Find out how popular the first name Shotaro has been for the last 19 years (from 1993 to 2011) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shotaro by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2011, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Shotaro.

The history of the first name Shotaro

Shotaro is a masculine Japanese given name that has its origins dating back to the 8th century AD during the Nara period of ancient Japan. The name is derived from the combination of two Japanese words, "sho" meaning "soaring" or "excelling", and "taro" meaning "eldest son" or "firstborn son". Together, the name Shotaro carries the meaning of "soaring eldest son" or "excelling firstborn son".

In ancient Japan, the name Shotaro was often bestowed upon the firstborn sons of noble families and samurai clans, carrying the hope that these sons would grow to become exceptional leaders and warriors. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in historical records and family registers from that era.

One of the earliest notable individuals named Shotaro was Shotaro Minamoto, a samurai warrior who lived during the late Heian period in the 12th century. He was a member of the renowned Minamoto clan and played a crucial role in the Genpei War, a conflict that ultimately led to the establishment of the Kamakura Shogunate.

In the 16th century, during the Sengoku period, a prominent daimyo (feudal lord) named Shotaro Mori rose to power in the Chugoku region of western Japan. He was known for his military prowess and his efforts to expand his domain through strategic alliances and battles.

Moving forward to the Edo period, which lasted from the 17th to the 19th century, the name Shotaro continued to be popular among the samurai class and the nobility. One notable figure was Shotaro Tokugawa, a member of the influential Tokugawa clan and a close relative of the Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

In the realm of literature, Shotaro Inoue was a prominent author and scholar who lived during the late 19th century. He was known for his works on Japanese classics and his efforts to preserve and promote traditional Japanese culture and values.

Another famous individual named Shotaro was Shotaro Yasuoka, a Meiji-era politician and diplomat who played a significant role in the modernization of Japan. He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and contributed to the establishment of Japan's diplomatic relations with various countries.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout Japanese history who bore the name Shotaro, a name that has carried a sense of respect, aspiration, and cultural significance 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 Shotaro was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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