Toba is an unusual yet captivating name of Japanese origin, derived from the word "tuba," which means "sea." This moniker evokes images of vast oceans and infinite horizons, making it a fitting choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with deep meaning. It has gained some international recognition due to its usage in popular culture, such as the character Toba Ophelia from the video game series "Fire Emblem." Despite its rarity, Toba offers a unique opportunity to bestow an uncommon yet meaningful name upon a child.
The name Toba appears to have experienced significant popularity fluctuations over the past century. While there were periods with consistent births each year (e.g., 8 births from 1918-1921), it also went through stretches of minimal usage (e.g., only one birth between 1931 and 1941). However, since the late 1990s, there's been a notable increase in its popularity, with more than ten births recorded every year from 1996 onwards. Despite these ups and downs, Toba has accumulated a total of 417 births over time.