Inari is a name of Japanese origin, derived from the word "inari", which refers to a type of fox in Japanese folklore. The name has a rich history and cultural significance in Japan.
In Shinto mythology, Inari is the god of rice, agriculture, and prosperity. The god is often depicted as a kitsune, or fox spirit, and is believed to have the power to shape-shift into human form. Inari is also associated with fertility and abundance, making it a popular deity among farmers and merchants alike.
The name Inari has been used for both male and female babies in Japan for centuries. However, its popularity peaked during the Edo period (1603-1868), when many children were named after Shinto deities as a way to ensure good fortune and protection from evil spirits.
Today, Inari is still considered a popular name in Japan, but it has also gained international recognition due to its unique sound and cultural significance. It is often chosen by parents who wish to honor Japanese culture or simply want their child to have a distinctive and meaningful name. Despite its historical associations with the god of prosperity, there is no specific expectation for individuals named Inari to possess certain traits or characteristics. Rather, the name is seen as a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and unique origin story.
The name Inari has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past three decades in the United States. With only six births recorded in 1994, it was quite uncommon at the time. However, by 2022, there were a total of 55 births with this unique name, marking a notable surge in its usage.
The growth in popularity became apparent as early as 1995, when the number of births rose to 21 from just six the year prior. This trend continued into the new millennium, with steady increases observed between 2000 and 2004: six births in 2000, eight in 2001, ten in 2002, thirteen each in 2003 and 2004.
The year 2005 marked a significant turning point with seventeen births, demonstrating an increasing preference for the name Inari. This trend continued through 2006 with nineteen births, and again through 2007 with seventeen births.
Between 2008 and 2013, there was a slight fluctuation in popularity, oscillating between twenty-five births in 2008 down to eleven each in 2012 and 2013. However, this appears to have been merely a brief pause before another upward trend began.
From 2014 onwards, the number of births with the name Inari started to rise again: twelve births in both 2014 and 2015, followed by twenty-three births in 2016. This growth continued into recent years with fourteen births in 2017, nineteen in 2018, eighteen in 2019, twenty-four in 2020, forty in 2021, and culminating in fifty-five births in 2023.
In total, there have been 495 recorded births with the name Inari in the United States over these three decades. This steady increase suggests that the name is gaining traction among parents looking for unique yet appealing choices for their children's names.