Kaname

Kaname is a Japanese given name that can be used for both men and women, though historical usage tended toward male naming and contemporary fiction often features it for female characters as well. The name is associated with meanings such as pivot, keystone, or decisive point, reflecting its etymological roots in the concept of a central or crucial element. The exact meaning depends on the kanji used, and it can also be written in kana.

In Japan, Kaname may be written with various kanji combinations or rendered in hiragana or katakana, allowing different nuances while preserving the same pronunciation. The name is used across generations and appears in real-life naming as well as in popular culture, where it frequently conveys a sense of significance or central importance.

Kaname appears frequently in manga and anime as a given name for key characters. Notable examples include Kaname Chidori, a central character in Full Metal Panic! who plays a pivotal role alongside the protagonist; Kaname Kuran, a vampire noble in Vampire Knight; and Kaname Tosen, a former captain in Bleach. These characters illustrate the name’s neutral and decisive connotations and its widespread usage in fiction.

Kaname is part of Japanese onomastics and is included in given-name dictionaries and name databases.