Taro

“太郎 (Taro): 'eldest son'”

Japan origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#13950US 2023

5Births / yr

↓Falling

356All-time births

📅 Since 191900

How to pronounce Taro

TER·oh

/ˈtɛr.oʊ/ · stress on TER · 2 syllables

“太郎 (Taro): 'eldest son'”

Japan origin · Boy name

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Taro right now?

Falling — down 4259 spots — currently #13950 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#13950 · Top 10%

1920

1925

1975

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Taro

Best Year1975Rank #3776

Peak Count12

Average Rank#7059

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202311 years

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:

John William James Robert Charles

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?

Common

TarTarieTary

What names sound and feel like Taro?

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

Saro

Japan · to blossom

Tari

Japan · Bird, bird call

Maro

Japanese · For those who

United Kingdom · man from the

Yaro

Nigeria · Hausa

Jaro

Czech Republic · he who is

How is Taro written in other languages?

Tarou

JAPANESE

太郎, etc.

Japanese Kanji

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.