Ichiro
Meaningfirst son · Japanese
Ichiro is a Japanese boy name meaning “first son”. In Japan, parents often choose a name as much for the kanji characters behind it as for its sound, so the same name can carry several shades of meaning. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- GenerationIchiro peaked in 1920, which makes it a Greatest Generation name, think great-grandparents.
- HistoryIchiro first shows up in US birth records in 1915, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 110 years since.
US births per million boys, 1915–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Ichiro
Ichiro is a boy name of Japanese origin meaning “first son”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It was most fashionable in the 1920s, which gives it a vintage, grandparent-chic charm. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Japanese names
More Japanese boy names
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Rio · river
- Unisex name: Akari · light, brightness
- Boy name: Kenzo · often healthy third son
- Boy name: Kenji · often strong second son
- Unisex name: Ren · often lotus
- Unisex name: Zen · meditation
- Unisex name: Mars · god of war
Questions about the name Ichiro
What does the name Ichiro mean?
Ichiro means “first son” and comes from Japanese. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Aarush (“first ray of the sun”), Aahan (“dawn, first light”), Adinath (“the first lord”) and Eiichi (“often prosperous first son”).
What is the origin of the name Ichiro?
Ichiro is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Asa (“healer”), Rio (“river”), Akari (“light, brightness”) and Kenzo (“often healthy third son”).
Is Ichiro a boy or girl name?
Ichiro is a boy name.
How popular is the name Ichiro?
Ichiro is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2024. It peaked at #1,694 in 1920, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Ichiro?
If you like Ichiro, you might also like Aarush, Aahan, Adinath and Eiichi.
What should I know before naming my baby Ichiro?
Ichiro is a Japanese boy name meaning “first son”. In Japan, parents often choose a name as much for the kanji characters behind it as for its sound, so the same name can carry several shades of meaning. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.