Find out how popular the first name Masaki has been for the last 46 years (from 1977 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Masaki by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Masaki is exclusively a male name.

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

The history of the first name Masaki

The given name Masaki has its origins in the Japanese language. It is a combination of two distinct words – "masa" which translates to "truth" or "righteousness", and "ki" which means "tree" or "wood". The name can be interpreted as "true tree" or "righteous tree".

Historically, the name Masaki emerged during the Heian period in Japan, spanning from the late 8th to the late 12th century. It was a popular choice among the aristocratic class and samurai warriors of that era, symbolizing virtues like honesty, integrity, and strength.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Masaki can be found in the Kokin Wakashū, an imperial anthology of Japanese waka poetry compiled in the early 10th century. The name appears in several poems, suggesting its prevalence during that time.

Notable historical figures who bore the name Masaki include Masaki Naomori, a renowned 16th-century samurai and military strategist who played a significant role in the Sengoku period. Another prominent individual was Masaki Anjin, a 17th-century Japanese explorer and navigator who traveled to various parts of Southeast Asia and is credited with introducing several Western technologies to Japan.

In the realm of literature, Masaki Rokunami was a celebrated 18th-century Japanese poet and calligrapher who contributed greatly to the development of the haiku form. His works are still widely studied and admired today.

Moving into the 19th century, Masaki Naohiko was a prominent Japanese politician and diplomat who played a crucial role in negotiating treaties with Western powers during the Bakumatsu period. He is remembered for his efforts in modernizing Japan's foreign relations.

Lastly, Masaki Batō was a prominent Japanese painter and printmaker active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works, which combined traditional Japanese styles with Western influences, are highly regarded and can be found in numerous art museums around the world.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Masaki, a name steeped in cultural significance and representing virtues that have been held in high esteem in Japanese society for centuries.

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

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

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