2nd April – 卯月
キラキラネーム is the name for people which uses abnormal Chinese character (Kanji) and / or can be read differently to the actual pronunciation.
Kirakira name have started to appear from the mid of 1990’s in Japan (aroud 1995), and in 2000’s the number of Kirakira name has increased rapidly.
In Japanese names, we have 2999 kanji that are normally used (commonly used Kanji for 2136, Kanji for people names: 863 words). Those Kanji are combined and it makes the names. The way of reading is not regulated, so some parents are making the unusual names for their children- even it does not have the pronunciation for the exact kanji.
Here are some examples of Kirakira names:
-黄熊 as ぷう (Pooh)
The exact way of reading could be Kiguma, meaning as yellow bear
-七音 as どれみ (Doremi)
The exact way of reading could be Nanaon, meaning seven sounds
-本気 as りある (Real)
The exact way of reading is Honki, meaning serious, earnestness
-男 as あだむ (Adam)
The exact way of reading is Otoko, meaning men
-紅葉 as めいぷる (Maple)
The exact way of reading is Kouyou, meaning of Autumn leaves
-頼音 as らいおん (Lion)
These are no exact meaning for this words, each kanji separately means 頼 as trust, 音 as sound
-桃花 as ぴんく (Pink)
The exact way of reading is Momoka, meaning as peach flower
Due to the increase in Kirakira names, the law that children above 15 years old can change their name without parent permission, has been recognized. To be able to change, there needs the appropriate reasons such as;
-The name sounds different to general Japanese names
-There are many same surname + last name people
-The name cannot be read correctly
-Can considered as weird name
-Willing to change due to the occupation
etc
There are some regions where mayor can reject the name for the children born in the area if the name seems inappropriate. This law was made after the incidence when parents named their kids as 悪魔 (Akuma), meaning of devil.
The kids with Kirakira name can be a target for bullying sometimes. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to carefully name the kids with respect.
Little Japan Dictionary 