What does Saburo mean and where does it come from?
'Saburo' (三郎) is a traditional Japanese name that means 'third son', where 'san' (三) means 'three', and 'rō' (郎) is a common suffix for boys' names in Japan. This name reflects the Japanese tradition of naming children based on their birth order, a custom that has deep cultural significance. Saburo
Cultural significance
Saburo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of third son.
Peak popularity
Reached #1425 in 1925 — currently #1760 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Saburo?
Saburo works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Saburo Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Saburo Rose
Floral · soft ending
Saburo Mae
Sweet · timeless
Saburo Claire
French influence · crisp
Saburo Jane
Literary · strong
Saburo Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Saburo right now?
Holding steady — currently #1760 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1760 | 440 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1765 | 420 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1770 | 390 | ▲ up 1690 · +5471% births |
| 1930 | #3460 | 7 | ▼ down 2035 · -75% births |
| 1925 | #1425 | 28 | ▲ up 215 · +22% births |
| 1920 | #1640 | 23 | ▲ up 1655 · +229% births |
| 1915 | #3295 | 7 | — |
The story of Saburo
Saburo entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 253 total births recorded, Saburo remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3295 in 1915 to #1760 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Saburo in 1925:
💎Saburo has only 253 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Saburo?
What names sound and feel like Saburo?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Saburo also consider these
How is Saburo written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Saburo
What does the name Saburo mean?
Saburo means "third son" — 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 Saburo?
Saburo 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 Saburo?
Saburo 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.
What sibling names go well with Saburo?
Saburo 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.
Is Saburo a common or rare name?
Saburo is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.