What does Takashi mean and where does it come from?
Takashi (高志) is a common Japanese given name that can have multiple meanings depending on the kanji characters used. It typically connotes nobility and prosperity, with 'taka' meaning 'tall' or 'noble' and 'shi' often meaning 'purpose' or 'will'. The name is widely used across Japan and has numerous
Cultural significance
Takashi has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of tall.
Peak popularity
Reached #1090 in 1925 — currently #12181 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Takashi?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Takashi?
Takashi works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Takashi Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Takashi John
One syllable · timeless choice
Takashi Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Takashi Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Takashi Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Takashi Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Takashi right now?
Declining — down 49 spots — currently #12181 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #12181 | 6 | ▼ down 49 |
| 2022 | #12132 | 6 | ▼ down 1476 · -14% births |
| 2021 | #10656 | 7 | ▼ down 1942 · -12% births |
| 2020 | #8714 | 8 | ▲ up 3636 · +60% births |
| 2010 | #12350 | 5 | ▼ down 3136 · -17% births |
| 2000 | #9214 | 6 | ▼ down 2138 · -14% births |
| 1995 | #7076 | 7 | ▼ down 1172 · -12% births |
| 1990 | #5904 | 8 | ▼ down 1791 · -20% births |
| 1985 | #4113 | 10 | ▲ up 462 · +25% births |
| 1980 | #4575 | 8 | ▲ up 1054 · +60% births |
| 1975 | #5629 | 5 | ▼ down 2630 · -29% births |
| 1940 | #2999 | 7 | ▼ down 339 · -22% births |
| 1935 | #2660 | 9 | ▲ up 260 |
| 1930 | #2920 | 9 | ▼ down 1830 · -79% births |
| 1925 | #1090 | 42 | — |
The story of Takashi
Takashi entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 843 total births recorded, Takashi remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1871 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12132 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Takashi in 1925:
Takashi by decade
Takashi peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 107 | |
| 1920s ★ | 300 | |
| 1930s | 89 | |
| 1940s | 13 | |
| 1960s | 7 | |
| 1970s | 49 | |
| 1980s | 97 | |
| 1990s | 91 | |
| 2000s | 42 | |
| 2010s | 40 | |
| 2020s | 14 | |
💎Takashi has only 843 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Takashi?
What names sound and feel like Takashi?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Takashi also consider these
How is Takashi written in other languages?
孝, 隆, 崇, 尊, etc.
Japanese Kanji
Common questions about the name Takashi
What does the name Takashi mean?
Takashi means "Tall" — 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 Takashi?
Takashi 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 Takashi?
Takashi 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 Takashi?
Takashi is a three-syllable name pronounced tah-KAH-shee. 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 Takashi?
Takashi 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.