Japanese name facts for kids

A Japanese name is how people in Japan are called. Just like in many other countries, a Japanese name has two main parts: a surname (which is your family's name) and a given name (which is your personal name).

In Japan, it's common to say the family name first, then the given name. For example, if someone's name is "Haruko Momoi," people in Japan would usually say "Momoi Haruko." This is different from how names are often said in many Western countries, where the given name comes first.

Understanding Japanese Names

Japanese names are full of meaning and history. They often use Kanji characters, which are symbols that represent words or ideas. The way these characters are put together can give a name a special meaning, like "beautiful flower" or "strong tree."

Family Names: Your Family's History

Family names, also called surnames, are passed down through generations. There are many different Japanese surnames. Some are very common, while others are quite rare or unusual.

Common Japanese Surnames

The most famous and common Japanese surname is Sato (Japanese: 佐藤). Other very common family names include Suzuki, Takahashi, Tanaka, and Watanabe. These names are shared by millions of people across Japan.

Unusual Japanese Surnames

While some names are very common, there are also many unusual surnames in Japan. These might belong to only a few families. Sometimes, these rare names come from specific places or historical events. For example, the name Akishino comes from a temple called Akishino-dera in Nara.

Given Names: Your Personal Identity

Given names are the personal names that parents choose for their children. These names often have beautiful meanings and are picked carefully.

Choosing a Given Name

Parents often choose names based on:

• The meaning of the kanji characters.
• The sound of the name.
• Hopes for the child's future.
• Family traditions.

Sometimes, two people might have the exact same given name and family name. This can happen because there are popular names that many parents like.

How Names Are Used

In Japan, names are used with special titles to show respect. For example, you might add "-san" after someone's name, like "Momoi-san." This is a polite way to address almost anyone. Other titles like "-kun" (for boys or younger males) or "-chan" (for girls or younger females) are also used.

When Japanese names are written in English, they are sometimes written with the given name first, to match Western style. However, in official Japanese documents or when speaking Japanese, the family name usually comes first.

Images for kids

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  Akishino-dera in Nara, from which Prince Akishino took his name

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  Haruko Momoi at the Anime Expo 2007 in Los Angeles; her name card features a spelling of her name ("Halko Momoi") written surname last. In Japanese, her name is Momoi Haruko (桃井はるこ)

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  The nameplate of Fumiko Orikasa is presented family name first in Japanese, while it is presented given name first in English

See also

In Spanish: Onomástica japonesa para niños