of "namesake". The Japanese did not have the concept of " fashion names", with the exception of "ordinal" male names. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the Japanese use their surnames much more often than personal names.
Last name first, then first name
Japanese names consist of two parts: the family name, which is written and pronounced first, and the personal name, which, according to Eastern tradition, comes second. Modern Japanese often write their names in "European order" (personal name followed by family name) when written in romaji (Latin) or kiriji (Cyrillic). For convenience, the Japanese sometimes write their surname in capital letters so that it is not confused with the given name.
Europeans, who rarely attach importance to the etymology of their own names, constantly face difficulties in reading, translating and transcribing Japanese given names and surnames. Modern Japanese can suggest how their names should be read, but they do not always dare to translate nominal hieroglyphs into foreign languages. The Japanese are creative with the names of foreigners: Svetlana may not recognize herself in "Suetorana" or Carmen will not immediately respond to the Japanese "Karumen".
How did the surnames appear?
Until the second half of the 19th century, only aristocrats (kuge) and samurai (bushi) had surnames in Japan. The rest of the population of Japan managed with personal names and nicknames. The number of aristocratic families in Japan is limited and unchanged from antiquity. The most noble clans of Japanese aristocrats are the Fujiwara clan, the common name is "Gosetsuke": Konoe, Takashi, Kujo, Ichijo and Gojo. In modern Japan, there are about one hundred thousand surnames, of which more than seventy thousand appeared only 130 years ago.
During the Meiji era ("Enlightened rule") in 1868-1911. Emperor Mutsuhito ordered all Japanese peasants, artisans and merchants to choose any surname. Some Japanese instead of a surname wrote down the name of the city or village in which they lived, others “for the surname” took the name of the store or workshop in which they served. Creative people themselves came up with sonorous surnames.
Most of the surnames of modern Japanese are associated with peasant life, the cultivation of rice and its processing. For example, the surname Khakamada consists of two hieroglyphs: "hakama" ( Bottom part traditional Japanese costume, men's pants or women's skirt) and "yes" ("rice field"). Judging by the "peasant" meaning of the hieroglyphs, it can be assumed that the ancestors of Irina Khakamada were field workers.
In Japan, you can meet people with the common surname Ito and exactly the same name Ito (translated as "dandy, dandy, Italy"). But such coincidences are very rare.
The only exception is Emperor Akihito (Show Mercy) and members of his family. The "symbol of the nation" of Japan never had a surname.
Samurai names
In the 12th century, the first military usurper in the history of Japan was the samurai shogun Minamoto-no-Yoritomo, or Yoritomo from the Minamoto clan (translated as “source”), who laid the foundation for the formation of a privileged class-estate of the samurai.
Samurai chose their personal names depending on life circumstances: promotion, relocation due to service, etc. The fall of the last Tokugawa shogunate ("River of Virtue") and the transfer of power to Emperor Mutsuhito were fixed on long years exclusive military privileges.
Until the 19th century, in addition to complete impunity and the possibility of easy money, samurai had the right to give names to their vassals. The names of samurai servants and peasants were often given "in order": Ichiro - the first son, Jiro - the second, Saburo - the third, Shiro - the fourth, Goro - the fifth, etc. In addition to "-ro", the suffixes "-emon", "-ji", "-zo", "-suke", "-be" were used.
Modern Japanese male names also carry information about the "serial number" of the son in the family. Until now, often in personal male names Japanese use the suffixes "-ichi" and "-kazu" ("first son"), "-ji" ("second son") and "-zo" ("third son").
The emperors of Japan are not usually called the same and distinguished by serial number, like commoners. By old tradition, the names of Japanese emperors are composed with the second hieroglyph "compassion, mercy, sympathy." Emperor Mutsuhito's name is a combination of two characters for "friendly, warm" and "compassion". Emperor Hirohito, who ruled Japan from 1926-1989, was raised by samurai veterans of the Russo-Japanese War.
After the collapse of the empire, the nuclear bombings of the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the complete and unconditional surrender of Hirohito (approximately - "Abundant Mercy"), in a state of "deep shock", showed compassion for his own people, appealed to the mercy of the winners and renounced his divine origin.
