The name of the diary derives from 'riho,' the Chinese equivalent of Shikibu, which was the highest position (Shikibukyo [Minister of the Ministry of Ceremonial]) that Imperial Prince Sigeakira held in the court during his lifetime.
本書は、重明親王の極官が式部卿であったため、式部の唐名「吏部」に因んで名付けられた。