Katori first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Katori has been for the last 18 years (from 2007 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Katori

A Japanese name from a town known for its pottery.

Popularity of Katori by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Katori is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 96% of people named Katori being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 20 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Katori.

Year Male Count Female Count
2024 0 20
2023 7 19
2022 0 15
2021 0 14
2020 0 15
2019 0 8
2018 0 6
2017 0 5
2015 0 7
2013 0 7
2012 0 10
2011 0 10
2010 0 10
2009 0 10
2008 0 16
2007 0 12

The history of the first name Katori

The given name Katori has its origins traced back to Japan, where it is believed to have emerged during the Heian period, which spanned from the late 8th to the early 12th century. The name is thought to be derived from the Japanese word "katori," which refers to a type of woven bamboo basket used for ceremonial or religious purposes.

In ancient Japan, the art of basket weaving held significant cultural and spiritual importance. These handcrafted baskets were not only functional but also played a role in various rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing the harmony between nature and human craftsmanship. The name Katori may have been bestowed upon individuals born into families of skilled basket weavers or those associated with ceremonial traditions involving these woven vessels.

Historical records from the Heian period, such as the renowned literary works "The Tale of Genji" and "The Pillow Book," do not explicitly mention individuals bearing the name Katori. However, the name's connection to the sacred art of basket weaving suggests a deep-rooted cultural significance.

One of the earliest notable individuals recorded with the name Katori was Katori Masatsugu, a skilled swordsmith who lived during the Muromachi period (1336-1573). His contributions to the art of sword-making were highly regarded, and his works were sought after by samurai warriors of the time.

Another prominent figure was Katori Shingo (1640-1714), a renowned Buddhist monk and calligrapher during the Edo period. His calligraphic works were celebrated for their elegance and spiritual depth, and he played a significant role in preserving and promoting the art form.

In the realm of literature, Katori Nahiko (1888-1939) was a celebrated Japanese novelist and poet. His works often explored themes of human nature, societal dynamics, and the complexities of modern life. He is considered one of the pioneers of the Japanese literary movement known as "shishosetsu," or the "I-novel" genre.

During the 20th century, Katori Shingo (1924-1996) was a renowned Japanese ceramist and Living National Treasure of Japan. His exquisite ceramic works, inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, gained international recognition, and he played a pivotal role in preserving and advancing the art of Japanese pottery.

Katori Hiroko (1934-2021) was a acclaimed Japanese actress and dancer. Her graceful performances on stage and in films, often portraying traditional Japanese characters, earned her numerous accolades and a dedicated following throughout her illustrious career.

While the name Katori may have evolved and diversified over time, its roots remain deeply intertwined with the rich cultural heritage of Japan, particularly the sacred art of basket weaving and the reverence for craftsmanship and spirituality.

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

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

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"Katori first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 16, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/katori-meaning-and-history/.

"Katori first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/katori-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 16 July, 2025

Katori first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/katori-meaning-and-history/.

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