Kaoru is a unisex Japanese given name that is used equally for both boys and girls. It originates from the combination of two kanji characters: "ka" (香) meaning "fragrant," and "oru" (緒) meaning "beginning, start." Therefore, Kaoru means "fragrant beginning."
The name Kaoru has been popular in Japan since the Heian period (794-1185), with notable historical figures bearing this name. One famous example is Lady Murasaki Shikibu, the author of "The Tale of Genji," who was also known by her given name Kaoru.
In modern times, Kaoru continues to be a popular choice for parents in Japan, ranking among the top 100 names for both boys and girls annually. Additionally, Kaoru has gained international recognition due to its use in various forms of media, such as anime and manga. Notable characters named Kaoru include Kaoru Seta from "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and Kaoru Nishimi from "Kuroko's Basketball."
Overall, the name Kaoru is strongly associated with Japanese culture and history, and its meaning adds a touch of elegance and refinement to those who bear it.
The statistics show that the name Kaoru was relatively popular in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, with a peak of 17 babies being given this name in 1921. However, its popularity began to decline after the late 1920s, with only six births recorded each year from 1928 to 1929 and again in 1999.
Overall, there were a total of 168 babies named Kaoru born in the United States between 1914 and 1999. This shows that while it was once a popular choice for parents, its popularity has since decreased significantly over time.