Goku is a name of Japanese origin, derived from the Buddhist term "Skt. Gokula," which translates to "cowherd village." This name has been popularized worldwide due to its usage in various forms of media and entertainment.
In Japan, Goku is often used as a masculine given name. It is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word "Gokula," which refers to the divine realm where cows are believed to live eternally. In Buddhist tradition, it is also the birthplace of the Hindu deity Krishna, who is known for his mischievous behavior and eventual enlightenment.
One notable figure associated with the name Goku is Son Goku, the main protagonist of the popular manga and anime series Dragon Ball created by Akira Toriyama. Born as a Saiyan on the planet Vegeta, Goku was sent to Earth as an infant to destroy its inhabitants but lost his memory upon crashing into a mountainside. He grew up to become a kind-hearted and powerful warrior with an insatiable appetite for food and fighting. The character's name, Son Goku, is inspired by the Buddhist monk Gokū, who was a companion of Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism.
In addition to its use in popular culture, the name Goku has also been used as a given name for babies in Japan. Parents may choose this name for their children due to its positive associations with strength, wisdom, and enlightenment. Overall, the name Goku carries a rich history rooted in Buddhist tradition and has gained international recognition through various forms of media.
Statistics on the given name Goku show an interesting pattern over time in the United States.
From 2013 to 2023, there have been a total of 116 babies named Goku born in the U.S. Here's a breakdown by year:
* In 2013, there were 11 births.
* The number then dropped to 7 in 2015.
* It rose again to 13 in 2016 and further to 17 in 2017.
* After 2017, the numbers fluctuated: 13 births in 2018, 7 in 2019, and then climbed to 20 in 2020.
* In recent years, it has stabilized around an average of 12 births per year with 11 births in 2021 and 12 in 2022. However, there was a significant decrease to just 5 births in 2023.
These statistics suggest that the name Goku experienced some popularity between 2016 and 2020, with peaks in 2017 (17 births) and 2020 (20 births). However, there has been a notable decrease in recent years. Despite this fluctuation, it is still worth noting that over the span of ten years, Goku remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents in the United States.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Goku has varied over time, it continues to be chosen by families who likely appreciate its uniqueness and perhaps associate it with certain positive attributes or cultural influences.