What does Shintaro mean and where does it come from?
Shintaro is a traditional Japanese name composed of '新' (shin), meaning 'new', and '太郎' (taro), typically meaning 'big son' or 'eldest son'. The name is often given to the firstborn son. Notable people include Shintaro Ishihara, a prominent Japanese politician and author. The name has regional varia
Cultural significance
Shintaro has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of 新太郎.
Peak popularity
Reached #9362 in 1991 — currently #535 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Shintaro?
Shintaro works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shintaro Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shintaro Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shintaro Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shintaro Claire
French influence · crisp
Shintaro Jane
Literary · strong
Shintaro Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shintaro right now?
Holding steady — currently #535 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #535 | 1,665 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #540 | 1,645 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #545 | 1,615 | ▲ up 9276 · +26817% births |
| 2000 | #9821 | 6 | ▼ down 380 · +20% births |
| 1990 | #9441 | 5 | — |
The story of Shintaro
Shintaro is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1990. With 26 total births recorded, Shintaro remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9441 in 1990 to #535 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shintaro in 1991:
💎Shintaro has only 26 total recorded births since 1990 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Shintaro?
What names sound and feel like Shintaro?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shintaro also consider these
Common questions about the name Shintaro
What does the name Shintaro mean?
Shintaro means "新太郎" — 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 Shintaro?
Shintaro is currently ranked #535 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 Shintaro?
Shintaro 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 Shintaro?
Shintaro is a three-syllable name pronounced SH IH0 N T AA1 R OW0. 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 Shintaro?
Shintaro 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.