How Do You Translate Names To Other Languages? A Guide for Translators

While browsing Proz.com, a prominent platform for language professionals, we came across this question about translating a name from English to Latin. They asked for advice on how to translate a name into different languages.

So today, we will discuss the challenges and considerations if you decide to translate names into different languages. Sometimes, clients request not to translate their names to the target language. But if they ever request you to do so, we will explore everything you need to do when you translate names into other languages.

Can you translate names and should you do it?

Translating a name is possible, but it’s not always the right choice, especially when dealing with personal identity, legal documents, or international branding. Unlike standard text, names carry emotional, cultural, and legal weight, making literal translation risky without proper context. That’s why professional translation plays a vital role in determining when to translate a name and when to retain or transliterate it.

For example, a business name entering a new market may benefit from localized branding, while a legal name in a passport must remain phonetically consistent across languages. Machine translation often lacks this nuance, potentially distorting the meaning or intent behind a name. Using expert translators and AI tools like those from Tomedes ensures that every name is handled with linguistic precision and cultural respect.

What are cognates and when do they work in name translations?

In some cases, names share a common etymological origin across languages. These are known as cognates, and they appear frequently in names with biblical, classical, or historical roots. 

For example, the English name “John” appears as “Juan” in Spanish, “Jean” in French, “Giovanni” in Italian, and “Johann” in German. These culturally adapted versions reflect the same origin, modified to align with the phonetics and orthographic rules of each language.

When there’s no equivalent names in different languages

Not all names have cognates. For names with no shared linguistic roots, especially those from different language families, the translator must choose between phonetic approximation or semantic substitution. 

For example, an English name with no Chinese equivalent may require a new rendering that captures the sound or meaning of the original, sometimes both.

Machine translation tools or name translators often fail in these cases, offering literal or awkward results that ignore cultural nuance. That's why professional translation is vital to maintain identity, pronunciation, and contextual accuracy.

Example: How name translations change across writing systems

Consider the name “Dr. Adolf Jesus E. Ramos III.” When translating this across different scripts, phonetic and cultural sensitivity must guide the process:

Japanese (Katakana): アドルフ・ジーザス・E・ラモス三世 (Adorufu Jīzasu E Ramosu Sansei)

Russian (Cyrillic): Доктор Адольф Хесус Е. Рамос III

Amharic (Ge’ez script): ዶክተር አዶልፍ ኢየሱስ ኤ ራሞስ ሦስት

These variations highlight the precision required when you translate name in different languages, especially across scripts that handle sounds and structures different

How do professional translators navigate the challenge of name translation?

Successfully translating names requires more than just linguistic fluency—it demands cultural sensitivity, audience insight, and precision. Name translation is often cited by over 65% of professional linguists as one of the most complex challenges, particularly when working with names in different languages or across writing systems. To deliver accurate and culturally relevant name translations, expert translators use well-established strategies that go beyond literal meanings.

Phonetic transliteration

One of the most reliable ways to translate names is by using phonetic transliteration, which means matching the name’s sound using the alphabet of the target language. This works well when a name has no direct translation. 

However, a 2025 study found that ChatGPT translated only 28.17% of Chinese place names into Thai correctly, with 33.8% containing sound errors. This shows that machine translation still struggles with names, making professional name translation the better choice for accuracy.

Cultural and contextual adaptation

Some names in other languages carry religious, historical, or symbolic meaning that changes across cultures. Professional translators evaluate whether a name should be translated, localized, or left unchanged based on these nuances. This process helps ensure that translating a name respects its original significance while resonating with the target audience.

Maintaining the original form

In many cases, such as with global brands or public figures, translators retain the original Latin script for recognition. This is common when audiences are already familiar with the original form or when translating names in different languages could lead to confusion. Maintaining form is also a common strategy in bilingual or legal documents.

Understanding the target audience

Whether or not to translate a name often depends on who will read it. General audiences might benefit from phonetic versions, while legal or technical readers may require a more standardized format. Understanding cultural expectations is key to translating names in different languages effectively.

Collaboration and flexibility

Name translations are rarely straightforward. In fact, 81% of localization experts say they consult native speakers or clients to clarify ambiguous names. A collaborative approach ensures that each translated name reflects both the source meaning and the cultural expectations of the target language.

Conclusion

Even with today’s technology, including tools that attempt to translate names in different languages, the role of human translators remains essential. 

They serve as both linguistic experts and cultural intermediaries, ensuring that every name translation is not only phonetically accurate but also culturally respectful. Whether you’re dealing with names in other languages for legal documents, branding, or personal identity, understanding the audience and context is key.

Here are a few final takeaways to guide your approach to translating names:

• Phonetic Accuracy and Cultural Sensitivity: Striking the right balance between pronunciation and meaning is critical when working with name translations.

• Adaptability to Writing Systems: Translators must navigate diverse scripts and alphabets when handling names in different languages.

• Collaboration and Contextual Awareness: A successful name translation often requires input from native speakers and an understanding of the setting in which the name appears.
  

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences on how you translate names across languages and cultures. Every insight adds value to the evolving discussion on translating names in a multilingual world.

Ready to ensure your names and documents are translated with precision, clarity, and cultural accuracy? Contact Tomedes today for expert translation and linguistic solutions trusted by global brands and supported by 24/7 service.