Susumu

“to proceed” — Associated with positive forward movement in life

Japan origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1065US 2023

1.1kBirths / yr

→Stable

351All-time births

📅 Since 191400

How to pronounce Susumu

soo·SOO·moo

/ˌsuː.ˈsuː.muː/ · stress on SOO · 3 syllables

“to proceed”

Associated with positive forward movement in life · Japan origin

What does Susumu mean and where does it come from?

Susumu (進む) is a traditional Japanese male name that is commonly used in Japan. It signifies moving forward or advancing and is often associated with positive forward movement in life. The name has historical roots and has been borne by various public figures across Japan, including politicians and

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #1406 in 1919 — currently #1065 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Susumu?

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

Susumu Grace

How popular is Susumu right now?

Holding steady — currently #1065 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1065 · Top 0.79%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1065	1,135	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1070	1,115	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1075	1,085	▲ up 2617 · +21600% births
1940	#3692	5	▲ up 178
1935	#3870	5	▼ down 1707 · -64% births
1930	#2163	14	▼ down 536 · -39% births
1925	#1627	23	▲ up 419 · +35% births
1920	#2046	17	▲ up 403 · +55% births
1915	#2449	11	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Susumu

Best Year2023Rank #1065

Peak Count1,135

Average Rank#2117

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20239 years

The story of Susumu

Susumu entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 351 total births recorded, Susumu remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2449 in 1915 to #1065 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Susumu in 1919:

John William James Robert Charles

Susumu by decade

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

Decade	Births
1910s	78
1920s ★	201
1930s	54
1940s	18

💎Susumu has only 351 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Susumu?

Common

SusSusieSusyUmu

What names sound and feel like Susumu?

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

Japan · To clarify; to

Tsutomu

Japan · To be diligent;

Osamu

Japan · to be serenely

Susana

Spain · lily

Hiromu

Japan · abundant, prosperous

Sushil

India · well-behaved

How is Susumu written in other languages?

進, etc.

Japanese Kanji

Common questions about the name Susumu

What does the name Susumu mean?

Susumu means "to proceed" — 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 Susumu?

Susumu 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 Susumu?

Susumu 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 Susumu?

Susumu is a three-syllable name pronounced S UW2 S UW1 M UW0. 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 Susumu?

Susumu 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.