Masao
Meaningoften just man · Japanese
Masao is a Japanese boy name often meaning “just man”. 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 soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.
Did you know?
- Hidden namesLook closely: Masao has the name Asa hiding inside it.
- GenerationMasao peaked in 1918, which makes it a Greatest Generation name, think great-grandparents.
- HistoryMasao first shows up in US birth records in 1907, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 118 years since.
US births per million boys, 1907–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Masao
Masao is a boy name of Japanese origin meaning “often just man”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the open vowel at the end makes it sound soft and warm. It was most fashionable in the 1910s, 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 Masao
What does the name Masao mean?
Masao means “often just man” and comes from Japanese. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Justin (“just, fair”), Adil (“just, fair”), Adel (“just, fair”) and Justen (“just, fair”).
What is the origin of the name Masao?
Masao is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Asa (“healer”), Rio (“river”), Akari (“light, brightness”) and Kenzo (“often healthy third son”).
Is Masao a boy or girl name?
Masao is a boy name.
How popular is the name Masao?
Masao is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2019. It peaked at #700 in 1918, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Masao?
If you like Masao, you might also like Justin, Adil, Adel and Justen.
What should I know before naming my baby Masao?
Masao is a Japanese boy name often meaning “just man”. 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 soft and friendly, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.