Wataru
Meaningto cross over · Japanese
Wataru is a Japanese boy name meaning “to cross over”. 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?
- GenerationWataru peaked in 1919, which makes it a Greatest Generation name, think great-grandparents.
- HistoryWataru 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 Wataru
Wataru is a boy name of Japanese origin meaning “to cross over”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, 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 Wataru
What does the name Wataru mean?
Wataru means “to cross over” and comes from Japanese. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Cruz (“cross”), Cross (“cross”), Croix (“cross”) and Cruze (“cross”).
What is the origin of the name Wataru?
Wataru is Japanese in origin. Other Japanese names to consider are Asa (“healer”), Rio (“river”), Akari (“light, brightness”) and Kenzo (“often healthy third son”).
Is Wataru a boy or girl name?
Wataru is a boy name.
How popular is the name Wataru?
Wataru is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2015. It peaked at #2,063 in 1919, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Wataru?
If you like Wataru, you might also like Cruz, Cross, Croix and Cruze.
What should I know before naming my baby Wataru?
Wataru is a Japanese boy name meaning “to cross over”. 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.