Japanese people have two names one being a surname and a given name. The surname comes from the father, as a custom the women need to change their surname to that of husband’s after marriage. 

As compared to other names in Japanese names the surname comes before the given name. example if surname is Yamamaoto and given name is Akihiko, then the name is Yamamaoto Akihiko as compared to the English name Akihiko Yamamaota. 

There are about 138500 surnames in the Japanese language and most of them are written in kanji (Chinese characters). Usually, the surnames consist of two characters or even one Kanji. 

surnames can be read differently but they are easy to read words. Also, Japanese people prefer using traditional kanji forms rather than the modern simplified ones as it is inherited. Interestingly many surnames are also names of places. 

The given name is used only for children and it is the surname that is used to call out people. Few of the names from kanji are chosen so as to match the syllables of the child’s name and these names are called ateji.

There are several other rules to be followed and with a little practice and observation it can be done.In japan most people write their name in a format known as kanji .

Experts say that are are some exceptions. like there are some women who prefer their names writing in other formats known as Katakana and Hiragana

Posted by: japanesecommonnames at 12:08 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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