Find out how popular the first name Satori has been for the last 36 years (from 1988 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Satori by gender

Based on the last 36 years of data, Satori is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 93% of people named Satori being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 27 female babies and 7 male babies born with the name Satori.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 7 baby boys were named Satori in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Satori

Satori is a Japanese name derived from the Zen Buddhist term "satori," which means "enlightenment" or "awakening." The concept of satori is central to Zen Buddhism, referring to a state of profound inner awareness and understanding.

The name Satori has its origins in the Japanese language and culture, likely emerging during the medieval period when Zen Buddhism gained widespread influence in Japan. The word "satori" itself is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit term "sambodhi," which means "enlightenment" or "awakening of the mind."

In Zen Buddhism, satori is seen as a sudden, transformative experience of awakening, where one gains insight into the true nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all things. This experience is often described as a moment of profound clarity and liberation from the illusions of the material world.

The earliest recorded use of the name Satori is relatively recent, with the first known instances dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century. However, the concept of satori itself has been deeply rooted in Japanese Buddhist traditions for centuries.

One notable historical figure with the name Satori was Satori Nonaka (1891-1923), a Japanese author and poet who was part of the late Meiji and Taisho period literary movements. His works explored themes of introspection, spirituality, and the search for enlightenment, reflecting the influence of Zen Buddhism on his writing.

Another prominent individual with the name Satori was Satori Suzuki (1899-1985), a Japanese artist and calligrapher known for his distinctive brushwork and his dedication to the traditional arts. His calligraphic works often incorporated Zen Buddhist principles of simplicity, unity, and harmony.

In the realm of martial arts, Satori Hisamatsu (1904-1977) was a notable figure who played a significant role in the development of Aikido. As a Zen philosopher and practitioner, he influenced the spiritual and philosophical foundations of this Japanese martial art.

Satori Kato (1910-1988) was a Japanese sculptor known for his modernist works that often drew inspiration from Zen concepts and the natural world. His sculptures were celebrated for their minimalist forms and embodiment of the principles of wabi-sabi (the beauty of imperfection and transience).

Finally, Satori Hirayama (1920-2009) was a Japanese Buddhist monk and scholar who dedicated his life to the study and promotion of Zen Buddhism. He authored numerous books and articles on Zen philosophy and practiced, contributing significantly to the understanding and dissemination of these teachings in the modern era.

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

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

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