けんしょう

Kensho

boyJapaneseBuddhist

Kensho is a Buddhist boy name of Japanese origin, meaning “Seeing one's true nature; also 'wise, distinguished'”.

MeaningSeeing one's true nature; also 'wise, distinguished'
GenderBoy
OriginJapanese
Written asけんしょう
PronunciationKEN-shoh
TraditionBuddhist, Modern & Classic
Used inJapan

Meaning and origin of Kensho

Kenshō is a Japanese boy's name whose meaning depends on its kanji; the voice actor Kenshō Ono, for example, writes it 賢章, combining 'wise' and 'chapter' or 'badge'. Written 見性, the same sounds form a key Zen Buddhist term meaning 'seeing one's nature', an initial awakening to one's Buddha-nature. Most Japanese bearers use other characters, so the Zen sense is a happy echo rather than the usual meaning of the given name.

Is Kensho a Buddhist name?

In Zen Buddhism kenshō (見性) means a direct glimpse of one's true nature, often described as a first awakening. Parents drawn to the name for that reason may choose to write it with those characters.

How popular is Kensho?

An uncommon but real Japanese male name; outside Japan it is known mostly as a Zen term.

Gifts with the name Kensho

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Spellings and variants of Kensho

KenshouKenshoh

Names similar to Kensho

KenjiKentaShotaSatori

More Buddhist boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Kensho mean?

Kensho means 'Seeing one's true nature; also 'wise, distinguished''. It is of Japanese origin.

Is Kensho a Buddhist name?

In Zen Buddhism kenshō (見性) means a direct glimpse of one's true nature, often described as a first awakening. Parents drawn to the name for that reason may choose to write it with those characters.

How do you pronounce Kensho?

Kensho is pronounced KEN-shoh.

Is Kensho a boy or girl name?

Kensho is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.