Iwao is a Japanese masculine given name. Its origin lies in the Japanese language, with "iwa" meaning "rock" and "ao" signifying "blue". Therefore, Iwao can be interpreted as "blue rock".
The name Iwao has been popular throughout Japanese history, with notable figures bearing this name across various periods. One famous Iwao was Iwao Matsumoto (1857-1942), a renowned marine engineer who played a significant role in the development of Japan's naval power during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, Iwao continues to be a popular choice among Japanese parents for their sons. While it may not have any specific associated celebrations or character traits, its unique meaning and historical significance contribute to its enduring appeal.
The name Iwao has a unique and intriguing history of usage in the United States, with its popularity waxing and waning over the years. According to records, the name first appeared in the U.S. Baby Name Database in 1914, with five babies being given this distinctive moniker that year. This number remained consistent for the following year, with another five newborns sharing the name Iwao.
However, from 1916 onwards, the popularity of the name began to grow steadily. In that year, nine babies were named Iwao, marking a significant increase compared to the previous two years. The trend continued into 1917 and 1918, with thirteen births each year for both years. This period represented the peak in popularity for the name Iwao during this timeframe.
Following these years of increased popularity, there was a slight decrease in the number of newborns named Iwao between 1919 and 1920, with nine births in 1919 and fourteen in 1920. However, from 1921 onwards, there was another upsurge in popularity for the name, reaching a high of twenty births that year.
Over the next few years, the number of babies named Iwao fluctuated but remained relatively consistent, ranging between ten and twelve births per year from 1923 to 1927. After this period, there was another decline in popularity, with five births each year for both 1928 and 1930.
Interestingly, there is a gap of three years in the records, with no births named Iwao recorded between 1931 and 1934. However, the name resurfaced again in 1936, with five newborns sharing this unique moniker once more.
In total, over these years, there were 178 babies born in the United States who were named Iwao. Although it may not be one of the most popular names in terms of sheer numbers, its history reveals a fascinating pattern of popularity and decline that sets it apart from many other names.