The word "sarazanmai" is a portmanteau of Japanese phrases:
- "sara" means plate. In Japanese mythology, kappa (water demons) have a plate on their heads that contains water. Whenever a kappa is on dry land it must keep water in the plate; if it ever dries out the kappa will lose its power and eventually its life.
- "zan" means "three" (in Japanese either "zan" or "san" is used for the number), referring to the three protagonists.
- "mai" means "real love" ("ma" meaning "real" and "ai" meaning "love"), referring to the connection between souls.