sumo wrestler's ring name
A professional sumo wrestler's fighting name, used in the ring and in official contexts. Often chosen to sound powerful or auspicious.
His ring name is 'Asashōryū'.
A wrestler receives a new ring name when he joins a stable.
Refers to a stage name for performers in general (actors, musicians, etc.), while しこ名 is specific to sumo wrestlers.
Means 'real name'; contrasts with しこ名, which is a professional alias.
Common mixed kana-kanji spelling; usually written in kana.
Rare kanji spelling; the characters mean 'ugly name' and are not the standard way to write this word.
Ateji spelling using kanji for their sounds; recognized but less common than the kana-based form.
The origin is uncertain. The kanji 四股名 is ateji, using characters phonetically. The word may be related to 醜 (shiko, 'ugly'), possibly from an old practice of using humble or unflattering names, but this is not confirmed.