Shoji is a Japanese given name of uncertain origin. It is believed to have two possible meanings: "castle" or "fortress," derived from the kanji characters 将 (shō), meaning "general" or "commander," and 城 (jō), meaning "castle" or "fortress"; or "pine tree" or "evergreen," derived from the kanji characters 松 (matsu), meaning "pine tree," and 善 (zen), meaning "good" or "virtuous."
The name Shoji is not particularly associated with any specific historical figures or events, but it has been used throughout Japanese history. It was relatively common during the Edo period (1603-1868) and continues to be used today.
In terms of popularity, Shoji ranked as the 49th most popular boys' name in Japan in 2014, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare's Vital Statistics. However, its usage has been declining over time, with only around 300 newborn boys receiving the name Shoji in recent years.
In popular culture, Shoji has been used as a character name in various forms of media, such as anime, manga, and video games. Some notable examples include Shoji Endo from the medical drama "Doctor X," Shoji Kawaguchi from the manga series "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure," and Shoji Meguro, a composer who has worked on numerous video game soundtracks, including those for the Shin Megami Tensei franchise.
Overall, Shoji is a traditional Japanese given name with an uncertain origin and multiple possible meanings. While it may not have any specific historical significance or associations with particular traits or festivals, it remains a recognizable and somewhat common name in Japan today.
The name Shoji has a rich history of use in the United States, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1913. Over the following years, its popularity fluctuated, but it remained relatively uncommon.
Between 1917 and 1929, there were a total of 40 births registered for the name Shoji. The highest number of births in any single year during this period was 81 in 1927, indicating that this was potentially the most popular decade for the name.
After a gap of nearly two decades, there were again five recorded births with the name Shoji in 1945. This suggests a resurgence in popularity for the name after World War II.
Overall, according to the statistics provided, there have been a total of 134 births registered for the name Shoji in the United States since records began. While it has not been one of the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout the years.