Find out how popular the first name Hanzo has been for the last 13 years (from 2011 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Hanzo by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Hanzo is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Hanzo.

The history of the first name Hanzo

The name Hanzo originates from Japan and has its roots in the Japanese language. It is believed to have emerged during the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE) of Japanese history, which was marked by the rise of the samurai warrior class.

Hanzo is a combination of two Japanese words: "han" meaning "half" or "obstructed," and "zo" meaning "proliferation" or "growth." The name can be interpreted to mean "one who overcomes obstacles" or "one who perseveres through challenges." This meaning resonates with the values of the samurai, who were known for their resilience, discipline, and unwavering spirit.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Hanzo can be found in the Taiheiki, a historical narrative from the 14th century that chronicles the events of the Nanboku-chō period (1336-1392 CE). The text mentions a samurai warrior named Hanzo Hattori, who served under the renowned daimyo (feudal lord) Oda Nobunaga in the 16th century.

Throughout Japanese history, several notable individuals have carried the name Hanzo. One of the most famous is Hanzo Hattori (1542-1596 CE), a skilled ninja and samurai who played a pivotal role in the unification of Japan under the leadership of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He was renowned for his mastery of stealth, strategy, and combat techniques.

Another prominent figure with the name Hanzo was Hanzo Naito (1887-1937 CE), a Japanese diplomat and statesman who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs during the Showa era. He played a crucial role in shaping Japan's foreign policy during the turbulent times leading up to World War II.

In the realm of literature, Hanzo Tanaka (1900-1976 CE) was a celebrated Japanese novelist and poet known for his works exploring themes of love, loss, and the human condition. His poetic language and introspective narratives have left a lasting impact on Japanese literature.

Lastly, Hanzo Niijima (1846-1890 CE) was a prominent educator and Christian evangelist who founded Doshisha University, one of Japan's most prestigious private universities. He played a significant role in introducing Western education and Christian principles to Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912 CE).

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have carried the name Hanzo throughout Japanese history, each contributing to various fields and leaving their mark on the cultural and societal fabric of Japan.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Hanzo was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Hanzo, please contact us.

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