What does Jiro mean and where does it come from?
Jiro (次郎) is a traditional Japanese name often given to the second-born son in a family. The characters used in the name can vary, but the meaning typically refers to birth order. It is a classic name in Japan and has historic significance, often associated with famous personalities like Jiro Dreams
Cultural significance
Jiro has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of second son (次郎).
Peak popularity
Reached #1645 in 1918 — currently #12885 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Jiro?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Jiro?
Jiro works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Jiro Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Jiro Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Jiro Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Jiro Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Jiro Myles
One syllable · timeless choice
Jiro Dean
One syllable · on the rise
How popular is Jiro right now?
Falling — down 6565 spots — currently #12885 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #12885 | 5 | ▼ down 6565 · -64% births |
| 2024 | #6320 | 14 | ▲ up 1644 · +40% births |
| 2023 | #7964 | 10 | ▼ down 1976 · -33% births |
| 2022 | #5988 | 15 | ▼ down 104 |
| 2021 | #5884 | 15 | ▲ up 4723 · +150% births |
| 2020 | #10607 | 6 | ▼ down 3914 · -50% births |
| 2015 | #6693 | 12 | ▲ up 2174 · +50% births |
| 2010 | #8867 | 8 | ▼ down 2943 · -38% births |
| 2005 | #5924 | 13 | ▲ up 3299 · +117% births |
| 2000 | #9223 | 6 | ▼ down 6809 · -54% births |
| 1925 | #2414 | 13 | ▼ down 196 · -13% births |
| 1920 | #2218 | 15 | ▲ up 370 · +50% births |
| 1915 | #2588 | 10 | — |
The story of Jiro
Jiro entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 355 total births recorded, Jiro remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2588 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7964 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Jiro in 1918:
Jiro by decade
Jiro peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 71 | |
| 1920s ★ | 116 | |
| 1930s | 6 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 6 | |
| 1980s | 7 | |
| 1990s | 6 | |
| 2000s | 54 | |
| 2010s | 78 | |
| 2020s | 25 | |
💎Jiro has only 355 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Jiro?
What names sound and feel like Jiro?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Jiro also consider these
How is Jiro written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Jiro
What does the name Jiro mean?
Jiro means "Second son (次郎)" — 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 Jiro?
Jiro is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Jiro have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Jiro?
Jiro 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 Jiro?
Jiro is a two-syllable name pronounced JEE-ROH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Jiro trending right now?
Jiro is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.