Masaki is a name of Japanese origin, derived from the kanji characters "正" and "栄". The first character, "正", means "correct" or "right", while the second character, "栄", signifies "prosperity" or "flourishing". Thus, the name Masaki translates to "prosperous correctness".
The name Masaki has a rich history in Japan. It was often given to individuals who were believed to possess strong moral principles and upright behavior. The name was particularly popular during the Edo period (1603-1868), when it was used by samurai warriors and members of the nobility.
Today, Masaki remains a popular name in Japan, with many families choosing it for their children due to its positive connotations. It is often used as both a given name and a surname, reflecting its enduring popularity over centuries.
In recent years, the name Masaki has also gained international recognition, particularly through its use by notable figures such as Japanese actor Takeshi Kaneshiro (whose real name is Masahiko Kaneshiro) and Japanese-American musician Masayoshi Nakamura. As global interest in Japanese culture continues to grow, it is likely that the name Masaki will continue to be embraced beyond Japan's borders.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Masaki has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest recorded birth with the name Masaki was in 1919, with a total of five births that year. The popularity of the name peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with ten or more births each year from 1997 to 2003.
However, the number of births with the name Masaki has fluctuated significantly over time. For instance, there were only five births in 1982 and again in 2005, while there was a notable increase in popularity in 2006 with eleven births recorded that year. More recently, the popularity of the name has stabilized, with around five to seven births each year from 2011 to 2022.
Overall, based on these statistics, Masaki can be considered a relatively uncommon name in the United States, with a total of 257 recorded births since 1919. Despite its fluctuations in popularity over the years, the name Masaki has maintained a consistent presence among newborns in the country.