What does Masao mean and where does it come from?
Masao (正男) is a masculine name of Japanese origin. The kanji 正 translates to 'correct' or 'righteous,' while 男 means 'man.' Thus, Masao can be interpreted as 'righteous man' or 'honorable male.' This name is quite popular in Japan, often carrying connotations of integrity and moral rectitude. There
Cultural significance
Masao has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of righteous man, honorable.
Peak popularity
Reached #705 in 1918 — currently #13420 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Masao?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Masao?
Masao works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Masao Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Masao John
One syllable · timeless choice
Masao Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Masao Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Masao Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Masao Dean
One syllable · on the rise
How popular is Masao right now?
Falling — down 585 spots — currently #13420 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 1960 | #4177 | 5 | ▼ down 585 |
| 1940 | #3592 | 5 | ▼ down 1396 · -58% births |
| 1935 | #2196 | 12 | ▼ down 674 · -50% births |
| 1930 | #1522 | 24 | ▼ down 322 · -33% births |
| 1925 | #1200 | 36 | ▼ down 228 · -29% births |
| 1920 | #972 | 51 | ▲ up 7 · +21% births |
| 1915 | #979 | 42 | — |
The story of Masao
Masao entered American naming records in 1907 and has been in use for over 117 years. With 1,017 total births recorded, Masao remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #979 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #4177 in 1960.
Names that peaked alongside Masao in 1918:
Masao by decade
Masao peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 10 | |
| 1910s | 400 | |
| 1920s ★ | 453 | |
| 1930s | 114 | |
| 1940s | 11 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1980s | 6 | |
| 2010s | 18 | |
💎With 1,017 total births, Masao is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Masao?
What names sound and feel like Masao?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Masao also consider these
Common questions about the name Masao
What does the name Masao mean?
Masao means "righteous man, honorable" — 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 Masao?
Masao is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Masao?
Masao 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 Masao?
Masao is a three-syllable name pronounced mah-SAH-oh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Masao?
Masao pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Japan heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.