Find out how popular the first name Katon has been for the last 33 years (from 1984 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Katon by gender

Based on the last 33 years of data, Katon is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Katon.

The history of the first name Katon

The name Katon has its roots in ancient Japanese culture, dating back to the 6th century CE. It is believed to be derived from the Japanese words "ka" meaning "fire" and "ton" meaning "protector" or "guardian." This suggests that the name was originally associated with individuals who were tasked with protecting or guarding against fires, which were a significant threat to the wooden structures common in that era.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Katon can be found in the historical records of the Kofun period (250-538 CE), where it is mentioned as the name of a skilled fire-watcher who served in the court of an influential clan. This lends credence to the theory that the name was originally associated with fire-related roles or professions.

In the 8th century CE, the name Katon appeared in the Shoku Nihongi, an ancient Japanese chronicle that documented the reigns of various emperors. Here, it was recorded as the name of a samurai warrior who distinguished himself in a battle against invading forces, further solidifying the name's connection with protection and guardianship.

Moving into the medieval period, one notable figure bearing the name Katon was a renowned Buddhist monk who lived in the 12th century. He was known for his skilled calligraphy and his contributions to the preservation of ancient Japanese texts and traditions.

In the 16th century, a prominent samurai named Katon Shigenaga played a pivotal role in the Sengoku period, a time of intense warfare and political upheaval in Japan. He was a loyal retainer of the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga and was celebrated for his bravery and strategic acumen on the battlefield.

Another figure of historical significance was Katon Michitsuna, a renowned scholar and poet who lived during the Edo period (1603-1868). He was widely regarded for his mastery of classical Japanese literature and his contributions to the development of the haiku poetic form.

While the name Katon has its roots in ancient Japan, it has also found its way into other cultures and languages over time, albeit with slightly different spellings or pronunciations. For instance, variants like Katone or Katoni can be found in certain regions of Southeast Asia, where they may have been influenced by Japanese traders or immigrants.

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

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

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