Naruto’s name goes against conventional naming systems where the father’s name takes precedence. Here’s a look at the reason behind this peculiarity.
Highlights
- Naruto’s last name being Uzumaki instead of Namikaze goes against conventional naming standards, but it is explained by the influence of Japan’s traditional naming system and the significance of the Uzumaki name.
- Keeping Naruto’s lineage a secret from the audience was another reason for the unconventional name choice, as it added an element of surprise and allowed for more flexibility in the story.
- The series itself provides an explanation for the name choice, stating that associating the Namikaze name with Naruto would have put him in danger due to Minato’s enemies, while the Uzumaki name provided a perfect cover for his safety.
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Naruto’s iconic last name ‘Uzumaki’ is a beloved aspect of the titular character, yet the very same name is a frequent topic of discussion among the series’ ever-expanding fanbase. Since the Uzumaki name comes from Naruto’s maternal side, fans find it rather odd that his name differs from conventional naming standards where the father’s last name takes precedence.
Fans often argue that the Namikaze name should have been associated with Naruto, yet there’s no mention of this lineage till the revelation of his paternal ties in Shippuden. The series has already stated its own explanation for the peculiar naming choice, though a few other reasons have also played a major role in this odd decision.
Japan’s Traditional Naming System
Since a major chunk of Naruto’s fanbase comprises international viewers, primarily Western audiences, fans tend to get confused by Japan’s traditional naming system. The most obvious difference can be seen in the form of surnames being written before given names, a system contrary to the Western method of writing given names first. Similarly, Japan’s naming conventions are accompanied by a number of other intricacies, though most of these have been modernized to fit the current times better.
One such naming convention that has now become near-extinct is the influence of a clan or family’s social prestige. In pre-modern Japan, the more influential clan’s name would take precedence while naming newborn children. If the father’s lineage had a weaker social influence, the child would bear the mother’s maiden name and vice versa. The system was scrapped, however, after clans turned into individual family units and the communal system eventually dissolved.
Since Naruto is set in a world that resembles Japan’s pre-modern era, naming conventions such as these are highly likely to be present in the anime. Since the Namikaze name is lesser-known and pales in comparison to the feared Uzumaki name, it only made sense for Naruto to take on his mother’s family name. It has never been confirmed that a Namikaze Clan even existed in the Leaf Village, meaning Minato either belonged to a no-name clan or he was part of a smaller family unit that lacked enough members to be deemed a clan. Therefore, even if Minato and Kushina were alive, it’s highly likely that Naruto would have taken on the Uzumaki name given its known strength and superior nature.
Keeping Naruto’s Lineage a Secret from the Audience
Another reason behind Naruto’s unconventional name could be attributed to Kishimoto’s desire to keep his lineage a secret from the audience. Since Minato has been a known figure since the beginning of the series, giving Naruto his last name would have been a dead giveaway to their paternal ties. Some have argued that Naruto and Minato’s father-son relation was a retcon, stating that Kishimoto had no initial intentions for linking the two together. However, the theory is far-fetched since much of Naruto’s premise revolves around this very fact.
This indicates that the author purposely chose a different surname for Naruto to keep his true identity a secret from the audience. While fans may have been able to guess Naruto and Minato’s ties early on, associating the Namikaze name with the titular character from the very beginning would have killed the element of surprise. The air of mystery surrounding Naruto’s true lineage served as a buildup to the reveal, making the revelation all the more jarring.
Moreover, the author would have had less flexibility in coming up with a definite premise if Naruto’s paternal ties had been cemented early on in the series. Overall, the decision eased the writing process for Kishimoto, coupled with the added benefit of throwing in a rattling plot twist for the audience.
The Series’ Explanation for the Name Choice
The series has given its own explanation for Naruto’s unique naming situation, associating it to the newborn’s safety. The Namikaze name became a liability for the child since Minato had made plenty of enemies during his reign as Hokage. His feats during the Third Great Ninja War furthered his notoriety among the other Great Nations. With the Namikaze name attached to Naruto, the child would have instantly become a target of vengeful belligerents from Minato’s former battles.
On the other hand, the Uzumaki name had a history of power and reverence, yet the clan’s current near-extinct state made it the perfect cover for Naruto’s safety. The Uzumaki clan had been annihilated decades ago, and the few remnants were no longer considered a threat. The Great Nations had entirely forgotten about this once-powerful clan, and its name had become a mere myth. These circumstances served as the perfect cover-up for Naruto’s safety, leading to the Third Hokage associating the Uzumaki name with him.
Naruto is now available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Fuente: successacademy.edu.vn
Categorías: Anime
