Toru
Meaningto pass through · Japanese
Toru is a Japanese boy name meaning “to pass through”. 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?
- GenerationToru peaked in 1922, which makes it a Greatest Generation name, think great-grandparents.
- HistoryToru first shows up in US birth records in 1917, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 108 years since.
US births per million boys, 1917–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Toru
Toru is a boy name of Japanese origin meaning “to pass through”. 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 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 Toru
What does the name Toru mean?
Toru means “to pass through” and comes from Japanese.
What is the origin of the name Toru?
Toru is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Asa (“healer”), Rio (“river”), Akari (“light, brightness”) and Kenzo (“often healthy third son”).
Is Toru a boy or girl name?
Toru is a boy name.
How popular is the name Toru?
Toru is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 1995. It peaked at #2,240 in 1922, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What should I know before naming my baby Toru?
Toru is a Japanese boy name meaning “to pass through”. 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.