Katakana Name Converter
Type your name and see it in katakana, the Japanese script used for foreign names. Free, instant, no signup.
How the conversion works
- Your name is broken into sounds, not letters. Japanese syllables are mostly a consonant plus a vowel, so Erika becomes e-ri-ka.
- Each sound maps to a katakana character. e-ri-ka becomes エリカ, written left to right.
- Common names use established renderings. For other names the converter follows spelling, so if your name is pronounced differently than it is written, adjust it with the rules in our full guide to writing your name in katakana.
Why your name uses katakana
Japanese has three scripts. Hiragana covers native words and grammar, kanji carry meaning, and katakana is the home of foreign words and foreign names. Writing your name in katakana tells a Japanese reader instantly that it is a name and exactly how to pronounce it.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I write my name in katakana?
Break your name into sounds, not letters, and map each sound to the closest katakana character. The converter above does it instantly, and the guide linked below explains the four rules that handle long vowels, L sounds, and doubled consonants.
Why are foreign names written in katakana?
Japanese uses katakana for words borrowed from other languages, and a foreign name is exactly that. Writing your name in katakana tells a Japanese reader instantly that it is a name and how to pronounce it.
Is this converter accurate for any name?
Common names use established katakana spellings, so those are reliable. Less common names are converted from spelling, so if your name is pronounced differently than it is written, adjust the result with the sound rules in our guide.
Can my name be written in kanji instead?
It is possible to pick kanji that sound like your name, and it makes a fun souvenir, but katakana is the standard for real use. Kanji versions can be read in unexpected ways, so most people keep their everyday name in katakana.
How do Japanese people write a full foreign name?
Usually in katakana with a middle dot ・ between the parts, for example ジョン・スミス. You can keep your name in its original order; both orders are understood.