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Home › Baby Names Directory › Takeshi

Takeshi

♂ Boy

Pronounced tah-KESH-ee /tɑˈkɛʃ.i/Medium

Meaning: A Japanese given name usually read from characters meaning 'warrior; fierce; military; strong'. As with most Japanese names, the meaning depends on which characters are chosen, so several readings exist.Medium

In 30 seconds: A strong Japanese name: Takeshi is usually read as 'warrior; fierce' (said 'tah-KESH-ee').
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Origin MediumJapanese
MeaningA Japanese given name usually read from characters meaning 'warrior; fierce; military; strong'. As with most Japanese names, the meaning depends on which characters are chosen, so several readings exist.
U.S. rank (2024)#13956 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1924
Total births (all-time)≈ 708

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192419122024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Takeshi is a long-established Japanese boys' name, generally written with characters meaning 'warrior', 'fierce' or 'strong'. Because Japanese names carry their meaning in their characters, families choose among several readings — a nuance we note. The name is familiar internationally through filmmakers, actors and athletes. Strong, clean, and classic (said 'tah-KESH-ee').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely, carried by Japanese-American families. Rare, Japanese, and strong.

Did you know? Japanese names take their meaning from the characters chosen to write them, so a Takeshi may be 'fierce', 'military' or 'strong' depending on the family's choice. All the usual readings point the same direction (said 'tah-KESH-ee').
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Takeshi — Japanese given name; 'warrior; fierce'; meaning varies by characters

Variations

TakeshiTake

Nicknames

TakeKesh

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Takeshi…

Kenji— a like Japanese boys' classic
Hiroshi— a like three-beat Japanese name
Ryu— a like strong Japanese pick
Tadashi— shares the -hi ending
Takashi— shares Takeshi's Japanese roots

Explore names like Takeshi

By themeclassicjapaneseinternationalstrength
By meaningStrengthWarriorGift / Blessing

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Takeshi mean?

Takeshi is a Japanese name usually read as 'warrior; fierce; strong'. The exact meaning depends on the characters chosen to write it.

How do you pronounce Takeshi?

It's said tah-KESH-ee /tɑˈkɛʃ.i/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Takeshi a boy or girl name?

Takeshi is a boy's name.

How popular is Takeshi?

Takeshi is a rare name for boys in the U.S., long established in Japan.

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