What does Taro mean and where does it come from?
Taro is a common Japanese male given name, often given to the first son in a family. The kanji 太 (ta) means 'big' or 'great', and 郎 (ro) means 'son' or 'man'. Taro has been used for centuries in Japan and reflects traditional naming practices. It is widely recognized in Japan and often appears in po
Cultural significance
Taro has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of 太郎 (taro): 'eldest son'.
Peak popularity
Reached #2664 in 1919 — currently #13950 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Taro?
Taro works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Taro Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Taro Rose
Floral · soft ending
Taro Claire
French influence · crisp
Taro Jane
Literary · strong
Taro Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Taro right now?
Falling — down 4259 spots — currently #13950 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #13950 | 5 | ▼ down 4259 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #9691 | 7 | ▼ down 2049 · -30% births |
| 2010 | #7642 | 10 | ▲ up 110 · +11% births |
| 2005 | #7752 | 9 | ▲ up 583 · +29% births |
| 2000 | #8335 | 7 | ▼ down 3469 · -42% births |
| 1995 | #4866 | 12 | ▲ up 1085 · +50% births |
| 1990 | #5951 | 8 | ▲ up 827 · +60% births |
| 1985 | #6778 | 5 | ▼ down 3002 · -44% births |
| 1975 | #3776 | 9 | ▲ up 331 · +50% births |
| 1925 | #4107 | 6 | ▲ up 694 · +20% births |
| 1920 | #4801 | 5 | — |
The story of Taro
Taro entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. With 356 total births recorded, Taro remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4801 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13950 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Taro in 1919:
Taro by decade
Taro peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 11 | |
| 1920s | 28 | |
| 1960s | 14 | |
| 1970s | 48 | |
| 1980s | 34 | |
| 1990s | 78 | |
| 2000s ★ | 87 | |
| 2010s | 56 | |
💎Taro has only 356 total recorded births since 1919 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Taro?
What names sound and feel like Taro?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Taro also consider these
How is Taro written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Taro
What does the name Taro mean?
Taro means "太郎 (Taro): 'eldest son'" — 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 Taro?
Taro 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 Taro?
Taro 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 Taro?
Taro is a two-syllable name pronounced T EH1 R OW0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Taro a common or rare name?
Taro is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.