Your name in Japanese

Japanese lantern with katakana name

Write Your Name in Japanese – Free Katakana Converter

Curious to see how your name looks in Japanese? Use our tool to instantly convert your name into Katakana, the alphabet used in Japan for foreign names.

Try it now:

What is Katakana?

Katakana (カタカナ) is one of the two main syllabaries in the Japanese writing system. It’s mainly used to write foreign names, international brands, and loanwords. Each symbol represents a sound, making it a phonetic writing system.

For example, “James” becomes ジェームズ and “Olivia” becomes オリビア — the meaning doesn't change, but the pronunciation is faithfully preserved.

Popular examples:

  • Emily → エミリー
  • James → ジェームズ
  • Olivia → オリビア
  • Alexander → アレクサンダー

Our converter works with all names — whether they’re English (Liam → リアム), French (Élise → エリーズ), Italian (Giulia → ジュリア), or German (Lukas → ルーカス). No matter your culture, you’ll get an accurate Japanese transcription.

📚 From Wikipedia:

Katakana (カタカナ) is one of the two Japanese syllabaries, mainly used to transcribe foreign words, names, onomatopoeia, and scientific terms. Each character corresponds to a syllable in Japanese.

Source: Wikipedia – Katakana

Why Write Your Name in Japanese?

Writing your name in Japanese isn’t just fun — it’s a way to connect with the culture. Whether for a tattoo, a personalized gift, or just curiosity, seeing your name in katakana gives it a unique flair.

It’s also perfect for artists, travelers to Japan, or anyone looking to add a special touch to their identity or creations.

Engrave Your Name in Japanese

Once your name is converted, have it engraved on a personalized Japanese necklace. A meaningful, elegant, and one-of-a-kind gift.

See the personalized jewelry

Read more about our story or check out our general FAQ.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a translation or a transcription?

This is a phonetic transcription — your name is written based on how it sounds, using Japanese syllables.

Can any name be converted?

Yes, our tool works with all names, including rare or compound names.

How can I be sure it’s accurate?

Every engraving is manually reviewed by our expert. You’ll receive a confirmation email before production to ensure the transcription is correct.

They Loved Seeing Their Name in Japanese

“I got my daughter’s name engraved on a necklace — she loved it! 🥰”

– Emily, USA

“Perfect for my tattoo. The katakana version looks awesome.”

– Jack, UK

“A great tool for Japan lovers. Highly recommended 👍 ”

– Anna, Germany

Glossary of Japanese Terms

  • Katakana (カタカナ) – Syllabic script used to write foreign words and names.
  • Hiragana (ひらがな) – Script used for native Japanese words.
  • Kanji (漢字) – Chinese characters used in Japanese writing.

Have a special request?

Want to engrave something other than a name? Or have a unique design idea?

Feel free to reach out — we can create something 100% custom for you.

Contact us