Tamotsu
Meaningto preserve · Japanese
Tamotsu is a Japanese boy name meaning “to preserve”. 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?
- GenerationTamotsu peaked in 1923, which makes it a Greatest Generation name, think great-grandparents.
- HistoryTamotsu 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 Tamotsu
Tamotsu is a boy name of Japanese origin meaning “to preserve”. 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 Tamotsu
What does the name Tamotsu mean?
Tamotsu means “to preserve” and comes from Japanese. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Warren (“game preserve”).
What is the origin of the name Tamotsu?
Tamotsu is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Asa (“healer”), Rio (“river”), Akari (“light, brightness”) and Kenzo (“often healthy third son”).
Is Tamotsu a boy or girl name?
Tamotsu is a boy name.
How popular is the name Tamotsu?
Tamotsu is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 1932. It peaked at #1,460 in 1923, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Tamotsu?
If you like Tamotsu, you might also like Warren.
What should I know before naming my baby Tamotsu?
Tamotsu is a Japanese boy name meaning “to preserve”. 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.