Shigeru

“Japanese” — Associated with traits of prosperity and abundance

Japan origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#525US 2023

1.7kBirths / yr

→Stable

590All-time births

📅 Since 191000

How to pronounce Shigeru

shig·AY·roo

/ʃɪɡ.ˈeɪ.ˌruː/ · stress on AY · 3 syllables

“Japanese”

Associated with traits of prosperity and abundance · Japan origin

What does Shigeru mean and where does it come from?

Shigeru (しげる) is a traditional Japanese name that can have various meanings depending on the kanji characters used to write it. It is often associated with traits of prosperity and abundance. Notable figures with this name include Shigeru Miyamoto, the acclaimed video game designer known for creatin

Cultural significance

Shigeru has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of japanese.

Peak popularity

Reached #1093 in 1918 — currently #525 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Shigeru?

Shigeru works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Shigeru Grace

How popular is Shigeru right now?

Holding steady — currently #525 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#525 · Top 0.39%

1910

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#525	1,675	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#530	1,655	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#535	1,625	▲ up 2534 · +23114% births
1935	#3069	7	▼ down 1208 · -59% births
1930	#1861	17	▼ down 333 · -32% births
1925	#1528	25	▼ down 393 · -37% births
1920	#1135	40	▲ up 407 · +90% births
1915	#1542	21	▲ up 42 · +250% births
1910	#1584	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Shigeru

Best Year2023Rank #525

Peak Count1,675

Average Rank#1368

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1910 - 20239 years

The story of Shigeru

Shigeru entered American naming records in 1910 and has been in use for over 114 years. With 590 total births recorded, Shigeru remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1584 in 1910 to #525 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Shigeru in 1918:

John William James Robert Charles

Shigeru by decade

Shigeru peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	189
1920s ★	317
1930s	84

💎Shigeru has only 590 total recorded births since 1910 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Shigeru?

Common

ShiShigShigieShigyEru

What names sound and feel like Shigeru?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shigeru also consider these

Shigeto

Japan · Meaning varies depending

Shigeki

Japan · growth of the

Shigeo

Japan · Japanese

Hikaru

Japan · radiance, shine, light

Takeru

Japan · Japanese

Shukuru

Tanzania · to be grateful

Aingeru

Japanese · A Japanese name

Mitsuru

Japan · Japanese

Common questions about the name Shigeru

What does the name Shigeru mean?

Shigeru means "Japanese" — 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 Shigeru?

Shigeru is currently ranked #525 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 Shigeru?

Shigeru 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 Shigeru?

Shigeru is a three-syllable name pronounced SH IH0 G EY1 R UW2. 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 Shigeru?

Shigeru 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.