Tsuyoshi
Meaningstrong · Japanese
Tsuyoshi is a Japanese boy name meaning “strong”. 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?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Tsuyoshi would score 14 points, thanks largely to the Y (worth 4).
- GenerationTsuyoshi peaked in 1917, which makes it a Greatest Generation name, think great-grandparents.
- HistoryTsuyoshi 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 Tsuyoshi
Tsuyoshi is a boy name of Japanese origin meaning “strong”. With 3 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 Tsuyoshi
What does the name Tsuyoshi mean?
Tsuyoshi means “strong” and comes from Japanese. Names built around “strong” 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 Griffin (“strong lord”), Bryan (“possibly noble, strong”), Brian (“possibly noble, strong”) and Valentino (“strong, healthy”).
What is the origin of the name Tsuyoshi?
Tsuyoshi is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Asa (“healer”), Rio (“river”), Akari (“light, brightness”) and Kenzo (“often healthy third son”).
Is Tsuyoshi a boy or girl name?
Tsuyoshi is a boy name.
How popular is the name Tsuyoshi?
Tsuyoshi is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 1983. It peaked at #3,545 in 1917, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Tsuyoshi?
If you like Tsuyoshi, you might also like Griffin, Bryan, Brian and Valentino.
What should I know before naming my baby Tsuyoshi?
Tsuyoshi is a Japanese boy name meaning “strong”. 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.