Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a former name depends on context: a person's previous name (e.g., maiden name, before a name change), a place's old name, or a former title/designation. The most common expressions are 旧姓 (maiden name/former surname), 旧名 (former name, often for things or people), and 元の名前 (original/former name).
To refer to a person's former surname, especially a maiden name.
Specifically means 'former surname' or 'maiden name'. Commonly used in official contexts and everyday conversation.
彼女の旧姓は田中です。
Her maiden name is Tanaka.
Literally 'original name' or 'former name'. Can be used for a person's previous name, but is less specific than 旧姓.
彼の元の名前はジョンでした。
His former name was John.
Means 'former name' and can be used for people, but is more formal and often used for historical figures or pen names.
作家の旧名は山田太郎でした。
The author's former name was Taro Yamada.
To refer to the previous name of a location, institution, or entity.
Commonly used for former names of places, buildings, or organizations. Neutral formality.
その都市の旧名はエドです。
The former name of the city is Edo.
Literally 'old name' or 'name from the past'. More casual and conversational.
この駅の昔の名前を知っていますか？
Do you know the old name of this station?
Can also be used for places, meaning 'original name' or 'former name'.
その会社の元の名前は何ですか？
What was the company's former name?
To refer to a previous title, rank, or role name.
Means 'previous title' (as in job title or honorific). Natural for professional contexts.
彼の以前の肩書きは部長でした。
His former title was department manager.
Means 'former title' in a more formal or honorific sense, like a noble title or award.
その元の称号は公爵でした。
His former title was Duke.
旧姓 (kyūsei) is specifically for a former surname, most often a maiden name. 旧名 (kyūmei) is a general term for a former name, used for people, places, or things, and is slightly formal. 元の名前 (moto no namae) is a casual, all-purpose 'former name' and can be used in most situations.
旧姓で呼ばれるのは久しぶりです。
It's been a while since I've been called by my maiden name.
この建物の旧名は何ですか？
What is the former name of this building?
The phrase 'former name' directly translated as 前の名前 (mae no namae) is understandable but not idiomatic. Use 旧姓, 旧名, or 元の名前 instead.