Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a former name involves specific terms for people, places, or things. The most common way is to use 旧 (kyū) as a prefix, but other expressions exist depending on context.
What is your old name?
Use when asking about a former surname, typically for women.
The old name of this city is...
To refer to a person's previous name, such as a maiden name, previous stage name, or name before a legal change.
Specifically means 'former surname' or 'maiden name'. Used when a woman changes her surname after marriage, or when someone changes their family name.
Her maiden name is Tanaka.
Means 'previous name' or 'former name'. Can be used for given names or full names, not just surnames. Somewhat formal.
Literally 'old name'. Used for previous names of people, but also for places or things. Common in historical contexts.
Refers to a professional name used by geisha, hostesses, or entertainers. Not a general term for 'old name'.
To refer to the previous name of a city, country, company, school, etc.
Means 'old name' or 'former designation'. Commonly used for places, institutions, or organizations that have been renamed.
The old name for Tokyo is Edo.
Also used for places and things, similar to 旧称 but slightly less formal.
The prefix 旧 (きゅう) can be attached directly to a noun to mean 'former' or 'old'. Common in words like 旧ソ連 (former Soviet Union), 旧校舎 (old school building).
the former Yugoslavia
To refer to the previous name of an object, product, or abstract concept.
The phrase '古い名前' (furui namae) means 'old name' but sounds like a name that is aged or outdated, not a former name. Use the specific terms above.
旧姓 (kyūsei) is specifically for surnames, especially maiden names. 前名 (zenmei) can be any previous name, including given names, but is more formal and less common in everyday speech.
She goes by her old name on social media.
旧名 can be used for online handles or previous usernames.
The company reverted to its old name.
彼の前名はジョンでした。
His former name was John.
その作家は旧名で作品を発表していた。
The author published works under his old name.
彼女は源氏名で働いている。
She works under a professional name.
その会社の旧名は山田商事でした。
The company's former name was Yamada Trading.
The ancient name for Japan is 'Wa'.