In the vibrant tapestry of Japanese culture, names have always held a special significance. This article delves into the common Japanese names of the year 1900, offering a window into the past.
Importance of Common Japanese Names in 1900
Reflection of Era
The names of an era often mirror its values and aspirations. Explore the names that were popular in the dawn of the 20th century in Japan, each carrying a piece of history.
Cultural Significance
Names are more than just labels; they are cultural artifacts. Discover how names of this period reveal the social and cultural dynamics of early 1900s Japan.
What are the Common Japanese Names in 1900?
Delve into the names that adorned the people of Japan at the turn of the century. Below are four categories of names, each with 15 unique names from that era.
Names for Boys
| Name | Kanji Text | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ichiro | 一郎 | i-chi-ro | First son |
| Jiro | 二郎 | ji-ro | Second son |
| Saburo | 三郎 | sa-bu-ro | Third son |
| Shiro | 四郎 | shi-ro | Fourth son |
| Goro | 五郎 | go-ro | Fifth son |
| Rokuro | 六郎 | ro-ku-ro | Sixth son |
| Shichiro | 七郎 | shi-chi-ro | Seventh son |
| Hachiro | 八郎 | ha-chi-ro | Eighth son |
| Kichiro | 九郎 | ki-chi-ro | Ninth son |
| Jotaro | 丈太郎 | jo-ta-ro | Strong, thick boy |
| Kotaro | 幸太郎 | ko-ta-ro | Fortunate boy |
| Yukio | 幸男 | yu-ki-o | Happy boy |
| Haruo | 春男 | ha-ru-o | Spring boy |
| Tetsuo | 哲男 | te-tsu-o | Wise boy |
| Sadao | 貞男 | sa-da-o | Honest boy |
Names for Girls
| Name | Kanji Text | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toshiko | トシコ | to-shi-ko | Clever child |
| Kiyoko | キヨコ | ki-yo-ko | Pure child |
| Yoshiko | ヨシコ | yo-shi-ko | Good child |
| Fumiko | フミコ | fu-mi-ko | Child of abundant beauty |
| Sachiko | サチコ | sa-chi-ko | Child of bliss |
| Mitsuko | ミツコ | mi-tsu-ko | Child of light |
| Kazuko | カズコ | ka-zu-ko | Harmonious child |
| Kumiko | クミコ | ku-mi-ko | Long-time beautiful child |
| Teruko | テルコ | te-ru-ko | Shining child |
| Shizuko | シズコ | shi-zu-ko | Quiet child |
| Haruko | ハルコ | ha-ru-ko | Spring child |
| Setsuko | セツコ | se-tsu-ko | Melodious child |
| Akiko | アキコ | a-ki-ko | Bright child |
| Eiko | エイコ | e-i-ko | Prosperous child |
| Naoko | ナオコ | na-o-ko | Obedient child |
Surnames
| Name | Kanji Text | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sato | 佐藤 | sa-to | Helper wisteria |
| Suzuki | 鈴木 | su-zu-ki | Bell tree |
| Takahashi | 高橋 | ta-ka-ha-shi | Tall bridge |
| Tanaka | 田中 | ta-na-ka | Rice paddy center |
| Watanabe | 渡辺 | wa-ta-na-be | Cross the boundary |
| Ito | 伊藤 | i-to | This wisteria |
| Yamamoto | 山本 | ya-ma-mo-to | Base of the mountain |
| Nakamura | 中村 | na-ka-mu-ra | Inside the village |
| Kobayashi | 小林 | ko-ba-ya-shi | Small forest |
| Saito | 斎藤 | sa-i-to | Purification wisteria |
| Yamada | 山田 | ya-ma-da | Mountain rice field |
| Matsuda | 松田 | ma-tsu-da | Pine rice field |
| Kimura | 木村 | ki-mu-ra | Tree village |
| Ishikawa | 石川 | i-shi-ka-wa | Stone river |
| Yamaguchi | 山口 | ya-ma-gu-chi | Mountain entrance |
Unisex Names
| Name | Kanji Text | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haru | 春 | ha-ru | Spring |
| Taro | 太郎 | ta-ro | Eldest son |
| Aki | 秋 | a-ki | Autumn |
| Kazu | 和 | ka-zu | Harmony |
| Miki | 美樹 | mi-ki | Beautiful tree |
| Hiro | 寛 | hi-ro | Generous |
| Koki | 康樹 | ko-ki | Peaceful tree |
| Yumi | 弓 | yu-mi | Bow |
| Sora | 空 | so-ra | Sky |
| Taiyo | 太陽 | ta-i-yo | Sun |
| Ren | 蓮 | re-n | Lotus |
| Riko | 理子 | ri-ko | Child of truth |
| Jun | 純 | ju-n | Pure |
| Rin | 凛 | ri-n | Dignified |
| Haruki | 遥輝 | ha-ru-ki | Shining at a distance |
The Significance of Choosing Common Japanese Names in 1900
How a name can shape a person’s identity and personality:
These names reflect not only the era but also the aspirations and values of parents, shaping the individuals who bore them.
The psychological and cultural factors that come into play when naming:
The choice of a name in any era is a reflection of cultural nuances, familial hopes, and societal influences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names in 1900s Japan were often influenced by cultural, familial, and societal factors, including historical events and aspirations.
Yes, certain naming conventions and preferences were prevalent during this period, influenced by cultural and historical contexts.
Naming trends have evolved significantly over the decades, reflecting changes in society, culture, and global influences.
Some of these names have timeless appeal and can still be used, while others may be less common in contemporary Japan.
Conclusion
Exploring common Japanese names from 1900 offers a glimpse into a bygone era, where each name tells a story of culture, tradition, and hope. These names, though from the past, continue to resonate with the enduring spirit of Japan’s rich heritage.