Guides

Notes for choosing a Japanese name that holds up: what the common surnames really mean and where they come from, which kanji carry moon, light, flower and sky in names, and how to name a character so the name fits the era and the story.

Read next

Common Japanese surnames: what they mean and where they come fromSatō, Suzuki, Tanaka: why most Japanese surnames describe a landscape, what the -tō names hide, and 30 common names taken apart.7-minute readJapanese names that mean moon, light, flower or sky (with kanji)Which kanji carry moon, light, flower and sky in Japanese names, with real names for boys, girls and both, and how to check a reading.6-minute readHow to name a Japanese character for a story, game or animePick a Japanese name that fits the era, the family and the story: name fashions by period, honorifics, nicknames, unisex names and five checks.6-minute read