A character’s name holds deep meaning and is crucial to their identity. Names reflect a character’s personality or allude to characteristics about them. Japanese names contain specific characters that add unique value to characters and their names.
Iconic names in anime make the characters identifiable or memorable. Names such as Naruto, Luffy, or Goku are well known and instantly paint a picture for fans. Sometimes, anime characters share the same name, but are two different people completely.
Wakana Gojo from My Dress Up Darling and Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen
Despite sharing a last name, Wakana Gojo from My Dress Up Darling and Satoru Gojo seem to be complete opposites. High schooler Wakana Gojo is the grandson of a Hina doll maker. While learning the craft from his grandfather, Wakana has become skilled at sewing and designing clothes. His talent piques the interest of his classmate, Marin Kitagawa, an aspiring cosplayer. He is shyer and quieter than his classmate, but openly cares about helping Marin achieve her cosplay goals.
Compared to Wakana, Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen is more boisterous and carefree, especially with his students Itadori Yuji, Kugisaki Nobara, and Fushiguro Megumi. Satoru is a first-year teacher at Tokyo Jujutsu Metropolitan Magic Technical College. He is renowned as the strongest jujutsu sorcerer and has the skills to back it up. While fighting against cursed spirits, Satoru is confident in his abilities as a sorcerer and can be arrogant in taunting his opponents.
Shoyo Hinata from Haikyuu and Hinata Hyuuga from Naruto
There are several differences between the volleyball player and shinobi. Shoyo Hinata from Haikyu! is a cheerful and energetic high schooler who plays middle blocker on his school team. Despite his short stature, he has an unusual ability to jump high, which he uses to his advantage. Hinata is a social butterfly and can easily make friends with his opponents on other teams. He is also competitive and sometimes butts heads with his teammates, namely Kageyama.
Hailing from the Naruto universe's Hyuuga clan, Hinata is the oldest daughter of the main branch. She is timid and often doubts her abilities when faced with opponents stronger than her. As she got older, she proved to be a very capable kunoichi. She mastered using the byakugan and created her technique called Protection of the Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms. Ever since she was a kid, she had a crush on Naruto, whom she later married.
Yuno Gasai from Future Diary and Yuno from Black Clover
Yuno Gasai from Future Diary and Yuno have drastically different personalities. Gasai is obsessive, with Yandere tendencies towards her lover, Yukiteru. At first glance, she may seem like an innocent girl, but her love for Yuki leads her to do anything to keep him for herself. Her Yukiteru future diary tracks where Yuki is and lets her know of his condition. If Yuki is ever in danger, Gasai does not hesitate to resort to violence to protect him.
Compared to his counterpart, Yuno is calm and aloof. He does not show his emotions often and has a competitive and childish side that only comes out when he is bantering with Asta. Yuno is a talented wind mage and received a four-leaf grimoire at his ceremony. During the Magic Knights exam, all the captains were amazed by his skill and wanted him for their squad. Despite only being a commoner, Yuno entered the Golden Dawn, known as one of the strongest squads.
Benimaru Shinmon from Fire Force and Benimaru from Reincarnated as a Slime
Both Shinmon and Benimaru are known to be strong fighters. Captain Benimaru Shinmon leads the Special Fire Force Company 7 in Asakusa. He is a second and third-generation pyrokinetic allowing him to summon and manipulate fire. Shinmon is calm and aloof but can be short-tempered at times. He is often reluctant to work with others outside of Company 7, and prioritizes the well-being of his city outside of everything else. Although he is known as the King of Destruction, and most of Asakusa faces collateral damage during his fights, he is viewed as a hero and highly respected by the citizens.
Similarly, Benimaru from That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime is also a fire wielder. Due to his strength and calculating nature, Benimaru became commander of Rimuru's army. Outside of fighting, Benimaru has a carefree personality and is easily excitable, but he is still cautious and rational in protecting his city. He takes pride in serving a strong leader, such as Rimuru, but never belittles those weaker than him.
Names have significance. They are a part of the character's identities and can have meaningful connections to their family, history, or culture. Even if characters may share a name, its special meaning is unique and reflects their personality.