1.
self-introduction, announcing one's name
The act of stating one's own name, title, or identity, especially formally or dramatically.
武士は戦いの前に名乗りをした。
Samurai announced their names before battle.
電話では最初に名乗りをするのがマナーだ。
It's good manners to state your name first when making a phone call.
2.
coming forward, stepping up
Volunteering or declaring oneself as a candidate, participant, or claimant.
名乗りを上げる。
To come forward and declare oneself.
次期リーダーに名乗りを上げた。
They stepped forward as a candidate for the next leader.
複数の企業がスポンサーに名乗りを上げた。
Multiple companies came forward as sponsors.
被災地のボランティアに名乗りを上げる人が増えている。
The number of people volunteering for disaster relief is increasing.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 名乗りを上げる (to come forward, to declare one's candidacy — the most common usage)
- 名乗りをする (to introduce oneself)
HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
In medieval Japan, warriors would formally announce their name, lineage, and achievements (名乗り) before engaging in combat. This practice is a staple of historical dramas and literature.
KANJI READING NOTE:
名乗り is also a term in kanji studies referring to special readings of kanji used in personal names (e.g., 大し).