noun
giving one's name; self-introduction
The act of stating one's name, often in a formal or ritual context. Can also refer to the name itself as announced.
会議の前に、各自が名乗りを上げた。
Before the meeting, each person gave their name.
名乗りもせずに去るのは失礼だ。
It's rude to leave without introducing yourself.
noun
battlefield name announcement (samurai)
Historical term for a samurai loudly declaring his name, rank, and lineage before engaging in battle.
戦場で武士が名乗りを上げるのは、誇り高き行為だった。
On the battlefield, a samurai's announcing of his name was a proud act.
noun
coming-of-age name (nobility/samurai)
Historical term for the adult name given to male members of the nobility and samurai class upon their coming-of-age ceremony.
元服の際に、彼は新たな名乗りを授かった。
At his coming-of-age ceremony, he was given a new adult name.
noun
kanji reading used in names
Refers to a specific Japanese kanji reading that is used in personal names, as opposed to standard on'yomi or kun'yomi.
この漢字の名乗りは「あきら」です。
The name reading for this kanji is 'Akira'.
Compound of 名 (na, 'name') + 乗り (nori, the continuative form of 乗る, 'to ride, to mount'). Literally 'name-riding', it originally referred to the act of mounting a name onto oneself or declaring it publicly.