Shigeru Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: shee-geh-roo /ɕiɡeɾɯ/
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: to grow; to become
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Shigeru is of Japanese origin, derived from the verb "shigeru" (茂る), which means "to grow thick" or "to luxuriate." This etymological root reflects a connection to nature, often associated with lush vegetation or abundance. The name is typically written in kanji characters, with various combinations that can alter its meaning slightly, but the essence of growth and richness remains central.
The use of such names in Japan often reflects a cultural appreciation for nature and its cycles, which are deeply embedded in Japanese philosophy and aesthetics. Historically, the name Shigeru has been borne by notable figures in Japanese culture, including artists, writers, and public figures.
One prominent example is Shigeru Ban, a contemporary architect known for his innovative use of materials and sustainable design practices. While specific historical milestones tied to the name are less documented than those of more common names, the cultural significance of names like Shigeru can be traced through various artistic and literary movements in Japan, particularly during the Edo period (17th to 19th centuries), when names often reflected personal virtues or aspirations.
Culturally, Shigeru embodies qualities of growth, resilience, and prosperity, making it a name that resonates with positive attributes in Japanese society. The name is sometimes associated with traditional values, emphasizing the importance of nature and harmony within the environment.
Additionally, diminutive forms or variations, such as Shige, may be used affectionately, though they are less formal. Overall, Shigeru represents a blend of linguistic roots and cultural significance, encapsulating a rich heritage that continues to be appreciated in various contexts.
Famous people named Shigeru
In this section, you will find notable people named Shigeru. 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 Shigeru who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Shigeru 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.
Shigeru Miyamoto is a video game designer best known for creating Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong.
Shigeru Ban is an architect best known for his innovative use of cardboard in construction and disaster relief projects.
Fictional characters named Shigeru
The following list of fictional characters named Shigeru 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.
Shigeru is a fictional character from the video game series The Legend of Zelda. He is known as the creator of the Master Sword and plays a significant role in the lore of the series.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Shigeru, 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 Shigeru. 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 Shigeru was first seen in the United States in 1910.
Shigeru has ranked as high as #842 nationally, which occurred in 1921, and has been most popular in Hawaii, California, and Washington.
In the past 5 years the name Shigeru has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Shigeru 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 Shigeru was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Shigeru (1936)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| HI | 5 |
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 Shigeru.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1938 | 5 |
| 1937 | 5 |
| 1936 | 8 |
| 1935 | 7 |
| 1934 | 6 |
| 1933 | 12 |
| 1932 | 13 |
| 1931 | 11 |
| 1930 | 17 |
| 1929 | 19 |
| 1928 | 27 |
| 1927 | 31 |
| 1926 | 38 |
| 1925 | 25 |
| 1924 | 31 |
| 1923 | 32 |
| 1922 | 32 |
| 1921 | 42 |
| 1920 | 40 |
| 1919 | 27 |
| 1918 | 40 |
| 1917 | 37 |
| 1916 | 28 |
| 1915 | 21 |
| 1914 | 6 |
| 1913 | 7 |
| 1912 | 13 |
| 1911 | 5 |
| 1910 | 6 |