What does Shota mean and where does it come from?
Shota (翔太) is a common masculine name in Japan, often given to boys born in the spring or to express wishes for a bright future. The kanji characters can vary, but typically include those that convey positivity and strength. Notable people include Shota Matsuda, a popular actor in Japan.
Cultural significance
Shota has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of japanese.
Peak popularity
Reached #4212 in 1993 — currently #13870 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Shota?
Shota works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shota Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shota Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shota Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shota Claire
French influence · crisp
Shota Jane
Literary · strong
Shota Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shota right now?
Falling — down 1772 spots — currently #13870 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #13870 | 5 | ▼ down 1772 · -17% births |
| 2022 | #12098 | 6 | ▼ down 5614 · -54% births |
| 2015 | #6484 | 13 | ▲ up 841 · +18% births |
| 2010 | #7325 | 11 | ▼ down 864 · -8% births |
| 2005 | #6461 | 12 | ▼ down 1399 |
| 1995 | #5062 | 12 | ▼ down 665 · -8% births |
| 1990 | #4397 | 13 | — |
The story of Shota
Shota is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1988. With 295 total births recorded, Shota remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4397 in 1990, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13870 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shota in 1993:
Shota by decade
Shota peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 6 | |
| 1990s ★ | 116 | |
| 2000s | 92 | |
| 2010s | 81 | |
💎Shota has only 295 total recorded births since 1988 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Shota?
What names sound and feel like Shota?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shota also consider these
How is Shota written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Shota
What does the name Shota mean?
Shota 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 Shota?
Shota is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Shota?
Shota 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 Shota?
Shota is a two-syllable name pronounced SH OW1 T AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Shota a common or rare name?
Shota is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.