Tsutomu

“To be diligent; to be steady”

Japan origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1418US 2023

782Births / yr

→Stable

352All-time births

📅 Since 191200

How to pronounce Tsutomu

tsoo·TOH·moo

/tsuː.ˈtoʊ.muː/ · stress on TOH · 3 syllables

“To be diligent; to be steady”

Japan origin · Boy name

What does Tsutomu mean and where does it come from?

Tsutomu (勉) is a common Japanese male name. It is derived from the Japanese verb 'tsutomu' (勤), meaning to be diligent or to strive, reflecting values of hard work and perseverance. The name has historical significance and has been borne by various notable figures in Japan, including academics and a

Cultural significance

Tsutomu has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to be diligent; to be steady.

Peak popularity

Reached #1353 in 1924 — currently #1418 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Tsutomu?

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

Tsutomu Grace

How popular is Tsutomu right now?

Holding steady — currently #1418 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1418 · Top 1.0%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1418	782	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1423	762	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1428	732	▲ up 2001 · +12100% births
1935	#3429	6	▲ up 321
1930	#3750	6	▼ down 2261 · -77% births
1925	#1489	26	▲ up 386 · +37% births
1920	#1875	19	▲ up 555 · +73% births
1915	#2430	11	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Tsutomu

Best Year2023Rank #1418

Peak Count782

Average Rank#2155

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20238 years

The story of Tsutomu

Tsutomu entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 352 total births recorded, Tsutomu remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2430 in 1915 to #1418 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Tsutomu in 1924:

Robert John William James Charles

Tsutomu by decade

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

Decade	Births
1910s	90
1920s ★	219
1930s	43

💎Tsutomu has only 352 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Tsutomu?

Common

TsuTsutTsutieTsutyOmu

What names sound and feel like Tsutomu?

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

Japan · abundant, prosperous

Sadamu

Japan · To clarify; to

Osamu

Japan · to be serenely

Satoru

Japan · to understand

Common questions about the name Tsutomu

What does the name Tsutomu mean?

Tsutomu means "To be diligent; to be steady" — 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 Tsutomu?

Tsutomu 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 Tsutomu?

Tsutomu 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 Tsutomu?

Tsutomu is a three-syllable name pronounced T S UW0 T OW1 M UW0. 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 Tsutomu?

Tsutomu 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.