Yamato-san
Banned
- 446
- Posts
- 20
- Years
- Age 38
- Seen Feb 15, 2012
[bops fist on forehead] oi, Hikaru, why didn't I think of that? It's one of those names I don't hear near as much and therefor pop into my head as easily as the likes of Hikari, but knowing this sure would've been helpful. [Looks back at chapter 4 of the old version and cringes]
Anyway, for anyone who wants to try giving Japanese names to characters, I highly recommend this site. But, for the most part, I suggest you don't choose these names at random. It helps if you happen to understand some meaning behind the names (basically, if you know a Japanese word, try looking it up there to see if it can also be someone's name). Just remember, if you're making your fic seem very culturally-accurate, there's no need to follow those lists 100% of the time. Meaningful names, like those on the lists, are usually given out by the parents, but when it comes to a pet or nickname or something, you could use a name that doesn't really mean anything and just gibberish, or a name with some sort of meaning but isn't really used for humans (Kiryuu). If Chris is any indication, you can use European-style names for natives in a Japanese-style environment (because, on rare occasions, Japanese parents may favor such a naming style). Also, as you may've seen in some anime, those names on the lists can switch gender (ex. Yamato's a common male name, but a female in Pocket Monsters has it). Just letting you know that as big as these lists may be, there's more to Japanese names than just what's on there.
Anyway, for anyone who wants to try giving Japanese names to characters, I highly recommend this site. But, for the most part, I suggest you don't choose these names at random. It helps if you happen to understand some meaning behind the names (basically, if you know a Japanese word, try looking it up there to see if it can also be someone's name). Just remember, if you're making your fic seem very culturally-accurate, there's no need to follow those lists 100% of the time. Meaningful names, like those on the lists, are usually given out by the parents, but when it comes to a pet or nickname or something, you could use a name that doesn't really mean anything and just gibberish, or a name with some sort of meaning but isn't really used for humans (Kiryuu). If Chris is any indication, you can use European-style names for natives in a Japanese-style environment (because, on rare occasions, Japanese parents may favor such a naming style). Also, as you may've seen in some anime, those names on the lists can switch gender (ex. Yamato's a common male name, but a female in Pocket Monsters has it). Just letting you know that as big as these lists may be, there's more to Japanese names than just what's on there.