Since the 19th-20th centuries, wealthy and influential samurai have retained their highest positions in civil and military government. Others became the founders of Japanese entrepreneurship. A part of the creative intelligentsia was formed from the samurai environment. All personal names of aristocrats and high-ranking samurai consisted of two hieroglyphs with a "noble" meaning.
For example, the name of the son of a military instructor Kurosawa (“Black Swamp”) Akira (“bright”, “clear”) can be roughly translated into Russian as “light in the dark” or “enlightenment”. Perhaps only thanks to good luck given name, an artist by education, Akira Kurosawa became a director, a classic of Japanese and world cinema, changing our understanding of the world ("swamp").
Most Japanese female names end in "-ko" ("child") or "-mi" ("beauty"). Japanese women are often given names associated with everything beautiful, pleasant and feminine, graceful.
Unlike male names, female names are usually written not in "solemn" hieroglyphs, but simply in hiragana (the Japanese alphabet used to write Chinese and Japanese words).
So, new list names
New generations of educated Japanese parents have long sought to expand the old list of nominal characters in order to compose completely new, interesting and original names to my children. In September 2004, the Japanese received an additional list of more than 500 characters to compile official name little Japanese.
Very extravagant signs were included in the new list of nominal hieroglyphs, worked out in the offices of the Ministry of Justice of Japan. Among the "new products" appeared hieroglyphs with strange meanings for names: "beetle", "frog", "spider", "turnip".
The child-loving Japanese were seriously indignant. Then the Ministry of Justice of Japan urgently reported that several strange characters were excluded from the new name list: “cancer”, “prostitute”, “buttock”, “hemorrhoids”, “curse”, “debauchery”, “malice”, etc. Some citizens The countries of the rising sun reacted with complete indifference to the "nominal scandal".
In modern Japan, every adult Japanese can take a pseudonym, and after death, almost all Japanese receive new, posthumous names (kaimyo), which are written on a special wooden tablet (ihai) - the embodiment of the spirit of the deceased. Most Japanese believe in reincarnation and try not to worry about fleeting little things in life, even as important as a personal name. Perhaps that is why the Japanese rarely give children the names of their venerable ancestors.
http://miuki.info/2010/12/yaponskie-familii/
Common Japanese Surnames and Their Meanings
The following table provides a list of the most common Japanese surnames along with the characters, readings, and their meaning in Russian as of April 2010.
As already mentioned in the article about Japanese names, you can see that most Japanese surnames mean various rural landscapes.
