Jiro is a male given name of Japanese origin. It is composed of the kanji characters ジロ, which are pronounced as "Ji" and "Ro", respectively. The name does not have a definitive meaning in Japanese, but it is often associated with the idea of second or junior, as the character じ (ji) can mean number two.
The name Jiro has a long history in Japan, dating back to ancient times. It was often used for children born into families that already had an elder son, who would typically receive the family's main surname. The younger brother would then be given a different surname, which would include the character じ (ji) to indicate his secondary status.
Throughout Japanese history, there have been several notable figures named Jiro. One of the most famous is Jiroemon Kimura, who was born in 1897 and lived to be 116 years old, making him the oldest man ever recorded. Another notable figure is Jiro Horie, a Japanese businessman and philanthropist who founded the Lixil Group.
Today, Jiro remains a popular name in Japan, with many parents choosing it for their sons due to its historical significance and timeless appeal. Although it does not have a specific meaning, its association with the idea of being secondary has not diminished its popularity. In fact, some people believe that this aspect of the name makes it all the more special, as it reflects the unique position that each child holds within their family.
In conclusion, Jiro is a traditional Japanese given name with a rich history and a unique meaning associated with it. Despite not having a specific definition, its association with the idea of being secondary has made it a beloved choice for parents throughout generations in Japan.
The name Jiro has seen a varied but steady presence in the United States over the past century. Between 1913 and 2023, there have been a total of 394 babies named Jiro born in the U.S.
The years with the highest number of births were 2021 and 2022, with 15 births each. This indicates that the name Jiro has seen a resurgence in popularity recently. The years with the lowest number of births were 1913 and 1914, with only 5 births each.
Interestingly, there was a gap in the usage of the name between 1929 and 1967, with no recorded births during those years. However, since then, the name has consistently appeared on birth records each year, with at least one baby named Jiro born annually.
Overall, these statistics show that while the name Jiro may not have been extremely popular throughout history, it has maintained a consistent presence in the United States and has seen an increase in popularity in recent years.