ACADEMY OF SAINT GABRIEL REPORT 3001 http://www.s-gabriel.org/3001 ************************************ 3 Apr 2005 From: Aryanhwy merch Catmael (no address) Greetings from the Academy of S. Gabriel! You asked if we could suggest Japanese feminine names beginning with or that were used between 1550 and 1600. Here is what we have found. We found three women's names beginning with or in your period: [1] Hisauji (1572) \hee-sah-oo-djee\ Koma (1572) \koh-mah\ Koneneme (1572) \koh-neh-neh-meh\ In case you'd like a larger selection of names to chose from, we compiled a list of feminine names found in the Muromachi period, from 1336-1573: [1] Acha Achacha Ai Aki Ako Ane Asahi Aya Hajime Hamimeme Harukiri Hisauji Iha Ima Inuwaka Ishi Itoito Itsui Itsuitsu Iwa Kiku Kinu Koma Koneneme Kure Kuri Ma Mama Mememe Mimi Mitsu Momo Momoe Murasaki Musu Mutsu Nabe Nana Narime Natsu Nei Neneme Raku Sakami Sakuma Sayo Sen Shiro Sue Suzu Tahe Tatsuko Tei Tomiko Tomoe Tora Toto Totome Toyome Tsuma Ukon Uma Uta Yamabukime Yasu Yaya We don't have a clear picture of what types of bynames were used by women in the 16th century. We believe that for buke women of this period, one appropriate construction is + . (The buke were the warrior caste of medieval Japan, roughly minor nobility). If you can tell us a particular letter or sound that interests you, we can come up with a list of family names in use in the 16th century that would be appropriate. We hope that this letter has been useful to you and that you won't hesitate to write us again if you have further questions. Research and commentary on this letter was provided by Arval Benicoeur, Gerita del Mere, Mari neyn Brian, Talan Gwynek, Solveig Throndardottir, and Adelaide de Beaumont. For the Academy, -Aryanhwy merch Catmael, 03 April 2005 -- References: [1] Solveig Throndardottir, _Name Construction in Mediaeval Japan_ (Carlsbad, N. Mex.: The Outlaw Press, 1994; Potboiler Press, 1999 [Box 30171, Columbia, MO 65205])