Names We Love for You
Each name carefully selected to match your style, honor your heritage, and sound beautiful with Tanaka.
Kenji
/ˈkɛn.dʒi/
The name that honors family and heritage simultaneously. Strong, intelligent, and globally accessible. Hana and Kenji is a sibling pair of quiet perfection.
Nicknames
Ren
/ɹɛn/
Lotus; love (depending on kanji: 蓮 or 恋)
The modern minimalist choice. One syllable that carries the weight of Buddhist philosophy. Ren Tanaka is crisp and unforgettable.
Haruki
/hɑːˈɹuː.ki/
Spring child; radiance (春樹 or 陽輝)
For the literary family. Murakami's name lends an air of creative sophistication, and the nickname Haru is sunshine itself.
Nicknames
Sora
/ˈsɔː.ɹə/
Sky (空)
The most poetic option. Hana and Sora -- flower and sky -- is the kind of sibset that takes your breath away.
Things to Consider
Every name has its nuances. Here's what you might want to think about.
- 1
Kenji's 'Ken' nickname may emerge naturally, which the family wants to avoid. Setting the expectation early helps.
- 2
Ren's single syllable may feel too spare for formal occasions, though Ren Tanaka has a quiet authority.
- 3
Haruki shares the 'Ha-' start with Hana, which some families love (cohesion) and others avoid (too similar).
- 4
Sora's gaming association (Kingdom Hearts) may date the name for some, though the Japanese meaning is timeless.
If You're Torn Between Names
Loving multiple names is wonderful! Here are some ways to help you decide.
Ask family in Japan which name resonates most. Cultural reception at home matters.
Consider the kanji carefully -- the written form of the name carries as much weight as the sound in Japanese naming tradition.
Introduce yourself as 'Hi, I'm ___ Tanaka' in both English and Japanese. The name that feels most natural in both wins.
If honoring grandfather is the top priority, Kenji is the clear choice. If you want to forge a new path, Ren or Sora offer fresh starts.
Akira
Iconic but the strong film association may overshadow the child's own identity.
Yuki
Beautiful but leans more feminine in Western perception despite being unisex in Japanese.
Save & share your results
Download a beautiful PDF to share with your partner, or share online.
“A name is a gift you give your child that they'll carry forever.”
Congratulations on this exciting journey, Tanaka family!