How do they name children in Japan?
In Japan, as in Asia as a whole, children are named strictly in accordance with ancient traditions:
But not everyone has a family name, which is an analogue of a surname and performs the same function. Noble families do not use it. In Japan, members of the imperial family do not have it.
In the old days, large feudal lords who headed separate independent provinces did not have a family name. Accordingly, when the country was united under the rule of one clan, they lost their right to have no analogue of the surname. Many considered this fact a shame, a mortal insult. But very quickly the names of aristocratic clans replaced analogues of the surname, and representatives of the nobility calmed down.
How are names formed in Japan?
The art of naming, like origami or growing miniature bonsai trees, is passed down in families for generations. There is not a single Japanese who does not know the basic principles of naming, but, of course, not every resident of this country can come up with a truly beautiful and meaningful name for a newborn girl.
Each name is a compound word consisting of many others. The basic principles used when creating a naming are:
For example, a female name meaning “Death” can be supplemented with the epithets “instant” and “inevitable”. But they can also add explanations - “to preserve honor”, “to avoid a worse fate, shame.” Other additions to the core word are also possible, for example, words that add euphony and poetry.
For example, the name of the world famous Japanese cartoon creator Miyazaki has the following meaning:
Accordingly, the name of the cartoonist can be translated into Russian as “Palace with a temple on the cape.”
The meaning of ladies' names
So, let's study Japanese female names and their meaning in as much detail as possible. Ladies' names differ from men's names in a more understandable translation and easier pronunciation. This is due to the fact that they are mainly read according to kun, and they also have a simple structure. However, sometimes there are deviations from the rules. In Japan, there are the following lady names:
- Azumi – protected house;
- Azemi – thistle flower;
- Ai – love;
- Ayano – shades of silk;
- Akiko is an autumn child;
- Aoi – blue;
- Asuka – aroma;
- Aya – woven or colorful silk;
- Banquo is a child;
- Janko is a pure little thing;
- June – submissive;
- Zhina – silver;
- Izumi – source;
- Ioko is an ocean child;
- Yoshi - fragrant branch;
- Kay – respectful;
- Kin – gold;
- Kemeko – turtle (symbol of long life);
- Keori – aroma;
- Mizuki is a beautiful moon;
- Miko is a beautiful child of blessing;
- Miyuki – beautiful happiness;
- Meiko - child's dance;
- Nobuko is a devoted child;
- Natsumi – summer splendor;
- Ran – water lily;
- Rey – respectful;
- Rico is a child of jasmine;
- Sora – heaven;
- Suzu – signal;
- Sengo – coral;
- Tomoko – friendly;
- Tamiko is a child of abundance;
- Uzeji – 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 thing;
- Chiesa - morning;
- Shizuka – quiet;
- Shika – fragile;
- Shinju is a pearl;
- Eiko is a long-lasting child;
- Eiko – 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 Japanese attitude towards their customs. Previously, the Japanese name meaning "moon", for example, was liked by many parents. It sounded like Mizuki. In recent years, the Japanese have increasingly begun to name their babies after manga or anime characters. This phenomenon has already begun to spread throughout the world.
Are there simple names in Japan?
Of course, not all modern Japanese families follow traditions. There are often cases when children are named after idols, popular literary characters or movie characters, politicians.
Modern Japanese youth often independently change the name given at birth to a European one or to the name worn by their favorite video game characters, musicians, or comic book characters.
However, this trend is not widespread. Most Japanese families honor traditions. In addition, those who decide to call themselves by a different name do not renounce their own, given by their parents, but simply take another one that they like.
Modern Japanese male names
Nowadays, the use of foreign names is considered modern and elegant. At the same time, not all parents have the courage to give their child a foreign name. Nevertheless, such a percentage exists. Most often, such names are given to children born in an international marriage. Globalization also made its contribution to this process. A foreign name may also prompt the desire to make a world-class professional out of a child or, depending on the city of the couple’s honeymoon.
According to the rules, foreign words, including names, are written using the katakana alphabet. But along with this, there is also a way to select hieroglyphs by sound, as in the Chinese language. Perhaps this is a legacy of the Meiji Restoration, when the Japanese, like sponges, absorbed new information pouring in from the West. Here is a small list of such borrowed Japanese-English names (for the original, see https://nisshin-geppo.com/international-name/).
