Toshima is a Japanese given name that has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique and appealing sound. The name is of unknown origin, but it is believed to be derived from a combination of two Japanese words: "toshi," which means "year" or "era," and "ma," which can mean "circle" or "ring." Therefore, the literal meaning of Toshima could be something along the lines of "circle year" or "era ring."
Despite its unknown origin, Toshima has a rich history in Japan. It was used as a male given name during the Edo period (1603-1868), and it is still used today for both boys and girls. The name gained popularity among parents who wanted to give their children unique and meaningful names that reflected their cultural heritage.
Toshima has also been popularized by several notable individuals in Japanese history, literature, and entertainment. For example, Toshima Inui was a prominent journalist and writer during the Meiji period (1868-1912), while Toshima Honda is a well-known actress and singer from the 1970s and 1980s.
In recent years, the name Toshima has been used more frequently in English-speaking countries as well. Parents have been attracted to its unique sound and meaning, as well as its cultural significance. Overall, Toshima is a distinctive and meaningful given name with a rich history that continues to appeal to parents around the world.
"In the United States, the name Toshima experienced a slight decline in popularity over the course of a decade, with six babies named Toshima in 1980 and five babies given that name in 1990. Despite this decrease, it is important to note that these figures still represent a total of eleven children bearing the name Toshima born in the United States during those two years."