Your name in Japanese
Write Your Name in Japanese – Free Katakana Converter
Want to know how your name is written in Japanese? Use our tool to get the katakana version of your name, the alphabet used in Japan to write foreign names.
Convert your name now:
What is Katakana?
Katakana (カタカナ) is one of the two Japanese syllabaries. It is mainly used to write words of foreign origin, non-Japanese names, international brands, and some onomatopoeia. Each character represents a syllable, and the transcription is entirely phonetic.
For example, "James" becomes ジェームズ and "Olivia" becomes オリビア: the meaning of the name is not translated, but its Japanese pronunciation is respected.
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 name or cultural background, you can use it freely.
Translating Your Name into Japanese: How Does It Work?
Many people search for the translation of their name in Japanese. In reality, a foreign name is not translated word for word: it is transcribed into katakana, the Japanese alphabet used to represent sounds from other languages.
The "translation" therefore corresponds to a phonetic transcription. Your name is written according to how it sounds, using the Japanese syllables closest to its pronunciation.
If you were looking for how to translate your name into Japanese, our converter instantly gives you the correct Japanese spelling used in Japan.
📚 From Wikipedia:
Katakana (カタカナ) is one of the two Japanese syllabaries, mainly used to transcribe words of foreign origin, non-Japanese proper names, onomatopoeia, and some scientific terms. Each character corresponds to a phonetic syllable.
Source: Wikipedia – Katakana
Why Write Your Name in Japanese?
Writing your name in Japanese is more than a simple linguistic exercise. It's a way to embrace Japanese culture, create a symbolic connection with a fascinating alphabet, or personalize a gift or piece of jewelry in a unique way.
Whether for a tattoo, an artistic signature, a trip to Japan, or an engraving, the katakana transcription gives your name an aesthetic and a sound that make it truly special.
Engrave Your Name in Japanese
Once your name is converted, have it engraved on a personalized Japanese piece of jewelry. A unique, elegant, and meaningful gift.
Discover the personalized jewelryLearn more about our story or check out our general FAQ.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a translation or a transcription?
It's a phonetic transcription: your name is written according to how it sounds, respecting the Japanese syllables.
Can any name be converted?
Yes, our tool works with all names, including rare or compound names.
How can I be sure the result is accurate?
Before any engraving, our expert validates the transcription and you receive a confirmation email to ensure everything is correct before production.
They loved discovering 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 really classy."
– Jack, UK
"A great tool for Japan lovers. Highly recommended 👍 "
– Anna, Germany
Glossary of Japanese Terms
- Katakana (カタカナ) – Syllabic alphabet used to write foreign words.
- Hiragana (ひらがな) – Alphabet used for native Japanese words.
- Kanji (漢字) – Characters of Chinese origin used in Japanese writing.
Most Common Japanese Surnames
In Japan, family names often have meanings linked to nature, landscapes, or villages of origin. Here are the most common surnames, along with their kanji spelling and literal meaning.
| Rank | Surname | Kanji | Meaning | Number of Japanese |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Satō | 佐藤 | Supporting wisteria | 1,928,000 |
| 2 | Suzuki | 鈴木 | Bell tree | 1,707,000 |
| 3 | Takahashi | 高橋 | High bridge | 1,416,000 |
| 4 | Tanaka | 田中 | In the middle of the rice field | 1,336,000 |
| 5 | Watanabe | 渡辺 | Crossing the region | 1,134,000 |
| 6 | Itō | 伊藤 | This wisteria | 1,080,000 |
| 7 | Yamamoto | 山本 | Base of the mountain | 1,077,000 |
| 8 | Nakamura | 中村 | Central village | 1,059,000 |
| 9 | Kobayashi | 小林 | Small forest | 1,019,000 |
| 10 | Saitō | 斉藤 | Harmonious wisteria | 980,000 |
In Japanese, the family name is always written first (e.g., Tanaka Hiroshi). If you want to see how your surname or first name is written in Japanese, use our converter at the top of the page.
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