What does Tadashi mean and where does it come from?
Tadashi (忠) is a common masculine name in Japan, reflecting virtues such as loyalty and righteousness. It is often used with various kanji combinations, which can alter its meaning slightly, with '忠' generally denoting loyalty. It can also be associated with historical figures and is popular in vari
Cultural significance
Tadashi has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of 忠, 'loyal' or 'faithful'.
Peak popularity
Reached #1173 in 1917 — currently #8182 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tadashi?
Tadashi works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tadashi Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tadashi Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tadashi Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tadashi Claire
French influence · crisp
Tadashi Jane
Literary · strong
Tadashi Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tadashi right now?
Rising fast — up 1540 spots — currently #8182 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8182 | 10 | ▲ up 1540 · +25% births |
| 2022 | #9722 | 8 | ▼ down 3093 · -38% births |
| 2021 | #6629 | 13 | ▼ down 1799 · -32% births |
| 2020 | #4830 | 19 | ▲ up 1181 · +36% births |
| 2015 | #6011 | 14 | ▲ up 5568 · +180% births |
| 2005 | #11579 | 5 | ▼ down 5069 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #6510 | 7 | ▼ down 1620 · +40% births |
| 1970 | #4890 | 5 | ▼ down 2793 · -62% births |
| 1935 | #2097 | 13 | ▲ up 52 · -7% births |
| 1930 | #2149 | 14 | ▼ down 525 · -39% births |
| 1925 | #1624 | 23 | ▼ down 302 · -26% births |
| 1920 | #1322 | 31 | ▲ up 330 · +63% births |
| 1915 | #1652 | 19 | — |
The story of Tadashi
Tadashi entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 629 total births recorded, Tadashi remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1652 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8182 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tadashi in 1917:
Tadashi by decade
Tadashi peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 156 | |
| 1920s ★ | 255 | |
| 1930s | 81 | |
| 1940s | 6 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 20 | |
| 1980s | 13 | |
| 1990s | 7 | |
| 2000s | 15 | |
| 2010s | 52 | |
| 2020s | 19 | |
💎Tadashi has only 629 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Tadashi?
What names sound and feel like Tadashi?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tadashi also consider these
Common questions about the name Tadashi
What does the name Tadashi mean?
Tadashi means "忠, 'loyal' or 'faithful'" — 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 Tadashi?
Tadashi is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Tadashi have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Tadashi?
Tadashi 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 Tadashi?
Tadashi is a three-syllable name pronounced T AA2 D AA1 SH IY0. 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 Tadashi?
Tadashi 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.