Find out how popular the first name Yasuke has been for the last 3 years (from 2021 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yasuke by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Yasuke is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Yasuke.

The history of the first name Yasuke

The name Yasuke has its origins in Japan, derived from the Japanese words 'Ya' meaning 'humble' and 'suke' meaning 'helper' or 'servant'. It is believed to have emerged during the late 16th century, particularly during the Sengoku period of Japan.

One of the earliest and most notable historical references to the name Yasuke comes from the records of the famous Japanese daimyo (feudal lord) Oda Nobunaga. In 1579, Nobunaga encountered and became impressed by an African man who had arrived in Japan, likely as a member of a Portuguese missionary group. Nobunaga took this man, whose name was recorded as Yasuke, into his service as a retainer and bodyguard.

Yasuke, the African samurai, is believed to have been born around 1555, though his exact origins are unknown. He served under Nobunaga until the latter's death in 1582, and even took part in the Battle of Tenmokuzan in 1582. After Nobunaga's death, Yasuke's fate remains uncertain, with some records suggesting he may have been executed or sent back to his homeland.

Another notable figure named Yasuke was a Japanese Buddhist monk who lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. This Yasuke, whose full name was Yasuke Kosaka, was a prominent figure in the Jōdo Shinshū (True Pure Land) sect of Buddhism and served as the head abbot of the Nishi Hongwanji temple in Kyoto from 1615 to 1628.

In the realm of Japanese literature, there is a character named Yasuke who appears in the famous novel "The Tale of the Heike" (Heike Monogatari), which depicts the struggle between the Taira and Minamoto clans in the late 12th century. Yasuke is portrayed as a skilled archer and warrior who fought alongside the Minamoto clan.

Another historical figure named Yasuke was a Japanese samurai who lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. This Yasuke, whose full name was Yasuke Matsudaira, served under the powerful Tokugawa shogunate and was involved in various military campaigns during the Sengoku period.

It is worth noting that while the name Yasuke has its roots in Japanese history and culture, it has also been adopted and used in other parts of the world, particularly in regions with significant Japanese diaspora communities.

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

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

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