Ichiro is a name of Japanese origin, derived from the kanji characters "一" (ichi) meaning "one", and "郎" (ro) meaning "son". It is often translated to mean "first son".
The name Ichiro has a long history in Japan, with several notable figures sharing this name throughout the centuries. One of the most famous was Ichirō Yamada, a renowned poet of the Edo period who went by the pen name Ichiyosai Bakin. Born in 1723, he is considered one of the greatest masters of the kokkeibon genre, which combines humor and social satire.
Another notable figure with this name was Ichiro Sōga, a samurai of the late Heian period who played a significant role in the Genpei War. He served under Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of Japan, and is remembered for his bravery and loyalty.
The name Ichiro has also gained international recognition through Ichirō Suzuki, a Japanese professional baseball player who spent most of his career with the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball. Known for his exceptional talent and longevity in the sport, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Today, Ichiro remains a popular name among Japanese families, often chosen to wish for a first-born son who brings good fortune and happiness. It is also sometimes used as a unisex name due to its neutral meaning. While it may seem simple or even ordinary, the name Ichiro holds deep historical significance and carries an aura of strength and reliability, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking a meaningful name with a rich heritage.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Ichiro has had varying popularity over the years in the United States. The name's peak popularity occurred in the early 1920s with 21 births recorded each year for both 1920 and 1921. However, its popularity began to decline thereafter, with fewer than 20 births per year from 1923 onwards until a significant drop in the late 1920s.
After a gap of nearly three decades, there was another spike in Ichiro's popularity in the early 2000s. A total of 9 births were recorded for both 2005 and 2006, suggesting that the name started gaining traction again during this period. However, its popularity subsequently declined once more, with fewer than 10 births per year until a slight increase to 12 births in 2011.
Since then, Ichiro's popularity has remained relatively stable but low, with no more than 8 births recorded per year from 2013 onwards. The most recent data available shows that there were 6 births each for both 2017 and 2021, and another 6 births in 2023.
In total, there have been 279 births with the name Ichiro recorded in the United States since 1915. While its popularity has fluctuated over time, it is clear that this name has maintained a consistent presence throughout various periods in American history.