Mas is a Japanese given name and surname that has been popular among both men and women in Japan for centuries. The name has several possible origins and meanings depending on its kanji character.
One common origin of the name Mas is the kanji character 将, which means "general" or "commander." This character is often associated with masculinity and leadership, and may have been chosen by parents to bestow these qualities upon their children. Another popular kanji character for Mas is 昌, which means "prosperous" or "flourishing." This character was often used in ancient Japan to express wishes for a bright future for the child.
The name Mas has a long history in Japan and can be traced back to the country's feudal era. Many samurai warriors were named Mas, as it was believed that this name would bring them courage and strength in battle. Some famous historical figures with the name Mas include Masashige Kusunoki, a loyal retainer of Emperor Go-Daigo during the Genkō War, and Masanori Fukushima, a daimyo who played a significant role in the Battle of Sekigahara.
Today, Mas remains a popular name among Japanese parents. According to data from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Mas was one of the top 50 most popular boy names in Japan for several years running between 2016 and 2020. While it is still more commonly given to boys, there are also many women named Mas in Japan.
Overall, the name Mas has a rich history and several possible meanings depending on its kanji character. It remains a popular choice among Japanese parents today, with both historical significance and modern relevance.
The name Mas has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. In 1921, there were 6 babies named Mas according to birth records. A decade later, in 1929, the number of newborns given this name had decreased slightly to just 5. This shows a slight decline in popularity for the name Mas between these two years. Overall, from 1921 to 1929, there were a total of 11 babies named Mas born in the United States.