Toba is a unique and distinctive given name of Japanese origin. The name Toba is derived from the city of Toba in Mie Prefecture, Japan. This city is famous for its beautiful natural surroundings, particularly its scenic coastline and picturesque islands.
The meaning behind the name Toba is deeply rooted in Japanese history and culture. It is believed that the name was inspired by the abundance of sea bream fish (known as "toga" in Japanese) found in the waters surrounding the city. The word "toba" can also refer to a large wave or tide, reflecting the powerful forces of nature present in the region.
The history of the name Toba is intertwined with that of the ancient Japanese imperial family. According to legend, Emperor Go-Daigo retreated to the city of Toba during a period of political unrest in the 14th century. The emperor's presence brought prestige and significance to the city, which may have contributed to the popularity of the name Toba among the nobility at that time.
Today, the name Toba continues to be associated with beauty, strength, and elegance - qualities that reflect the natural wonders and rich history of its namesake city. While it may not be as commonly used as some other Japanese given names, those who bear the name Toba carry a unique and meaningful moniker that honors their cultural heritage and connects them to the stunning landscapes of Japan's past.
Based on the statistical data provided for the given name Toba, it's interesting to observe the fluctuations in its popularity over time in the United States.
The earliest year recorded is 1918 with a total of 8 births that year. There were several years with low numbers of births: 5 births each in 1931, 1946, and 1952; and 5 births again in 1960, 1976, 1977, 1983, 1988, 1995, 2001, and 2005. However, there were also years with moderate numbers of births, such as 6 births in several years between 1943 to 2013.
Notably, the popularity of the name Toba seems to have increased significantly starting from around the late 1990s onwards. There was a sharp rise in the number of births with this name in the year 2000 with a total of 10 births, and it continued to increase steadily over the following years: 13 births in 2007, 14 births in 2011, and peaked at 18 births in 2017. This trend seems to have persisted until recently, with 15 births each in both 2020 and 2022.
Overall, there were a total of 417 births named Toba recorded from 1918 to 2023 in the United States. While it may not be one of the most popular names, it has certainly gained some traction over time, especially in recent years.