The kanji 名 primarily conveys the idea of "name" or "reputation." It signifies a designation, a label used to identify something or someone. This can refer to a personal name, a title, or a reputation, encompassing both identity and recognition. It can also imply fame or being well-known.

・On-yomi (音読み): メイ(mei) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): な(na)

⚫︎名前(なまえ) Translation: Name ⚫︎有名(ゆうめい) Translation: Famous; well-known ⚫︎名刺(めいし) Translation: Business card

The kanji 名 is a pictograph. It depicts a person's mouth (口) and then another person standing on the top. The original form suggests a person's name being announced or spoken, thus, conveying the concept of "name." The evolution of the character gradually simplified the top portion, eventually arriving at the modern form.