Position name Japanese surnames in Russian Japanese surnames by hieroglyphs Values of hieroglyphs of Japanese surnames 1 Sato: 佐藤 Pickup + Wisteria 2 Suzuki 鈴木 Bell (Call) + Wood 3 Takahasi 高橋 High + Bridge 4 Tanaka 田 中 Rice field + Mid 5 Watanabe 渡辺 / 渡邊 Rice + neighborhood 6 ITO: 伊藤 and + Wisteria 7 Yamamoto 山本 Mountain + Basis 8 Nakamura 中 村 Mid + Village 9 Kobayasi 小 Little Forest 10 Kato: 加藤 Add + Wicinia 11 Yosida 吉田 Happiness + Rice field 12 Yamada 山田 Mountain + Rice field 13 Sasaki 佐々木 Pickupers + tree 14 Yamaguchi 山口 mountain + mouth, entrance 15 Saito: 斎藤／齋藤 purification (religious) + wisteria 16 Matsumoto 松本 pine tree + base 17 Inoe 井上 well + top 18 Kimura 木村 tree + village 19 Hayashi 林 forest 氅 pure ／ Yamasaki 山崎 mountain + cape 22 Mori 森 forest 23 Abe 阿部 corner, shadow; sector; 24 Ikeda 池田 pond+rice field 25 Hashimoto 橋本 bridge+base 26 Yamashita 山下 mountain+under, bottom 27 Ishikawa 石川 stone+river 28 Nakajima／Nakashima 中島 middle+island 29 Maeda 前田 behind+rice field 30 Fujita 藤藰 Ogawa 小川 small river 32 Goto: 後藤 behind, future+wisteria 33 Okada 岡田 hill+rice field 34 Hasegawa 長谷川 long+valley+river 35 Murakami 村上 village+top 36 Kondo 近藤 close+wisteria 37 Ishii 石井斤斉8 ／齊藤 equal+wisteria 39 Sakamoto 坂本 slope+base 40 Iendo: 遠藤 distant+wisteria 41 Aoki 青木 green, young+tree 42 Fujii 藤井 wisteria+well 43 Nishimura 西村 west+village 禔4+happy field large+rice field 46 Miura 三浦 three bays 47 Okamoto 岡本 hill+base 48 Matsuda 松田 pine+rice field 49 Nakagawa 中川 middle+river 50 Nakano 中野 middle+[uncultivated] field; plain 51 Harada 原田 plain, field; steppe+rice field 52 Fujiwara 藤原 wisteria+plain, field; steppe 53 Ono 小野 small+[uncultivated] field; plain 54 Tamura 田村 rice field+village 55 Takeuchi 竹内 bamboo+inside 56 Kaneko 金子 gold+child 57 Wada 和田 harmony+rice field 58 Nakayama 中山 middle+mountain 59 Ishida 石田 rock+rice field 60 Ueda/Ueta 上田 6 top+rice field Morita 森田 forest + rice field 62 Hara 原 plain, field; steppe 63 Shibata 柴田 brushwood+rice field 64 Sakai 酒井 alcohol+well 65 Kudo: 工藤 worker+wisteria 66 Yokoyama 横山 side, mountain side 67 Miyazaki 宮崎 temple, palace+cape 68 Miyamoto 宮本 temple, palace+base 内熰 field 70 Takagi 高木 tall tree 71 Ando: 安藤 calm+wisteria 72 Taniguchi 谷口 valley+mouth entrance 73 Oono 大野 large+[uncultivated] field; plain 74 Maruyama 丸山 round+mountain 75 Imai 今井 now+well 76 Takada／ Takata 高田 tall+ricefield 77 Fujimoto 藤本 wisteria+base 78 Takeda 武田 military+ricefield 79 Murata 村田 village+ricefield 80 Ueno 上upper] field; plain 81 Sugiyama 杉山 Japanese cedar+mountain 82 Masuda 増田 magnify+rice field 83 Sugawara 菅原 sedge+plain, field; steppe 84 Hirano 平野 flat+[uncultivated] field; plain 85 ootsuka 大 塚 big + hill 86 codisim 小 島 small + island 87 Tiba 千葉 thousand leafles 88 kubo 久保 long + support 89 matsui 松井 pine + well 90 ivasaka 岩崎 rock + cape 91 sakura 桜井 / 櫻井 sakura + well 92 kinosita 木下 tree + under , bottom 93 Noguchi 野口 [uncultivated] field; plain+mouth, entrance 94 Matsuo 松尾 pine+tail 95 Nomura 野村 [uncultivated] field; plain+village 96 Kikuchi 菊地 chrysanthemum+earth 97 Sano 佐野 helper+[uncultivated] field; plain 98 Ōonishi 大西 great west 99 Sugimoto 杉本 Japanese cedar+roots 100 Arai 新井 new well 101 Hamada 浜田／濱田 shore+rice field 102 Ichikawa 市川 city+river 103 Furukawa 古川 water+old river 104 Mizuno 洇; plain 105 Komatsu 小松 small pine tree 106 