Toru

“Third son”

Japan origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1227US 2023

973Births / yr

→Stable

60All-time births

📅 Since 191700

How to pronounce Toru

TAW·roo

/ˈtɔ.ruː/ · stress on TAW · 2 syllables

“Third son”

Japan origin · Boy name

What does Toru mean and where does it come from?

Toru (徹) is a common Japanese name that typically means 'to penetrate', 'to pass through', or 'to clear'. The characters used for the name can vary, as names in Japanese are often written using kanji with multiple meanings. 'Toru' can also signify 'third son' when using the appropriate kanji charact

Cultural significance

Toru has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of third son.

Peak popularity

Reached #2345 in 1922 — currently #1227 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Toru?

Toru works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Toru Grace

How popular is Toru right now?

Holding steady — currently #1227 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#1227 · Top 0.91%

1925

1995

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1227	973	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1232	953	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1237	923	▲ up 7815 · +18360% births
1995	#9052	5	▼ down 5375 · -29% births
1925	#3677	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Toru

Best Year2023Rank #1227

Peak Count973

Average Rank#3285

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1925 - 20235 years

The story of Toru

Toru entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 60 total births recorded, Toru remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3677 in 1925 to #1227 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Toru in 1922:

John Robert William James Charles

Toru by decade

Toru peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	17
1920s ★	38
1990s	5

💎Toru has only 60 total recorded births since 1917 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Toru?

Common

TorTorieTory

What names sound and feel like Toru?

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

Common questions about the name Toru

What does the name Toru mean?

Toru means "Third 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 Toru?

Toru is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Toru?

Toru 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 Toru?

Toru is a two-syllable name pronounced T AO1 R UW0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Toru a common or rare name?

Toru is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.