Sailor Moon: The Hidden Meaning Behind Character Names
Like many names in anime, the characters of Sailor Moon have names that relate to their powers, ideals, or kingdom. Some of these names are easy to pick apart like the characters of the Dark Kingdom — the corrupted remnants of the Earth Kingdom — having names after rocks or precious jewels such as Beryl, Jadeite, Nephrite, Zoisite, and Kunzite. When it gets into the main characters, mangaka Naoko Takeuchi got a little more creative with the puns she hides in the names of the senshi.
For a fast Japanese lesson, no is the Japanese possessive. It's a particle conveys ownership, and you will notice it is present in quite a few of the names present. While the kanji is different, the reading is 'no' which is what makes all of these puns. A perfect example is Sailor Moon herself. With the last name first, it's Tsukino Usagi or tsuki no usagi. In Japanese mythology, there is a rabbit on the moon making mochi, so instead of a man in the moon, there's a bunny. Tsuki for moon, no for of, and usagi for rabbit. Sailor Moon is a complete reference to the image you see in the moon.
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Her love interest, Chiba Mamoru has a way more literal approach. While also a popular Japanese name, mamoru is the verb 'to protect'. Combined with chiba whose best translation is 'place' or 'location', Tuxedo Mask has a very literal reference to his role of protecting the earth. His past life's name as Prince Endymion is easier placed as a reference to Greek mythology and a John Keats poem of the same name. Endymion was a lover of the moon goddess, Selene, and the Keats' poem is said to be one of the most romantic ever written. A perfect fit for the Sailor Moon love story.
Sailor Venus also has references to Greek
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