How Japanese Names Are Chosen
Sound and meaning
Parents usually start with the sound they like, then look for kanji that fit it and carry a hope for the child, such as brightness, kindness or the sea. The same sound can be written with many kanji, which is why one name such as Haruka can look very different on paper.
Kanji limits
Japanese law only allows kanji from an approved list for given names. It includes the everyday jōyō kanji and an extra set of name kanji, about three thousand characters in total. This is why very unusual characters do not appear in newborn names.
Stroke count
Some families check the number of strokes in the characters, a tradition called seimei handan, because certain totals are thought to bring good fortune. Not everyone follows it, but it helps explain why parents compare spellings carefully.
Trends
Popular names change with the times. Nature words, short sounds and gender-neutral names have been popular in recent years. Use the theme pages on this site to explore names by meaning.
A typical process
Many parents start with a sound they love, such as Haruka or Ren. They then look at the kanji that can be read that way and compare meanings and appearance. They may check the number of strokes, ask family members, and finally register the name at the local city office within fourteen days of birth.
Naming trends
Names go in and out of fashion. Girls' names ending in -ko were very common in the twentieth century and are now rare, while short, open names are popular today. Nature, light and seasonal names have stayed popular for decades, which is why they appear throughout this site.
Questions
Can parents use any kanji?
No. Japanese law limits given names to an approved list of about three thousand kanji.
Do Japanese families check stroke counts?
Some do, following a tradition called seimei handan, but many families do not.
Do names have to carry meaning?
Often the sound comes first and the kanji follows. The meaning is one part of the choice.
Explore popular names
Try the name generator and converter, search names by meaning.