What female names are associated with death?
It is generally accepted that one of the first female names associated with death was the ancient name “Kiku”. This is one of the names of chrysanthemum, a beautiful flower that in Japan is considered a symbol of the end of life.
Accordingly, the names of chrysanthemums in their composition have a similar meaning. Which Japanese girl names mean "Death"? Those whose core words involve words associated with the end of life. Accordingly, the word “death” itself may not be present in the name.
The Japanese also attach this meaning to names whose meaning is not directly related to burial rituals and traditional symbols of death. For example, the name “Toshi”, to which some suffix is attached (most often “ko”). The word "Toshi" is translated as "accident", "disaster that occurred due to human fault."
Japanese male names
Many experts study Japanese male names and their meaning. What features do they have? Many of Japan's classic names can be easily read and written, but despite this, most parents choose names with unusual pronunciation and characters. Such names have no unique spelling or reading.
This trend began in 1990. For example, many boys are named after Hiroto. Multivariate readings of this name also emerged: 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 "light", "clear"), -ta (Kenta - "big, fat"), contain "ichi" or "ji" (Jiro - " next"), dai (Daiiti - “big, great”).
Also, in the names of men with a pair of hieroglyphs, their indicator signs are often used.
What name has the meaning "Death"?
Of course, there is also a female name that means “Death” in a literal rather than indirect sense. But even in this case there is a very significant caveat.
Women's names in Japan are the embodiment of poetry, harmony and abstraction. In other words, the very concept of death in Japanese female names is conveyed by image, description, as in poetry.
What name means "Death"? Miyuki - translated into Russian it is a whole poetic phrase - “the silence of deep snow.” Not the best meaning for a feminine name, is it? But not in Japan, because this name endows the girl with traits characteristic of the state of death, such as absolute peace, dispassion, serenity, and ignorance of vain worries.
Popular names of Japan
The following male names are popular in Japan:
- Hiroto (big, flying);
- Ren (lotus);
- Yuma (calm, honest);
- Sora (blue sky);
- Yamato (big, peaceful, fat);
- Riku (earth, dry 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, sunny, vegetable, greens);
- Yuina (form, greens, vegetable);
- Sakura (sakura);
- Mana (greens, vegetable, love);
- Saki (bloom, desire).
What other names are directly associated with death?
Accordingly, if they are present in the name, it means that it is a male or female name with the meaning “Death”. However, the concept of “Shinigami” is much broader than the designation of the name of one deity. We can say that this is a whole subculture, very reminiscent of the gothic style familiar to Europeans.
The following names are directly related to death in their meaning:
Accordingly, each name, which contains part of these names, carries the meaning of death.
How can you avoid this implication when choosing a Japanese name?
Before giving your daughter a beautiful-sounding exotic name, you need to not only know its translation, but also get an idea of the mentality, cultural characteristics, history, traditions and folklore of the country where it comes from.
This is especially important if a Japanese name is chosen. Knowledge of translation is not enough. Even knowing it, you can accidentally choose a female name for a newborn that means “Death.” For example, which European would be wary of the translation “chrysanthemum bush in bloom”? But chrysanthemum is one of the main symbols of death in Japan.
But in the modern world, the mutual penetration of cultures is so great, and superficial, that it is very difficult to avoid the temptation to name your daughter a beautiful exotic name.
What to do? Make up an adjective yourself, using as a basis a word that accurately conveys the desired meaning, but is not a specific concept. For example, you don’t need to use plant names, just the word “flower” is enough. It needs to be translated into Japanese using a dictionary, listen to the sound and add any additions. In this case, the negative, from a European point of view, meaning of the name can be avoided.
Source
Gothic names
07/12/2010 Blog Today's news from the Ryazan region prompted me to think about strange names - which for some reason parents come up with, and then the child suffers for the rest of his life. The hard workers, experiencing an acute attack of patri(id)otism, named their boy... United Russia. “Father Valentin from our rural church fully supported and blessed this choice of name,” noted the happy father and reminded reporters that two years ago he named his daughter Putin.