Shimada 島田 island+rice field 107 Koyama 小山 small mountain 108 Takano 高野 high+[uncultivated] field; Plain 109 Yatauti 山 内 Mountain + Inside 110 Nisida 西田 West + Rice Field 111 Kikuti 菊池 Chrysanthemum + Pond 112 Nisikawa 西川 West + River 113 Igarasi 五十 嵐 50 Storms 114 Kitamura 北 村 North + Village 115 Yasuda 田田 Calm + Rice Field 116 Single / NakA +rice field 117 Kawaguchi 川口 river+mouth, entrance 118 Hirata 平田 flat+rice field 119 Kawasaki 川崎 river+cape 120 Iida 飯田 boiled rice, food+rice field 121 Yoshikawa 吉川 happiness+river 122 Honda 本甅13 base+rice field long+maintain+rice field 124 Sawada 沢田／澤田 swamp+rice field 125 Tsuji 辻 street 126 Seki 関／關 Outpost; barrier 127 Yoshimura 吉村 happiness+village 128 Watanabe 渡部 cross+part; sector; 129 Iwata 岩田 rock+rice field 130 Nakanishi 中西 west+middle 131 Hattori 服部 clothing, subordinate+ part; sector; 132 Higuchi 樋口 gutter; drain+mouth, entrance 133 Fukushima 福島 happiness, prosperity+island 134 Kawakami 川上 river+top 135 Nagai 永井 eternal well 136 Matsuoka 松岡 pine+hill 137 Taguchi 田口 paddy field+mouth 138 Yamanaka 山中本4+middle forest 139 Tsuchiya 土屋 land+house 141 Yano 矢野 arrow+[uncultivated] field; plain 142 Hirose 広瀬／廣瀬 wide rapid current 143 Ozawa 小沢／小澤 small swamp 144 Akiyama 秋山 autumn+mountain 145 Ishihara 石原 stone+plain, field; Step 146 Matsushita 松下 pine + under, bottom 147 Baba 馬場 Horse + place 148 Oohasi 大 橋 Large bridge 149 Matsuura 松浦 pine + bay 150 Yosyoka 吉岡 Happiness + hill 151 Koike 小 池 small + pond 152 Asano 浅野 / 淺野 small + [non-items] field; plain 153 Araki 荒木 wild+tree 154 Ookubo 大久保 big+long+support 155 Kumagai 熊谷 bear+valley 156 Noda 野田 [uncultivated] field; plain+rice field 157 Tanabe 田辺／田邊 rice field+surroundings 158 Kawamura 川村 river+village 159 Hoshino 星野 star+[uncultivated] field; Plain 160 Otani 大 谷 Large Valley 161 Knodes 黒田 Black Rice Field 162 Hori 堀 Channel 163 Oven Cape 尾崎 Tail + Cape 164 Motifezuki 望月 Full Moon 165 Nagata 永田 Eternal Rice Field 166 NATO 内藤 Inside + Wisteria 167 Matsumura 松村 Pine + Village 168 Niciima 西山 West + Mountain 169 Keira 平井 Smooth Well 170 Oosima 大 島 Large Island 171 Ivamoto 岩本 Rock + Basis 172 Katama 片山 Slice + Mount 173 Homma 本 間 Base + Light, Room, Good luck 174 Hayakawa 早川 Early + River 175 ко 横田 Side + Rice field 176 Occasque 岡崎 Hill + cape 177 Arai 荒井 wild well 178 Ooishi 大石 big stone 179 Kamata 鎌田 sickle, scythe+rice field 180 Narita 成田 form+rice field 181 Miyata 宮田 temple, palace+rice field 182 Oda 小田 small rice field+rice field 183拳1 stone :no 河野 river+[uncultivated] field; plain 185 Shinohara 篠原 undersized bamboo+plain, field; steppe 186 Suto/Sudo 須藤 by all means + wisteria 187 Hagiwara 萩原 two-color forest + plain, field; steppe 188 Takayama 高山 high mountain 189 Oosawa 大沢／大澤 large swamp 190 Konishi 小西 small+west 191 Minami 南 south 192 Kurihara 栗原 chestnut+plain, field; steppe 193 Ito 伊東 that, he+east 194 Matsubara 松原 pine+plain, field; steppe 195 Miyake 三宅 three houses 196 Fukui 福井 happiness, prosperity+well 197 Oomori 大森 large forest 198 Okumura 奥村 deep (hidden)+village 199 Oka 岡 hill 200 Uchiyama 内山 inside+mountain
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