Sumo ring names

[SugoiBoy]

Not sure exactly where to ask this on TAG, but I have a question about sumo ring names.

Most sumo ring names are written in kanji only. However, a few sumo ring names include "no" in the name. The syllable can be written as either の in hiragana or ノ in katakana. For example, there is Sadanoumi (佐田の海), but we also have Shimanoumi (志摩ノ海).

Does anyone know why that is so? Is there any special reason?

In the above examples, both are Japanese-born wrestlers. So, domestic versus foreign origin doesn't seem to be a factor here.

Could it simply depend upon the stable that a wrestler belongs to? The two wrestlers that I mentioned do belong to different stables.

Any insights would be appreciated.

 

[MikeH]

In addition there are also 乃 and 之 that are used as "no" in many sumo names. I think it is mostly just how does it looks (stroke count etc) or just a feeling as there are many examples where the name of the wrestler in the stable differs from the master or his brother/dad or so on.

Also my favourite wrestler went from 貴ノ花 to 貴乃花 so I don't think there is any special meaning in it.

 

[CharlieSimms]

@MikeH Wow, I never expected “stroke count” to be used in such a dignified way on this site. Kudos to you, Sir!

 

[SugoiBoy]

@MikeH Wow, I never expected “stroke count” to be used in such a dignified way on this site. Kudos to you, Sir!

“Different strokes for different folks.”