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HelpCan a Chinese person use a Japanese name?
For context, me and my wife are both Chinese. We are expecting a baby boy in June. Our current top pick for a name is Arata. We like the meaning and way it sounds. It also pays homage to one of her favourite authors.
I’ve seen some discussion online of non Japanese people using Japanese names, but couldn’t find anything conclusive. Would it be insensitive or cultural appropriation for us to use Arata?
If yes, what are some alternatives names we could use?
I’ve seen some discussion online of non Japanese people using Japanese names, but couldn’t find anything conclusive. Would it be insensitive or cultural appropriation for us to use Arata?
If yes, what are some alternatives names we could use?
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Replies
I mean its not against the law or anything.
Personally, it isn't something I would do, but take my opinion with a grain of salt as I am a white woman. I do think it could lead to quite a bit of confusion. I'd be prepared to explain yourself quite often, and also to have people think you are Japanese.
Personally, it isn't something I would do, but take my opinion with a grain of salt as I am a white woman. I do think it could lead to quite a bit of confusion. I'd be prepared to explain yourself quite often, and also to have people think you are Japanese.
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Certainly you can, it's legal in Canada :) Just go into it with your eyes open and expect that you may encounter some judgement or confusion from some people, and be prepared for possible demands for explanation and clarification. I'm sure there will be people out there who think you shouldn't do it. If you're ok with also giving your child that potential job (of explaining and defending your choice) then do it.
I think the main difference in your example is that the name is referencing a person who is/was Japanese, it's not being done just because you think Japan is "cool" or whatever, so it's not cultural fetishism.
I think the main difference in your example is that the name is referencing a person who is/was Japanese, it's not being done just because you think Japan is "cool" or whatever, so it's not cultural fetishism.
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Yes, they can.
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First, be aware that Arata sounds very close to erotic and errata. Neither of those is especially good as a name element.
Second of all, is Arata a given name in Japanese culture, and what are its connotations there? If it's strictly a surname, for instance, you will be seen as, maybe not insensitive, but definitely silly, if and when you encounter someone of Japanese culture or who is well-educated in all things Japanese.
Also, given the history of relations between Japan and China for quite some time, it's a bit odd to think of a Chinese person deliberately giving their child a Japanese name. This probably isn't as true in the US or other places outside China or a large Chinese community, but it is something to think about.
As to what other names you can use, well, that's up to you. You could use a Chinese name, maybe one that means the same as Arata? (Not just one that sort of sounds like it unless you are very fluent in the language.)
Or you could use a name used popularly in the culture where you live now. It is impossible to guide you further since you've given no other parameters.
Second of all, is Arata a given name in Japanese culture, and what are its connotations there? If it's strictly a surname, for instance, you will be seen as, maybe not insensitive, but definitely silly, if and when you encounter someone of Japanese culture or who is well-educated in all things Japanese.
Also, given the history of relations between Japan and China for quite some time, it's a bit odd to think of a Chinese person deliberately giving their child a Japanese name. This probably isn't as true in the US or other places outside China or a large Chinese community, but it is something to think about.
As to what other names you can use, well, that's up to you. You could use a Chinese name, maybe one that means the same as Arata? (Not just one that sort of sounds like it unless you are very fluent in the language.)
Or you could use a name used popularly in the culture where you live now. It is impossible to guide you further since you've given no other parameters.
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Sorry I realize I wasn’t very clear in my explanation. We are using it as a first name/given name. Me and my wife both live and grew up in Canada, we don’t feel any hostility or negativity towards Japan. Neither do other Chinese people around us (both in China and Canada). We are mostly wondering if we are allowed to use a Japanese name, given we are not Japanese ourselves.
As for another name. I’m not sure what parameters to give, but here is what we liked about Arata:
- Masculine, but not too harshly/obviously masculine (compared to names like Zack, Jason, etc…)
- Less common/more unique in English speaking countries
- Short (less than 5 letters) and easy to spell
- No letter “i”
- Homage to her favourite author
- The meaning (“new”)
- The way it sounds and spells
- It seems to be liked/highly rated (according to this website)
As for another name. I’m not sure what parameters to give, but here is what we liked about Arata:
- Masculine, but not too harshly/obviously masculine (compared to names like Zack, Jason, etc…)
- Less common/more unique in English speaking countries
- Short (less than 5 letters) and easy to spell
- No letter “i”
- Homage to her favourite author
- The meaning (“new”)
- The way it sounds and spells
- It seems to be liked/highly rated (according to this website)
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