What Are the Most Common Japanese Names?

What are the most commonly used names in your country? Today, we introduce popular names in Japan.

Many of you might already have some Japanese names in mind if you’re learning Japanese or are an anime enthusiast. However, it seems that not many people know why these names are so commonly used and popular. Let’s delve into the most common names in Japan and the reasons behind their popularity.

By the way, what comes to mind when you think of “names”?

For example, my name is Nakamura Machiko (中村真智子). A Japanese name typically consists of two parts: 氏 (shi) / 苗字 (myouji), which refers to the last name or family name, and 名 (mei), which refers to the first name. In my case, my last name is Nakamura, and my first name is Machiko.

While both Nakamura and Machiko are names, it is common to be addressed by one’s last name with “-san”, so I am usually called “Nakamura-san.” However, when I develop a closer relationship with someone, they are more likely to call me by my first name, “Machiko-san.”

In most cases, when a woman gets married, she takes her husband’s last name. (Although there are instances where a husband takes his wife’s last name, explaining this in detail would take some time. If you are interested, I encourage you to look it up online.)

Sometimes, last names and first names are also referred to as 上の名前 (ue no namae) and 下の名前 (shita no namae), literally translated as “upper name” and “lower name”, since the last name comes first in Japan. The full name is called フルネーム (furu-neimu), meaning “full name.” A person’s first name is chosen by their parents at birth or before they are born, while their last name is inherited from their parents. Unlike first names, last names cannot be freely changed or newly created.

Let’s focus on last names. Are there any Japanese last names that come to mind?

To give an example of common last names, we have 佐藤 (Satou), 鈴木 (Suzuki), and 高橋 (Takahashi). Japanese last names can be crucial when it comes to learning about one’s roots and history.

For example, it is widely believed that the name 佐藤 (Satou) originates from ancient clans or place names, while 鈴木 (Suzuki) is said to have originated as a name given to craftsmen who worked with a metal called “suzu”.

The reason why these last names are common nowadays can be traced back to their origins. First, occupational origins are a key factor. In the past, last names were typically given to people based on the type of job they had. In most cases, last names are deeply connected to the lifestyle of the time, such as farming, fishing, or craftsmanship.

Another possible reason is regional origins. Some people took the names of places as their last names, often directly based on the area they lived in. Especially in the countryside of Japan, you will find many last names that are unique to specific regions. Historical events that occurred during the Sengoku period or the Edo period had a significant impact on the distribution of surnames. The names of samurai families and powerful clans are still carried on to this day. If you have a favorite Sengoku-era daimyo, try to recall their name.

1. 佐藤 (Satou)
2. 鈴木 (Suzuki
3. 高橋 (Takahashi
4. 田中 (Tanaka
5. 伊藤 (Itou
6. 渡辺 (Watanabe
7. 山本 (Yamamoto
8. 中村 (Nakamura
9. 小林 (Kobayashi
10. 加藤 (Katou)

Reference URL: https://myoji-yurai.net/prefectureRanking.htm

Now, do you know what this ranking represents? It should be obvious, but this is the ranking of the most common Japanese surnames (as of October 2024).

Japanese last names are very interesting as they reflect regional and historical backgrounds. These top 10 last names make up a significant portion of the Japanese population. They are so common that if you walk down the street, you are likely to run into someone with one of these names.

1st – 佐藤 (Satou)

There are various theories about its origin, but the most widely accepted one is that it comes from ancient clans or place names.

2nd – 鈴木 (Suzuki)

Believed to have originated from an occupation. As mentioned earlier, “Suzuki” is said to have come from craftsmen who worked with a metal called “suzu.”

3rd – 高橋 (Takahashi)

This last name has been given to people involved in bridge-related work. The fact that many places in Japan are named Takahashi suggests that this last name has existed for a long time.

4th – 田中 (Tanaka)

This last name was given to people engaged in rice field-related work. It reflects Japan’s deep-rooted connection to agriculture.

5th – 伊藤 (Itou)

Another occupational surname, believed to have originated from people who worked with “ito” (糸, thread) in the textile industry.

6th – 渡辺 (Watanabe)

The kanji 渡 comes from the verb “wataru” (渡る), which means “to cross” or “to traverse.” It is said that this surname was given to people who moved from place to place like migratory birds.

7th – 山本 (Yamamoto)

Commonly given to people who lived at the foot of a mountain. This name reflects the close relationship between nature and human life.

8th – 中村 (Nakamura)

Means “central village” and was given to people who lived in such settlements. A straightforward example of a last name derived directly from a place name.

9th – 小林 (Kobayashi)

Often given to people who lived near small forests. It evokes an image of people living in a lush, natural environment.

10th – 加藤 (Katou)

Its origin is debated, making it difficult to pinpoint. However, it is highly likely that this name has been carried on by samurai families or powerful clans since ancient times.

Now, let’s focus on first names. The kanji commonly used in Japanese names change over time as eras and trends shift. There are various kanji, ranging from traditional ones that have been used for generations to those that have recently gained popularity.

For examples of traditional kanji used for generations, many of them represent nature. Kanji that describe natural landscapes or phenomena, such as 山 (mountain), 川 (river), 海 (ocean), 木 (tree), 花 (flower), 月 (moon), and 星 (star), have been commonly used for names for a long time. These kanji are often chosen to express the power or beauty of nature.

Additionally, kanji that represent moral meanings are often used. Kanji like 正 (righteous), 善 (goodness), 美 (beauty), 誠 (sincerity), 仁 (benevolence), 義 (justice), 礼 (courtesy), 智 (wisdom), and 信 (faith) are frequently chosen by parents who wish for their children’s growth and moral development.

Kanji such as 力 (strength), 剛 (sturdiness), 健 (health), 勇 (courage), and 勝 (victory) are often used in boys’ names to symbolize strength and power. In contrast, kanji like 美 (beauty), 恵 (blessing), 愛 (love), 花 (flower), 陽 (sun), 優 (gentleness), and 麗 (grace) are often used in girls’ names to represent kindness and beauty.

Recently, names that use only one kanji have been gaining popularity, such as 響 (echo), 蒼 (blue), 空 (sky), 陽 (sun), 愛 (love), and 凛 (dignity). These names are attractive because they are simple, easy to remember, and can easily be paired with any last name. Additionally, unique names made with combinations of rare kanji or foreign names are called “kira-kira names” (glittering names), which have also become popular in recent years.

Let’s take a look at the most popular baby names in 2024.

For boys’ names, 湊 (Minato) was the most popular, while for girls’ names, 凛 (Rin) ranked the highest.

Reference URL: https://www.akachan.jp/maternity/ranking/

In addition to this site, various other websites have published rankings of trending names. For both boys and girls, single-kanji names are common, with nature-inspired names such as 凪 (calm sea), 晴 (clear sky), 翠 (jade/green), 葵 (hollyhock), and 桜 (cherry blossom) gaining popularity.

For boys’ names, kanji inspired by famous athletes are also very popular, such as 翔 (Sho) from Shohei Otani and 藍 (Ai) from Ai Takahashi. For girls’ names, many parents prioritize a pleasing two-syllable sound, with names like Rin (凛), which took first place, being a popular choice.

Today, we explored Japanese names, from last names to first names. Understanding the origins of these names can make watching Japanese TV shows and anime even more engaging.

At TCJ, we have many teachers. I encourage you to ask your teacher about the meaning of their name. If you find it challenging to memorize kanji, starting with name kanji may be a helpful approach.

We look forward to welcoming you to TCJ!