Kohaku

Origin

Japanese - The name 'Kohaku' (琥珀) is derived from Japanese, meaning 'amber'. It appears in Japanese poetry and literature as a symbol of warmth and beauty. While it is not originally Australian, the name has gained interest in Australia due to multicultural influences and appreciation of Japanese culture.

Meaning

Literal translation is 'amber', a fossilised tree resin appreciated for its colour and translucence. In Australian English contexts, 'Kohaku' often connotes elegance, rarity, and natural beauty, paralleling the symbolic value of amber.

Pronunciation

/koˈha.ku/ or /koˈhaː.ku/ (Australian English pronunciation, with emphasis on the second syllable) — note that Australian pronunciation may soften the final vowel, and the double 'a' is not used but represented by the sound.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 19 August (Japanese Culture Day)
• 15 August (Japanese Liberation Day) – celebrated by Japanese communities in Australia with cultural festivals.
• Māori and Aboriginal cultural events do not traditionally include this name.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with kohaku:

• Haruki and Hana
• Yuki and Sora (unisex)
• Tōru and Miwa (traditional Japanese names paired with Kohaku)

Fun Facts

• Kohaku is popular as a name for pets and fictional characters in Australian manga and anime fandoms.
• The name appears in Australian cosplay communities where Japanese names are common.
• Some Australian jewelers named their amber-inspired collections after the name Kohaku.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name kohaku:

• Elegant
• Refined
• Naturalistic
• Rarely stereotyped, but associated with cultural sophistication.

Aesthetic Qualities

Visual qualities evoke amber's warm, translucent appearance; the name's script in Japanese is calligraphically elegant, suitable for artistic branding or visual design in Australia.

Geographical Distribution

More common among Japanese expatriate communities and multicultural families in Australian urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Less prevalent in rural or indigenous Australian communities.

Numerological Significance

Name number 3, associated with creativity, communication, and expression in numerology, aligning with the artistic connotations of amber and the name’s cultural versatility.

Astrological Connections

No specific zodiac associations, but its warm, amber connotation is often linked metaphorically to fire signs like Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius in astrological symbolism.

Historical Context

While individually 'Kohaku' does not have significant historical figures in Australia, its cultural significance worldwide and presence in Japanese literature lend it an exotic and refined aura. In international fiction, characters named Kohaku often embody qualities of wisdom or beauty.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name can be adapted into Latin script for international contexts; Japanese characters may be romanised as 'Kohaku'. It may be transliterated or adapted into other scripts with phonetic similarities.

Famous People Named kohaku

• Kohaku (Character from 'Inuyasha') — Anime character
• Kohaku (Australian jeweller's collection) — Jewellery inspired by amber.
• Kohaku Numa (Japanese poet and artist, internationally known) — Influential cultural figure

Popularity in Australia