The kanji character 名 generally conveys the core meaning of "name," "famous," or "reputation." It refers to the designation or label given to a person, place, or thing, and it can also signify the quality of being well-known or respected.

・On-yomi (音読み): メイ (mei) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): な (na) (e.g., in 名前 なまえ, "name")

⚫︎ 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 originally depicted a person (口) and a mouth (口). The mouth portion evolved to become the top part of the character, while the bottom part (夕), is a derivative of "evening" or "night". It suggests "speaking at night" and became associated with being spoken of, thus "name," or "fame." The character evolved over time, becoming the shape we see today.