real name (of a deceased person or noble); taboo personal name
Refers to the personal name that was avoided out of respect, especially for the deceased or high-ranking individuals. Often used in historical or traditional contexts.
In Japan, directly calling the real name of a deceased person was avoided.
His posthumous name was bestowed in honor of his achievements during his lifetime.
贈り名 is a synonym for posthumous name, but 忌み名 can also refer to the taboo personal name used during life, not just after death.
posthumous name
Standard kanji spelling for the taboo personal name of a deceased person or noble.
Single-kanji form; common in historical contexts but may be less familiar to modern readers.
Specifically used for posthumous names; less common than 忌み名 or 諱.
From 忌み (imi, 'taboo, avoidance') + 名 (na, 'name'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term reflects the traditional practice of avoiding the personal names of the deceased or high-ranking individuals.