Hiroki is a Japanese masculine given name. Its origin and meaning are derived from the combination of two kanji characters: "hero" (英) and "tree" or "wood" (木).
The character "英" means hero, which implies bravery, courage, and strength. The character "木" represents tree or wood, symbolizing growth, vitality, and longevity.
In Japanese culture, names often hold significant meanings that reflect the parents' hopes and aspirations for their child's future. Hiroki is no exception. By naming their son Hiroki, parents may wish to convey their desire for him to grow up strong, brave, and steadfast, much like a towering tree standing tall against wind and rain.
The name Hiroki has been used by various notable figures in Japan, contributing to its popularity over time. One famous bearer of this name is Hiroki Kuroda, a professional baseball player who played for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp and later for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball. Another prominent figure named Hiroki is Hiroki Nakamura, a Japanese fashion designer known for founding the clothing label A Bathing Ape.
The usage of Hiroki as a given name dates back to at least the early 20th century, but it gained popularity during the post-World War II era. Today, it remains a popular choice among Japanese parents due to its positive connotations and timeless appeal. According to data from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, Hiroki consistently ranks among the top 100 most popular boys' names in Japan each year.
In summary, Hiroki is a traditional Japanese masculine given name that combines the meanings of "hero" and "tree" or "wood." With its positive connotations and historical significance, it continues to be a beloved choice among parents in Japan.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Hiroki has seen varied popularity over the past four decades in the United States. The name first appeared in the top names list in 1979 with five births that year. It then disappeared from the list until 1986 when it reappeared with another five births.
The most popular years for the name Hiroki were between 1987 and 2003, during which time it saw a peak of 17 births in both 1994 and 1996. The total number of births for these 17 years was 253, indicating that Hiroki was relatively common during this period.
However, the popularity of the name has since declined. Between 2004 and 2022, there were only a total of 139 births recorded for the name Hiroki, with the most recent year (2022) seeing seven births. This indicates that while Hiroki is still being used as a baby name in the United States, its popularity has significantly decreased compared to its peak years.
Overall, from 1979 to 2022, there have been a total of 392 births recorded for the name Hiroki in the United States. This makes it a relatively uncommon name compared to other popular choices during this time period.