Masao Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: mah-sah-oh /mɑːsɑːoʊ/
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: Japanese: righteous man; honest
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Masao is of Japanese origin, derived from the combination of two kanji characters: "masa" (正), meaning "righteous" or "correct," and "o" (男), which means "man." This etymological structure reflects a common practice in Japanese naming conventions, where names are often formed by combining characters that convey specific virtues or qualities. The name Masao thus carries connotations of righteousness and masculinity, embodying ideals that have been valued in Japanese culture throughout history.
Historically, the use of the name Masao can be traced back to various periods in Japan, particularly during the Edo period (1603-1868), when names often reflected moral attributes. While specific historical figures named Masao are less documented, the name has been associated with the broader cultural ethos of the time, which emphasized honor, integrity, and the importance of character.
The name's resonance can also be seen in literature and art, where themes of righteousness and virtue are prevalent, reflecting the societal values of the era. Culturally, Masao is often linked to traditional Japanese values, where names are not merely identifiers but carry significant meaning and expectations.
The name's enduring appeal can be attributed to its positive connotations and the cultural emphasis on moral integrity. Additionally, diminutive forms or variations of the name may exist, but the core meaning remains central to its identity.
Overall, Masao exemplifies the rich linguistic and cultural tapestry of Japan, encapsulating ideals that have persisted through centuries.
Famous people named Masao
In this section, you will find notable people named Masao. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Masao who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Masao who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Masao Yoshida is a businessman best known for his role as the plant manager during the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.
Masao Maruyama is an animator and director best known for his work on Akira, Ghost in the Shell, and the anime series Shingeki no Kyojin.
Fictional characters named Masao
The following list of fictional characters named Masao is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Masao is a fictional character from the manga and anime series Kimi ni Todoke. He is a supportive friend who helps the main characters navigate their relationships and personal growth.
Masao is a fictional character from the video game series Danganronpa. He is a student at Hope's Peak Academy and plays a significant role in the unfolding mystery of the game.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Masao, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Masao. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Masao was first seen in the United States in 1907.
Masao has ranked as high as #1468 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in Hawaii, California, Washington, and Oregon.
In the past 5 years the name Masao has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Masao is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Masao was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Masao.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 5 | 5 |
| 2013 | 5 | 5 |
| 2011 | 8 | 8 |
| 1982 | 7 | 7 |
| 1960 | 5 | 5 |
| 1941 | 6 | 6 |
| 1940 | 5 | 5 |
| 1938 | 11 | 11 |
| 1937 | 10 | 10 |
| 1936 | 7 | 7 |
| 1935 | 12 | 12 |
| 1934 | 8 | 8 |
| 1933 | 13 | 13 |
| 1932 | 19 | 19 |
| 1931 | 10 | 10 |
| 1930 | 24 | 24 |
| 1929 | 24 | 24 |
| 1928 | 31 | 31 |
| 1927 | 33 | 33 |
| 1926 | 34 | 34 |
| 1925 | 36 | 36 |
| 1924 | 59 | 59 |
| 1923 | 57 | 57 |
| 1922 | 68 | 68 |
| 1921 | 60 | 60 |
| 1920 | 51 | 51 |
| 1919 | 63 | 63 |
| 1918 | 81 | 81 |
| 1917 | 61 | 61 |
| 1916 | 57 | 57 |
| 1915 | 42 | 42 |
| 1914 | 40 | 40 |
| 1913 | 28 | 28 |
| 1912 | 23 | 23 |
| 1911 | 5 | 5 |
| 1908 | 5 | 5 |
| 1907 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Masao (1941)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |