1.
famous historic site; celebrated ruins
A place of historical significance that is well known for its beauty, importance, or cultural value.
2.
distinguished family name; prestigious stage name lineage
A hereditary name or title, especially in traditional arts, that carries prestige and is passed down through generations.
Has two distinct meanings depending on context and sometimes reading.
Sense 1: 名 (famous) + 跡 (ruins, traces). Famous historical sites or ruins. Read as めいせき.
Sense 2: 名 (name) + 跡 (succession, legacy). A hereditary name or title, especially in kabuki and other traditional performing arts. Often read as みょうせき in this sense.
Common collocations
- 名跡を訪ねる: visit a famous historic site
- 名跡を巡る: tour famous historic sites
- 名跡を継ぐ: succeed to a prestigious name
- 名跡を襲名する: formally assume a hereditary name