Masayoshi
Meaningoften just and good · Japanese
Masayoshi is a Japanese boy name often meaning “just and good”. 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 a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Hidden namesLook closely: Masayoshi has the name Asa hiding inside it.
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Masayoshi would score 17 points, thanks largely to the Y (worth 4).
- GenerationMasayoshi peaked in 1918, which makes it a Greatest Generation name, think great-grandparents.
- HistoryMasayoshi first shows up in US birth records in 1914, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 111 years since.
US births per million boys, 1914–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Masayoshi
Masayoshi is a boy name of Japanese origin meaning “often just and good”. With 4 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, and plenty of room for a nickname, 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 Masayoshi
What does the name Masayoshi mean?
Masayoshi means “often just and good” 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 Masayoshi?
Masayoshi is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Asa (“healer”), Rio (“river”), Akari (“light, brightness”) and Kenzo (“often healthy third son”).
Is Masayoshi a boy or girl name?
Masayoshi is a boy name.
How popular is the name Masayoshi?
Masayoshi is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 1929. It peaked at #2,260 in 1918, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Masayoshi?
If you like Masayoshi, you might also like Justin, Adil, Adel and Justen.
What should I know before naming my baby Masayoshi?
Masayoshi is a Japanese boy name often meaning “just and good”. 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 a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, 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.