Find out how popular the first name Toru has been for the last 1 years (from 1995 to 1995) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Toru by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Toru is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1995, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Toru.

The history of the first name Toru

The given name Toru has its roots in Japanese culture and language. It is a masculine name that is believed to have originated from the Japanese word "toru," which means "to take" or "to acquire." The name first emerged in the Heian period (794-1185 AD) and was primarily used by members of the aristocratic class in Japan.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Toru can be found in the historical text "The Tale of Genji," written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. In this literary masterpiece, Toru is the name of a minor character, a prince from the Fujiwara clan.

Throughout Japanese history, several notable figures have borne the name Toru. One such individual was Toru Dutt (1856-1877), a renowned Bengali poet who wrote in English and French. Her poetry celebrated the natural beauty of India and explored themes of love and loss.

Another prominent figure named Toru was Toru Takemitsu (1930-1996), a highly acclaimed Japanese composer and writer on aesthetic theory. He is considered one of the most influential composers of the 20th century and is renowned for his avant-garde compositions that blended traditional Japanese music with Western contemporary styles.

In the realm of sports, Toru Murakoso (1925-2012) was a Japanese professional baseball player and manager. He played as an outfielder for the Yomiuri Giants and was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988.

The name Toru has also been associated with individuals in the field of politics. Toru Hashimoto (born 1969) is a former Japanese lawyer and politician who served as the mayor of Osaka from 2011 to 2015.

Additionally, Toru Takemitsu (1930-1996), mentioned earlier, was not only a composer but also a influential figure in the field of film. He composed scores for numerous Japanese films, including iconic works by acclaimed directors like Akira Kurosawa and Masaki Kobayashi.

While the name Toru has its roots in Japanese culture, it has transcended borders and gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly among individuals of Japanese descent or those with an appreciation for Japanese culture and traditions.

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

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

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