Wataru Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: wah-tah-roo /wɑːtɑːɹuː/
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: to cross over; to be in the lead
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Wataru is of Japanese origin, derived from the verb "渡る" (wataru), which means "to cross" or "to traverse." This etymology reflects a linguistic tradition in which names often embody significant actions or qualities. In Japanese, names can also be constructed using various kanji characters, allowing for multiple interpretations and meanings based on the chosen characters.
Wataru can be represented with different kanji, such as 渉, which can imply crossing water or a river, further emphasizing the theme of transition or movement. Historically, the name Wataru has been used in Japan for centuries, with its roots tracing back to ancient times when names were often linked to nature and the environment.
During the Heian period (794-1185), names began to take on more personal significance, often reflecting the aspirations or characteristics of the individual. The use of Wataru in literature and poetry from this era highlights its cultural resonance, as crossing rivers or traversing landscapes often symbolizes personal growth or the journey of life.
In terms of cultural significance, Wataru is associated with themes of exploration and overcoming obstacles, which are prevalent in Japanese folklore and mythology. The act of crossing a river or a boundary can symbolize transformation or the passage from one state of being to another.
This notion is echoed in various traditional stories and proverbs, reinforcing the name's enduring appeal. While diminutive forms or variations of Wataru exist, such as Wataru-kun, these are often used affectionately and reflect the cultural practice of using honorifics in Japanese naming conventions.
Overall, Wataru embodies a rich tapestry of meaning and significance within Japanese culture.
Famous people named Wataru
In this section, you will find notable people named Wataru. 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 Wataru who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Wataru 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.
Wataru Takagi is a voice actor best known for his roles in Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, and Detective Conan.
Wataru Yoshikawa is a professional wrestler best known for his time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Fictional characters named Wataru
The following list of fictional characters named Wataru 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.
Wataru is a fictional character from the anime and manga series Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal. He is a skilled Duelist and the main protagonist who strives to become the best in the world of Duel Monsters.
Wataru 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 narrative surrounding the deadly game.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Wataru, 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 Wataru. 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 Wataru was first seen in the United States in 1915.
Wataru has ranked as high as #854 nationally, which occurred in 1919, and has been most popular in Hawaii, and California.
In the past 5 years the name Wataru has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Wataru 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 Wataru was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Wataru (1925)
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 Wataru.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2002 | 5 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1997 | 6 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1992 | 5 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1990 | 8 |
| 1989 | 8 |
| 1931 | 5 |
| 1928 | 9 |
| 1925 | 5 |
| 1923 | 12 |
| 1922 | 5 |
| 1921 | 5 |
| 1919 | 15 |
| 1915 | 7 |