Masao is a Japanese given name of unknown origin and meaning. It is believed to have been derived from the combination of two separate names: "Masa" which means "growing" or "increasing", and "Ao" which means "blue". However, there is no definitive evidence to support this theory.
The name Masao was first used during the Meiji period (1868-1912) in Japan. It gained popularity during the Taisho and Showa periods (1912-1989), but its usage has since declined. Despite its lack of clear meaning, Masao remains a popular choice among Japanese parents due to its simplicity and uniqueness.
There are no notable historical figures or legendary characters named Masao, and there is no significant event or anniversary associated with the name. Therefore, its use is not tied to any specific cultural tradition or celebration.
In terms of international usage, Masao has been adopted by other countries outside of Japan, particularly in East Asia and Southeast Asia. However, it remains a predominantly Japanese name, with the majority of bearers residing in that country. Overall, Masao is a unique and intriguing name with a mysterious origin and meaning that continues to capture the imagination of parents seeking distinctive names for their children.
The name Masao has a unique history of popularity in the United States over the past century. Between 1907 and 2019, there were a total of 1018 babies named Masao born in the U.S.
The name first appeared on the record with five births each in 1907 and 1908. It then saw a significant increase in popularity between 1912 and 1918, during which time the number of annual births with the name ranged from 23 to 81.
The peak of Masao's popularity occurred in 1918, with 81 babies being named Masao that year. This marked a significant jump from the previous year, where only 63 babies were given the name.
After 1918, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily until it reached its lowest point between 1934 and 1936, with fewer than ten births each year. The name continued to be used sparingly throughout most of the rest of the century, with only five or six babies named Masao born in any given year from 1940 until at least 2019.
However, despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Masao has remained a consistent presence in the United States. With 1018 total births recorded since 1907, it is clear that this unique name continues to hold meaning for families across generations.