Translation: The kanji Takeuchi, Naoko used for the last name has a different translation than some might think. The first kanji, "tsuki" means "moon". However, contrary to popular belief, the second kanji used in her name does NOT translate to "of the". It translates to "field". So, along with her first name written in hiragana, her name would come to the translation of "Moon Field Rabbit". This is actually a common surname in Japan, not a made-up one.

However, the name is a pun on the Japanese phrase "tsuki no usagi" which translates to "Rabbit on the Moon". It is in reference to a Japanese myth that proclaims there is a rabbit on the moon pounding rice cakes, or mochi. On the Otsukimi (Moon Watching Festival) it is said that you can see the the rabbit on the moon pounding the mochi. This pun would explain why she was chosen to be the daughter of the moon princess in the story. It would also explain her fasination with collecting rabbit accessories [ie. umbrella, toys, clothes].

In the 20th Century her friends call her Chibi Usa. Chibi is term for a short/small person or child which she is and Usa is a nickname for her name Usagi. (Ex. Becki is short for Rebecca)