Subaru first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Subaru has been for the last 7 years (from 2013 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Subaru

The Japanese name meaning "my family's possession or property".

Popularity of Subaru by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Subaru is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Subaru.

YearMale CountFemale Count
201950
201350

The history of the first name Subaru

The given name Subaru has its origins in Japanese culture and language. It is derived from the Japanese word "subaru," which means the Pleiades star cluster or "mu," a comet-like object. The name has been in use since ancient times and has strong celestial associations.

In Japanese mythology, the Pleiades star cluster was believed to be the resting place for the souls of warriors who died in battle. It was considered a sacred and auspicious symbol, representing courage, resilience, and honor. The name Subaru was often given to children with the hope that they would embody these virtues.

The earliest recorded use of the name Subaru can be traced back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE) in Japan. During this time, the name appeared in various literary works, such as poetry collections and historical records. One notable figure from this era was Subaru no Fujiwara (936-997 CE), a renowned poet and courtier from the Fujiwara clan.

In the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE), the name Subaru gained further popularity among the samurai class. The Pleiades star cluster was considered a guiding light for warriors, and the name was believed to bring good fortune and protection in battle. One famous samurai who bore the name was Subaru Minamoto (1192-1253 CE), a skilled swordsman and military strategist.

During the Edo period (1603-1868 CE), the name Subaru continued to be used, particularly among the aristocratic and warrior classes. One notable figure from this time was Subaru Tokugawa (1673-1746 CE), a prominent daimyo (feudal lord) and member of the powerful Tokugawa shogunate.

In modern times, the name Subaru has maintained its popularity in Japan. Some notable individuals with this name include Subaru Shibutani (born 1977), a Japanese-American figure skater who won two bronze medals at the 2018 Winter Olympics, and Subaru Kimura (born 1974), a Japanese rock musician and lead vocalist of the band Flowsik.

While the name Subaru has its roots in Japanese culture and celestial associations, it has also gained recognition globally due to its unique sound and meaning. Many parents around the world have chosen to name their children Subaru, appreciating its connection to the stars and the virtues it represents.

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

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

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