Toshio is a Japanese male given name that has a rich history and meaningful significance. The name originates from the combination of two Japanese words: "Toshi" which means "year" or "time", and "io" which means "good". Therefore, the name Toshio translates to "good year" or "good time".
The name Toshio gained popularity during the Meiji period (1868-1912) in Japan, a time of significant social and cultural change. It was often given to children born during this era as it symbolized hope for a prosperous future.
Throughout history, many notable figures have carried the name Toshio. One famous example is Toshio Suzuki, a Japanese animator who played a crucial role in the creation of Studio Ghibli's films, such as "Spirited Away" and "My Neighbor Totoro".
In popular culture, Toshio has been used as a character name in various manga, anime, and video games. This further contributes to the familiarity and recognition of this name among people worldwide who are interested in Japanese media.
Overall, the name Toshio carries a positive connotation due to its meaning, and it has been historically significant in Japan during times of change and hope for prosperity.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Toshio was quite popular in the United States from the early to mid-20th century. Between 1912 and 1939, there were a total of 737 births registered with the name Toshio. The highest number of births occurred in 1921 with 66 babies named Toshio. However, this popularity seems to have declined significantly afterwards, as there were only 5 births each in 1940 and 1976, followed by another 5 births in 2001. Despite the fluctuation in popularity over time, it's clear that the name Toshio has a notable history in the United States.