Taro
Meaningfirstborn son · Japanese
Taro is a Japanese boy name meaning “firstborn 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 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?
- GenerationTaro peaked in 1919, which makes it a Greatest Generation name, think great-grandparents.
- HistoryTaro first shows up in US birth records in 1919, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 106 years since.
US births per million boys, 1919–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Taro
Taro is a boy name of Japanese origin meaning “firstborn son”. 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 Taro
What does the name Taro mean?
Taro means “firstborn son” and comes from Japanese. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Primo (“firstborn”) and Chaske (“firstborn son”).
What is the origin of the name Taro?
Taro is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Asa (“healer”), Rio (“river”), Akari (“light, brightness”) and Kenzo (“often healthy third son”).
Is Taro a boy or girl name?
Taro is a boy name.
How popular is the name Taro?
Taro 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 #2,511 in 1919, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Taro?
If you like Taro, you might also like Primo and Chaske.
What should I know before naming my baby Taro?
Taro is a Japanese boy name meaning “firstborn 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 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.