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Home › Baby Names Directory › Taro

Taro

♂ Boy

Pronounced TAH-roh /ˈtɑː.roʊ/Medium

Meaning: Taro is a classic Japanese boys' name traditionally meaning 'eldest son' or 'first-born son,' often written with characters for 'thick/big' and 'son.' A staple of Japanese naming.Medium

In 30 seconds: A classic Japanese name for a first-born: Taro means 'eldest son' (said 'TAH-roh'). Warm, traditional, and clean.
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Origin MediumJapanese
MeaningTaro is a classic Japanese boys' name traditionally meaning 'eldest son' or 'first-born son,' often written with characters for 'thick/big' and 'son.' A staple of Japanese naming.
U.S. rank (2024)#12144 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1997
Total births (all-time)≈ 368

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199719192024

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

Taro is a time-honored Japanese name meaning 'eldest son' or 'first-born,' historically the name a family reserved for its first boy. It remains a familiar, wholesome classic (said 'TAH-roh').

In the U.S. it appears rarely as a boys' name, mostly among families of Japanese heritage. Rare here, classic there.

Did you know? Taro is one of Japan's most traditional boys' names, long given to a family's eldest son — turning up in folktales and everyday life alike (said 'TAH-roh').
Overall data confidence 60%
References — Taro — Japanese 'eldest son; first-born son'; classic

Variations

TarouTaroh

Nicknames

TaTaa

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Taro…

Kenji— a like classic Japanese boys' name
Hiro— a like short, warm Japanese pick
Ren— a like crisp Japanese name
Kai— a like short, bright cross-culture choice

Explore names like Taro

By themeheritageclassicshortjapanese

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Taro mean?

Taro is a Japanese boys' name traditionally meaning 'eldest son' or 'first-born son.'

How do you pronounce Taro?

It's said TAH-roh /ˈtɑː.roʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Taro a boy or girl name?

Here Taro is used as a boy's name, as it traditionally is in Japan.

How popular is Taro?

Taro is rare for boys in the U.S. and a familiar classic in Japan.

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