Mamoru is a Japanese given name of both masculine and feminine usage. Its origin can be traced back to the Japanese language where it is composed of two kanji characters: "護" (mamor'u), meaning "to protect," and "郎" (rou), which is an ancient term for young man or boy.
The name Mamoru has a significant historical background in Japan. It was the name given to the fourth son of Emperor Gosuzaku, who reigned from 794 to 823 AD. This royal figure was known as Prince Mamoru and later became the Emperor Junna after his father's abdication.
In modern times, Mamoru remains a popular choice for parents in Japan when naming their children. It has also gained international recognition due to its use in various forms of media, such as anime and manga series like "Sailor Moon," where one of the main characters is Mamoru Chiba, also known as Tuxedo Mask.
Overall, Mamoru carries a strong and meaningful connotation, symbolizing protection and strength, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for a name with deep roots in Japanese culture.
The name Mamoru has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States, with a total of 182 babies given this name between 1915 and 1937. The name's popularity fluctuated throughout this period, with some years seeing no births at all bearing the name Mamoru.
The highest number of births occurred in 1924 and 1926, with 16 newborns being named Mamoru each year. Conversely, there were several years when only one or two babies were given this name, including 1915, 1918, 1927, and 1930.
Despite its relative rarity, the name Mamoru has maintained a consistent presence in the United States over these decades. It is interesting to note that the name's popularity did not seem to be influenced by any particular trend or pattern during this time period.
In conclusion, while Mamoru may not have been one of the most popular baby names in the United States between 1915 and 1937, it was still chosen for a total of 182 newborns during that time. The name's popularity varied from year to year, but it remained a consistent choice throughout this period.