In general, it’s practically a joke. Purer than some, oh my God, Dazdraperma. But, I thought, do metalheads have such problems? Well, call my son Slayer. Or daughter Sepultura. Have you heard of these?..
And if you decide to stand out with something, here’s a list of “gothic baby names” compiled by wallofmetal.com for thought. The option, of course, is most likely for English speakers, but the idea will do...
Absinthe - absinthe. (I don’t think there’s any need to explain what kind of gloomy booze this is.) Ague is what malaria was called in the Middle Ages. Ahriman is a destroyer spirit, the personification of the evil principle in Zoroastrianism. Alcina is a sorceress from Italian legends. Amanita is the mistress of poisoned mushrooms. Amarantha is a mythological unfading flower from Greek myths. Amaranthus - Amaranth flower, also known as "love lies bleeding." In ancient times it was used to stop bleeding. Amethyst - amethyst. This stone is associated with the ability to save from drunkenness, as well as from celibacy. And astrology is considered a symbol of divine understanding. Annabel Lee is the heroine of the tragic poem by Edgar Allan Poe. Artemisia is a character from Greek mythology and is also a type of wormwood used to make absinthe. Ash - ash. Asmodeus is one of the names of Satan. Astaroth is a Christian demon. Asura is "demon" in Hinduism. Asya is said to mean “born in a time of sorrow” in Swahili. Atropine is a type of poison. Avalon is where King Arthur went after his death. Avarice - greed. One of the seven deadly sins. Aveira means “sin” in Hebrew. Avon - in Hebrew - impulsive sin of voluptuousness. Azazel is a biblical demon in the form of a goat. Azrael (Esdras) - Angel of Death according to the Koran. Beelzebub is the Hebrew version of Satan. Belial is another Satan. Belinda is one of the satellites of the planet Uranus. Presumably, the etymology of this word is based on the ancient designation of a snake. Belladonna is a poisonous plant with purple flowers. Blood - what a great name!.. Bran/Branwen - Celtic designation for raven. Briar - thorn, thorn. Chalice is a special cup for holy blood. Chaos - Chaos. In its original meaning: the state in which the Universe was before the reign of the Greek gods. Chimera/Chimaera - Chimera. In Greek mythology, it is a hybrid monster with the head and neck of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a snake. Chrysanthemum - chrysanthemum. A flower considered a symbol of death in Japan and some European countries. Cinder is another name for ash. Corvus/Cornix - "raven" in Latin. Dark/Darque/Darkling etc. - several versions of darkness... Demon/Daemon/Demona - several variations on the theme of demons. Dies Irae - day of wrath, day of judgment. Digitalis - digitalis, another poisonous flower. Diti is the mother of demon in Hinduism. Dolores means “sorrows” in Spanish. Draconia - From "draconian", meaning "severe" or "extremely serious". Dystopia is the opposite of Utopia. A fantastic place where everything is very bad. Elysium - in Greek mythology, dead heroes go there. Ember - fading embers. Esmeree - according to legend, the daughter of a Welsh king, turned into a snake by the efforts of sorcerers. She returned to human form thanks to the kiss of a beautiful young man. Eurydice - Eurydice, a tragic female character in Greek mythology. Evilyn is a beautiful girl's name with the root "evil". It seems to come from an old cartoon. Felony - Sounds almost like the common Melanie, but also means "felony." Gefjun/Gefion is a Nordic goddess who took dead virgins under her wing. Gehenna is the name of Hell in the New Testament. Golgotha is Hebrew for “skull.” Hill in the shape of a skull on which Christ was crucified. Grendel is the monster in Beowulf. Griffin/Gryphon is a mythological monstrous hybrid: the body of a lion, the wings and head of an eagle. Grigori - fallen angels in the Bible. Grimoire - grimoire. A book describing magical rituals and spells, containing magical recipes. Hades is the Greek god of the underworld. Hecate is an ancient Greek deity of moonlight, a powerful sorceress. Hellebore - hellebore. A flower blooming in the snow in the middle of winter. According to medieval belief, it saves from leprosy and madness. Hemlock - hemlock. Strong poison. For