Find out how popular the first name Katana has been for the last 46 years (from 1978 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Katana by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Katana is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 79 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Katana.

The history of the first name Katana

The name Katana is of Japanese origin, derived from the word "katana," which refers to the type of sword used by samurai warriors in feudal Japan. The katana sword was renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, sharpness, and durability, symbolizing the strength, honor, and discipline of the samurai code.

The earliest known use of the name Katana dates back to the late 12th century, during the Kamakura period in Japan. It is believed that the name was initially given to children, particularly girls, as a symbolic representation of the samurai spirit and the virtues associated with the legendary katana sword.

In Japanese culture, the katana sword held a deep spiritual significance, often viewed as an extension of the samurai's soul. Naming a child Katana was a way to imbue them with the qualities of resilience, courage, and unwavering determination, traits that were highly valued in the warrior class.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Katana can be found in the "Heike Monogatari," a historical tale from the late 12th century that recounts the epic struggle between the Taira and Minamoto clans. The story mentions a young woman named Katana who displayed unwavering bravery and loyalty during the conflict.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Katana:

1. Katana Tomoe (1504-1589), a renowned female samurai warrior and strategist who played a crucial role in the Battles of Kizugawaguchi during the Sengoku period in Japan.

2. Katana Miyamoto (1567-1644), a skilled swordsmith renowned for crafting exceptional katana swords, contributing to the preservation and advancement of the traditional Japanese sword-making techniques.

3. Katana Oda (1701-1783), a celebrated poet and calligrapher during the Edo period, known for her elegant and evocative works that captured the essence of the samurai spirit.

4. Katana Nakamura (1876-1949), a pioneering feminist and educator who advocated for women's rights and worked tirelessly to establish educational opportunities for girls in Japan.

5. Katana Ishikawa (1921-2004), a revered martial artist and master of Aikido, who dedicated her life to preserving and teaching the ancient Japanese martial arts traditions.

The name Katana continues to be celebrated in modern Japanese culture, serving as a reminder of the rich heritage and values associated with the legendary samurai warriors and their iconic swords.

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

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

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