JSHK Character Name Meanings
Just an analysis of the main cast's names.
Disclaimer: I am not fluent in Japanese kanji meanings. These are all the product of research and hence might not be very accurate; feel free to correct me wherever I'm wrong.
Also, some of the derivations and symbolism behind the names is purely speculation and part of presumed theories. They are not canon unless explicitly stated.
尋 (Shiro)- Question / To make a request
寧 (Ne)- Rather than / To prefer
々 - No meaning. Indicates a repetition of kanji.
Symbolism: 'Yashiro' (八尋) is homophonous with the kanji for "Shinto Shrine" (社 yashiro). It's unknown if this is intentional or not.
子 (Ko)- Child. Also a common suffix for female names.
Derivation: From the urban legend of Hanako-san of the Toilet. (This is canon.)
柚 (Yu)- Citrus, specifically Yuzu citrus.
普 (Amane)- Normal / Usual
Symbolism: Presumably derived from Amaterasu, Japanese Goddess of the Sun.
源 (Minamoto)- Origin / Source
Symbolism: While the family name is canonically derived from the Minamoto clan, Kou's first name is presumably taken from the "mitsu" of Minamoto no Yorimitsu. (源 頼光)
源 (Minamoto)- Origin / Source
Akane Aoi (赤根 葵) (Nene's best friend)
葵 (Aoi)- Hollyhock flower
Aoi Akane (蒼井 茜) (The Clock Keeper)
井 (i)- Well / Town / Community
Her name does not have a literal meaning since it's written in katakana. However, it could be derived from 野狐 (yako), literally meaning "field foxes" and a type of youkai in Japanese lore.
メイ (Mei)- Does not have any literal meaning as it's spelt in katakana. However it is homophonous with some kanji, including: 命 ("life"), 銘 ("signature/ inscription"), or 鳴 ("sound").
Symbolism: Shijima is homophonous with the kanji for "silence" (静寂). Since her name was shown with the kanji for silence in the anime OP, No.7, instead of her real name, it may be intentional.
Symbolism: His name is canonically derived from the Tsuchigumo (土蜘蛛, literally "earth spider"), a kind of youkai in Japanese folklore. Interestingly, this youkai is known best for being slain by Minamoto no Yorimitsu.
Does not have a literal meaning since it's spelt in katakana. It is homophonous with the kanji for violets (菫).
柚 (Yu)- Citrus, specifically Yuzu citrus.
つかさ (Tsukasa)- Does not have a literal meaning as it's spelt in hiragana. However it is homophonous with the kanji 司 (tsukasa) which means "chief" or "boss".
[Edit: In chapter 78, when the twins' mother addresses Tsukasa, she uses kanji (司). But whenever Amane calls out to Tsukasa, his name is written in hiragana (つかさ).]
Symbolism: Presumably derived from Tsukuyomi, the Japanese God of the Moon.
桜 (Sakura)- Cherry Blossom
向 (Ga)- Approach/ Turn towards
彦 (Hiko)- Boy/ Young man. Also a common suffix for male names.
I know there's a few more characters I have to cover, but this is all I have so far! Feel free to add on any more or correct me if I'm wrong anywhere.
