The name "Sakura" literally means "cherry blossom" (桜), a flower which is cherished in Japan due to its beauty and its almost-tragically short life span (cherry blossoms have historically been associated with the samurai). It also serves as the national flower for the nation of Japan. Her family name "Haruno" means "spring field" (春野). In Japanese, her full name can be interpreted as "spring field of cherry blossoms" (春野桜, haruno sakura) or "cherry blossoms in spring" (春の桜, haru no sakura). Sakura's name can also be a reference to a suit of cards used in the Hanafuda card game.