example, Socrates was poisoned with it. Inclementia is Latin for “cruelty.” Innominata is the name of an embalming agent. Isolde is a Celtic name meaning "beauty", "she who is looked upon". It became famous thanks to the medieval chivalric romance of the 12th century, Tristan and Isolde. Israfil/Rafael/Israfel - the angel who must cut through the beginning of the Day of Judgment. Kalma is an ancient Finnish goddess of death. Her name means "cadaverous stench." Lachrimae - "tears" in Latin. Lamia - “witch”, “sorceress” in Latin. Lanius - "executioner" in Latin. Leila - "night" in Arabic. Lenore is the heroine of Edgar Allan Poe's poetry. Lethe - Summer. The river of oblivion in the underworld in Greek mythology. Lilith is the notorious first wife of Adam. Very ominous. Lily - lily. Traditional funeral flower. Lucifer is a fallen angel, often associated with the Devil. Luna - “moon”, Latin. Malady is practically a Melody, but not. The word means "disease". Malice - bad intentions. Malik is the angel who rules Hell according to the Koran. Mara is a demon in Scandinavian mythology that sits on the chest at night and causes bad dreams (kosh-mar). The Greeks knew this demon under the name Ephialtes, and the Romans called it Incubon. Among the Slavs, this role is played by the kikimora. In Hebrew, "mara" means "bitter." Melancholia is a very gothic/doomy name for a girl. Or a boy... Melania/Melanie - “black” in Greek. Melanthe means “black flower” in Greek. Merula means “black bird” in Latin. Mephistopheles/Mephisto - this is what the Devil was called during the Renaissance. Minax is Latin for "threat". Misericordia - "compassionate heart" in Latin. Mitternacht means "midnight" in German. Miyuki - "silence of deep snow" in Japanese. Moon, Moonless, Moonlight - everything related to the Moon. By the way, the Moon is an ancient symbol of fertility. Moirai - Moirai. Greek goddesses of fate. Monstrance is an empty cross with the holy spirit “sealed” inside. Morrigan is the Celtic goddess of war and fertility. Mort(e) - “death”, “dead” in French. Mortifer/Mortifera - Latin equivalents of the words "lethal", "fatal", "deadly". Mortis is a form of the Latin word for death. Mortualia - grave pit. Natrix - "water snake" in Latin. Nephilim - Nephilim. A member of a race of giants, the sons of fallen angels. Nocturne - nocturne. Romantic “night” genre of music. Obsidian - obsidian. Black stone formed as a result of volcanic eruptions. Used in surgery because is sharper than steel. Oleander - oleander. Beautiful poisonous flower. Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing the end, the finale. Orchid - orchid. Exotic rare flower. Often used as decoration in glamorous Western gothic clubs. Osiris is the Egyptian ruler of the underworld. Penance - repentance, penance. Perdita - sounds great in Russian!!! This name was coined by Shakespeare and means "lost" in Latin. Pestilentia is a Latin term meaning "plague", "unhealthy atmosphere". Reaper - aka Great Reaper, Grim Reaper. English - male - version of a bony old woman with a braid. Sabine/Sabina - Sabines or Sabines. The people of the Italian group. According to legend, the Romans kidnapped the Sabine women during one of the festivals in order to take them as wives. About a year later, the Sabine army approached Rome to free the captives, but they entered the battlefield with babies from their new husbands in their arms and achieved reconciliation between the parties. Sabrina/Sabre/Sabrenn - goddess of the River Severn among the Celts. Salem is a popular witch killing site in Massachusetts. Samael - Angel of Death according to the Talmud. Samhain is the equivalent of Halloween. Sanctuary - sanctuary. Serpent - "serpent". Symbol of evil in many cultures. Shadow - “shadow”. By the way, a common nickname for black cats. Tansy - tansy. According to legend, its seeds cause miscarriages. Tartarus is the Greek equivalent of Hell. Tenebrae - "darkness" in Latin. Thorn(e) - thorn. Tristesse/Tristessa - "sadness" in French and Italian. Umbra is another word meaning darkness. Vespers are morning prayers in Catholicism. Willow - willow. "Weeping tree", a symbol of mortal sadness. Wolf(e) - what would it be without a wolf... Xenobia - “stranger” in Greek. Yama/Yamaraja is the lord of death in Hinduism.
