What does Gohan mean and where does it come from?
Gohan (ご飯) is a Japanese name meaning 'rice' or 'meal', reflecting its significance in Japanese culture as a staple food. The name gained international recognition through its association with the popular anime and manga series 'Dragon Ball', where Gohan is a main character, the son of Goku. This ch
Cultural significance
Gohan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of meaning 'rice' or 'meal' (ご飯).
Peak popularity
Reached #2944 in 2020 — currently #2554 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Gohan?
Gohan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Gohan Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Gohan Rose
Floral · soft ending
Gohan Mae
Sweet · timeless
Gohan Claire
French influence · crisp
Gohan Jane
Literary · strong
Gohan Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Gohan right now?
Rising fast — up 246 spots — currently #2554 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2554 | 52 | ▲ up 246 · +13% births |
| 2022 | #2800 | 46 | ▲ up 876 · +53% births |
| 2021 | #3676 | 30 | ▼ down 732 · -25% births |
| 2020 | #2944 | 40 | ▲ up 1018 · +48% births |
| 2015 | #3962 | 27 | ▲ up 4024 · +170% births |
| 2010 | #7986 | 10 | ▲ up 981 · +25% births |
| 2005 | #8967 | 8 | ▲ up 1252 · +33% births |
| 2000 | #10219 | 6 | — |
The story of Gohan
Gohan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2000. With 361 total births recorded, Gohan remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10219 in 2000 to #2554 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Gohan in 2020:
💎Gohan has only 361 total recorded births since 2000 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Gohan?
What names sound and feel like Gohan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gohan also consider these
Common questions about the name Gohan
What does the name Gohan mean?
Gohan means "meaning 'rice' or 'meal' (ご飯)" — a name rooted in Japan tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Gohan?
Gohan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Gohan have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Gohan?
Gohan originates from Japan tradition. Japan names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Gohan?
Gohan is a two-syllable name pronounced G OW1 HH AA1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Gohan trending right now?
Gohan is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.