Find out how popular the first name Naoto has been for the last 19 years (from 1994 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Naoto by gender

Based on the last 19 years of data, Naoto is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Naoto.

The history of the first name Naoto

The name Naoto originates from Japan and is a combination of the Japanese words "nao" meaning "straight" or "honest" and "to" meaning "soaring" or "winging." It is a unisex name that has been in use since ancient times.

The earliest known records of the name Naoto can be traced back to the Heian period (794-1185 AD) in Japan. During this time, the name was primarily given to boys from noble families as it represented the virtues of honesty and aspiration.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Naoto was Naoto no Michikaze, a high-ranking court official and poet who lived during the late 11th century. He is known for his contributions to the imperial anthology of Japanese poetry, the Shokukokin Wakashū.

In the 13th century, the name gained popularity among the samurai class. Naoto Kiyomori, a renowned samurai warrior and clan leader, was born in 1233. He played a significant role in the Genpei War, a conflict between the Minamoto and Taira clans.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), the name Naoto remained a popular choice among the upper classes. One notable figure was Naoto Tsunayoshi, the fifth Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, who ruled from 1680 to 1709. He was known for his strict enforcement of laws and promotion of Confucian values.

In the modern era, Naoto has been used for both men and women. One of the most famous individuals with this name is Naoto Kan, a Japanese politician who served as the Prime Minister of Japan from 2010 to 2011. He was born in 1946 and played a crucial role in leading the country's response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

Another notable figure is Naoto Fujimura, a contemporary Japanese-American artist known for his work in the style of Nihonga (Japanese-style painting). He was born in 1962 and has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the art world.

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

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

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