Sakura is a beautiful and popular Japanese girls' name with a rich history and meaning behind it. The name Sakura is derived from the Japanese word "sakura" which means "cherry blossom". Cherry blossoms are iconic flowers in Japan, known for their delicate beauty and brief existence. They symbolize the impermanence of life and are often associated with renewal and new beginnings.
The use of the name Sakura can be traced back to ancient times in Japanese literature and folklore. It is believed that the name was first used during the Heian period (794-1185) as a personal name for women. Over time, it has become more popular and is now one of the most common girls' names in Japan.
In addition to its association with cherry blossoms, the name Sakura also has other meanings and connotations in Japanese culture. It can represent elegance, grace, and gentleness, as well as strength and resilience. The character for Sakura (桜) is often associated with the moon, which is another symbol of beauty and mystery in Japan.
Today, Sakura remains a beloved name among Japanese parents and has gained popularity around the world. Its association with cherry blossoms makes it particularly appealing to those who appreciate nature's beauty and impermanence. Whether as a first or middle name, Sakura carries with it a rich history and beautiful meaning that continues to captivate people today.
The name Sakura has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the 1970s and early 1980s, it was relatively uncommon, with only five births each year between 1970 and 1985. However, starting in the late 1980s, there was a noticeable rise in its usage, with eleven births recorded in 1989.
The trend continued into the 1990s, with the number of births per year varying between seven and twenty. The highest number during this period was reached in 1998, with twenty births that year.
The new millennium brought a significant surge in popularity for the name Sakura. In 2001, there were fifty-nine births, marking a substantial increase from previous years. This high level of popularity persisted throughout the decade, with numbers ranging between forty-five and sixty births per year.
From 2006 onwards, the number of Sakura births began to rise even further, reaching seventy-seven in 2007 and peaking at eighty-seven in 2012. This sustained popularity has continued into recent years, with an average of around sixty births annually between 2014 and 2023.
In total, there have been 1668 babies named Sakura born in the United States since 1970. This data illustrates the growing trend of parents choosing this name for their children over the past five decades.