What does Torii mean and where does it come from?
The name Torii (鳥居) is of Japanese origin and means 'bird' or 'to take flight.' It is also associated with the gate found at the entrance of Shinto shrines which symbolizes the transition from the mundane to the sacred. While predominantly feminine, Torii can be used for any gender. The name is not
Cultural significance
Torii has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bird.
Peak popularity
Reached #6359 in 1970 — currently #1828 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Torii?
Torii works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Torii Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Torii Rose
Floral · soft ending
Torii Mae
Sweet · timeless
Torii Claire
French influence · crisp
Torii Jane
Literary · strong
Torii Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Torii right now?
Holding steady — currently #1828 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1828 | 372 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #1833 | 352 | ▲ up 5 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #1838 | 322 | ▲ up 13594 · +6340% births |
| 2020 | #15432 | 5 | ▼ down 492 · -17% births |
| 2005 | #14940 | 6 | ▼ down 8581 · -25% births |
| 1970 | #6359 | 8 | — |
The story of Torii
Torii is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. With 91 total births recorded, Torii remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6359 in 1970 to #1828 in 2023. Torii is used for both genders: 81% female and 19% male.
Names that peaked alongside Torii in 1970:
Torii by decade
Torii peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 8 | |
| 1990s | 18 | |
| 2000s ★ | 30 | |
| 2010s | 30 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Torii has only 91 total recorded births since 1970 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Torii?
What names sound and feel like Torii?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Torii also consider these
Common questions about the name Torii
What does the name Torii mean?
Torii means "bird" — 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 Torii?
Torii is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Torii?
Torii 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.
Is Torii a common or rare name?
Torii is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Torii more of a girl or boy name?
Torii is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.