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Old-fashioned?
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2008/12/10 04:17
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Is the name "Hanako" (華子 or 花子) old-fashioned in today's Japan? Or is it still a common name for newborns?
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by Risu
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Unlike names like John and Mary, names like Taro or Hanako are what you usually see in bed time stories or example formats. You know, like if you go to a bank, there is a note saying, "Please fill in your name on the blank format. Here is an example; Hanako Yamada."
So it's not that names like Taro and Hanako don't exist, but the fact that our Prime Minister's name is Taro attracts a lot of giggles, which is probably a good thing for a person who needs attention. Same thing with Hanako.
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by Uco
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Hana, Mary etc.
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2008/12/10 22:13
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I have a friend called Hanako, she's 34.
While there may be a few younger Johns around, Mary is very rare among people younger than about 60 years old. I have never come across a Mary the same age as me or younger.
If someone had the name "John Smith", that would also cause people to laugh.
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by Sira
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Princess name
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2008/12/10 23:26
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It is true that names with 子 are old-fashioned now.
子 was used only for aristocrat in the old times. When new era of Meiji(1868-1912) started, the average people began to use it. But in the 60's, when postwar-grown-up children became parents, names with 美/恵/江/././././ spread all over this country.
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by 和子
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Regarding the Name
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2008/12/11 11:28
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In my opinion Hanako is a lovely name, but it's old-fashioned. A name ending with ''Ko'' is rarely given nowdays, but there are still newborns being born with that name ending. Riko, Momoko, Nanako, Sakurako for example (just to name a few).
However, I advice you to name your child whatever you feel like you want to. Be brave and use whatever you think is beautiful. Just remember not to name her something ridiculous.
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by monica
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thank you
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2008/12/12 04:42
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thank you monica (and the others for their answers): I really like the name but wasn't sure how this name is seen today. In the end it should be me to decide how to name my child and I should trust my feeling for this name. If I like it, it'll be the perfect name for my daughter.
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by Risu
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I know a young girl who was named Hanako because her great grandma (American) had some connection to Japan. I am Japanese and I have always liked the name and also Hana(華), which sounds like Hannah. Though it seems old fashined to some (many?), for me it is a beautiful classic name.
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by .
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You are welcome
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2008/12/12 07:05
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Personally, I love old-fashioned names and I prefer them over the more modern names. If you really want to name your daughter Hanako, you should do it.
To ease your anxiety about the name, I looked it up and in 2007, (according to meijiyasuda.co.jp) these 4 „Ko” names were in the top 100 most given names in Japan : Riko, Hinako, Sakurako, Momoko. If there is nothing wrong with Hinako, there is nothing wrong with the similar sounding Hanako. Also, I believe there is a Princess Hanako (written 華子) in Japan and I haven’t heard of anyone making fun of her name.
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by monica
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