Japanese names starting with X
Why no Japanese names start with X, and the S names to look at instead.
Why no Japanese names start with X, and the S names to look at instead.
Japanese romanisation does not use X. Names that might start with an X sound in English begin with S or Z in Japanese.
8 names. Sa- is most often written 咲 (to bloom), 紗 (thin silk), 彩 (colour).
5 names. Sho- is most often written 正 (right), 昌 (prosperous), 将 (general).
5 names. So- is most often written 颯 (swift), 蒼 (blue), 奏 (to play music).
2 names. Shi- is most often written 茂 (lush), 繁 (thriving), 静 (quiet).
2 names. Su- is most often written 翠 (jade green), 進 (to advance), 晋 (to advance).
2 names. Se- is most often written 節 (season), 世 (world), 聖 (holy).
Japanese names are chosen for their kanji as much as their sound. These are the kanji that most often begin a S name, counting every spelling on this page. 13 of these names are popular today, and 10 are classics from before 1990.
| Kanji | Meaning | Spellings |
|---|---|---|
| 咲 | to bloom | 11 |
| 正 | right, correct | 9 |
| 颯 | swift, sound of the wind | 8 |
| 蒼 | blue, deep green | 8 |
| 紗 | thin silk | 8 |
| 将 | general, leader | 6 |
| 昌 | prosperous, bright | 6 |
| 昭 | bright, shining | 5 |
Sakura (さくら) is one of the best-known: . Popular now · best No. 1.
Shō (翔) is one of the best-known: 翔 to soar. Popular now · best No. 1.
Names that were popular before 1990 and have since dropped out of the rankings, such as Sachiko, Shigeru, Saburō, Shizuko, now sound like names of parents and grandparents.
Japanese romanisation does not use X. Names that might start with an X sound in English begin with S or Z in Japanese.