Find out how popular the first name Hikaru has been for the last 31 years (from 1992 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Hikaru by gender

Based on the last 31 years of data, Hikaru is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 90% of people named Hikaru being male.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Hikaru.

The history of the first name Hikaru

The name Hikaru is of Japanese origin, derived from the word "hikaru" which means "to shine" or "to radiate light" in Japanese. It is a gender-neutral name that has been used for both boys and girls in Japan for centuries.

The earliest recorded use of the name Hikaru dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 AD) in Japan. During this time, the name was often given to children in the hopes that they would grow up to be bright and radiant individuals.

In Japanese mythology, Hikaru is sometimes associated with the sun goddess Amaterasu, who is believed to be the source of all light and life in the universe. This connection may have contributed to the popularity of the name, as it was seen as a way to honor the goddess and bring good fortune to the child.

One of the most famous historical figures to bear the name Hikaru was Hikaru Genji, the protagonist of the 11th-century novel "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu. Hikaru Genji is considered one of the earliest and most celebrated examples of a complex and fully-realized fictional character in world literature.

Another notable Hikaru was Hikaru Sulu, the helmsman of the starship USS Enterprise in the original "Star Trek" television series and films. The character, played by actor George Takei, was born in 2237 and was an important part of the show's diverse and inclusive cast.

In the world of sports, Hikaru Utada (born 1983) is a Japanese singer and songwriter who has achieved international success with her music. Her debut album "First Love" sold over 7 million copies and made her one of the best-selling Japanese artists of all time.

Hikaru Nakamura (born 1987) is an American chess grandmaster of Japanese descent. He is widely regarded as one of the strongest chess players in the world and has won numerous prestigious tournaments throughout his career.

Hikaru Sato (1928-2017) was a Japanese artist and printmaker known for his innovative woodblock prints and contributions to the modern art movement in Japan. His works are held in the collections of major museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals who have carried the name Hikaru throughout history, each contributing to its rich and diverse legacy.

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 Hikaru was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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