Manami is a common Japanese given name, primarily feminine. It is composed of two elements: the first part, mana-, typically from the kanji 愛 (mana) meaning "love, affection"; and the second part -mi, which can be mi meaning "beautiful" or mi meaning "sea, ocean". Thus common meanings include 愛美 (love + beauty) and 愛海 (love + sea). Other combinations are possible, such as 真名美 (truth + name + beauty) or 真奈美 (truth + Nara + beauty). The name can also be written purely in hiragana or katakana. Etymology and Written Forms Like many Japanese names, Manami is constructed from kanji characters that each contribute meaning. The mi element can also refer to "fruit" (実) or "not yet" (未). The flexibility of kanji choice allows parents to imbue the name with a broader range of symbolic meanings while preserving the phonetic reading. Variants like Aimi (愛美) share the same literal kanji combination but with a different phonetic reading. Notable Bearers Several notable figures bear the name Manami across various fields. In sports, Manami Doi (born 1993) is a Japanese Olympic sailor, and Manami Kamitanida (born 1989) is a long-distance runner. In entertainment, actors such as Manami Higa (born 1986, known for Samurai Sentai Shinkenger) and gravure idol Manami Hashimoto (born 1984) have brought the name into the public eye. The name also appears among athletes and performers, including Manami Katsu (born 1994), a professional wrestler, and Manami Kira (born 1992), a pianist and composer. Cultural Significance While not specific to any one historical figure, Manami is a widely used name in Japan, reflecting traditional values of beauty and affection inherent in its common kanji pairings. The name's versatility in writing and meaning allows it to remain popular across generations. Meaning: "love/affection" + "beautiful" or "sea" (common interpretations) Origin & Usage: Japan, primarily feminine Related Name: Aimi (愛美) — same kanji meaning but different reading Type: Feminine given name