Author: Anastasiya Number 599
Tags: history of group names
Japanese names meaning darkness
Nominal suffixes -chan (chan) - A close analogue of the “diminutive” suffixes of the Russian language. Usually used in relation to a junior or inferior in a 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 in 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 essentially 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.
List of Japanese names for boys and their meanings:
Starting with the letter A
Akayo - smart man Aki - autumn, bright Akio - handsome, handsome Akira - bright, clear, dawn Akihiko - bright prince Akihiro - smart, learned, bright Areta - new Atsushi - warm-hearted, hardworking
Starting with the letter G
Starting with the letter D
Jero - tenth son Jiro - second son Jun - obedient Junichi - obedient, purity, first Deiki - of great value Daisyuk - great helper Deichi - great first son or great earth
Starting with the letter I
Izamu - brave, warrior Izao - honor, merit Izaneji - the man who invites Yoichi - male, first (son) Iori - dependence Yoshayo - good man Yoshi - good Yoshikazu - good and harmonious, fair, first (son) Yoshinori - noble dignity , fair principles Yoshiro - good son Yoshito - good, lucky man Yoshihiro - widespread excellence Yoshieki - just glory, bright luck Yoshiyuki - fair happiness Iuoo - stone man Ichiro - first son
Starting with the letter K
Kayoshi - quiet Keiji - respectful, second (son) Keiichi - respectful, first (son) Ken - healthy and strong Kenji - intellectual ruler Kenichi - first builder, governor of Kent - healthy, strong Kenshin - humble truth Kero - ninth son Kiyoshi - pure , saint Kyo - approvals, ginger, or greater Kichiro - lucky son Koji - filial ruler, happy, second (son) Koichi - bright, widespread, first (son) Koheku - amber Kunayo Kazuki - the beginning of a new generation, pleasant world, or radiances Kazuo - harmonious man Kazuhiko - first, harmonious prince Kazuhiro - harmony, widespread Keitashi - hardness Katsero - victorious son Katsu - victory Katsuo - victorious child
American male names in Japanese:
Kanji (katakana) | Japanese/Russian pronunciation | Meaning |
敬(ケイ) | Kay/Kay | Good |
健(ケン) | Ken/Ken | Strong |
丈(ジョー) | Zō/Jo | Strong |
甚(ジーン) | Dzōn/John | The best |
暖(ダン) | Dan/Dan | Warm |
弘(ヒロ) | Hiro/Hiro | Big |
勉 (ベン) | Ben/Ben | Exploring |
類(ルイ) | Ruy/Louis | Variety |
黎(レイ) | Ray/Ray | Early |
論(ロン) | Ron/Ron | Logical |
愛作(アイザック) | Aisaku/Isaac | Love + create |
亜蘭(アラン) | Aran/Alan | Hieroglyph for Asia + orchid |
安出(アンデ) | Ande/Andy | Calm + exit |
英土(エド) | Edo/Ed | Heroic + earth |
季逸(キーツ) | Kitsu/Whale | Season + free |
健人(ケント) | Kento/Kent | Strong + man |
彩門(サイモン) | Simon/Simon | Color + gate |
嵯夢(サム) | Samu/Sam | Sublime + dream |
譲二(ジョージ) | Zōji | Yield + two |
澄州(スミス) | Sumisu/Smith | Clear + province |
登夢(トム) | Tomu/Tom | Climb + dream |
慕歩(ボブ) | Bobu/Bob | Cherish + step |
編利(ヘンリー) | Henry / Henry | Edit + interest |
森洲(モリス) | Maurice / Maurice | Forest + mainland |
悠仁(ユージン) | Jin/Eugene | Calm + philanthropist |
玲旺(レオ) | Reo/Leo | Heather + thriving |
礼音(レオン) | Raeon / Leon | Polite + sound |
路月(ロッキー) | Rocky/Rocky | Road + moon |
路敏(ロビン) | Robin/Robin | Road + minimum |