Masaru
Meaningvictory · Japanese
Masaru is a Japanese boy name meaning “victory”. 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?
- Hidden namesLook closely: Masaru has the name Asa hiding inside it.
- GenerationMasaru peaked in 1917, which makes it a Greatest Generation name, think great-grandparents.
- HistoryMasaru first shows up in US birth records in 1912, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 113 years since.
US births per million boys, 1912–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Masaru
Masaru is a boy name of Japanese origin meaning “victory”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. 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 Masaru
What does the name Masaru mean?
Masaru means “victory” and comes from Japanese. Names built around “victory” have been loved for generations, and give a child a meaning worth sharing when someone asks about their name. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Nicholas (“victory of the people”), Nico (“victory of the people”), Nicolas (“victory of the people”) and Niko (“victory of the people”).
What is the origin of the name Masaru?
Masaru is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Asa (“healer”), Rio (“river”), Akari (“light, brightness”) and Kenzo (“often healthy third son”).
Is Masaru a boy or girl name?
Masaru is a boy name.
How popular is the name Masaru?
Masaru is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 1992. It peaked at #1,222 in 1917, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Masaru?
If you like Masaru, you might also like Nicholas, Nico, Nicolas and Niko.
What should I know before naming my baby Masaru?
Masaru is a Japanese boy name meaning “victory”. 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.