Akira is a Japanese given name of both masculine and feminine usage. The name originates from the kanji characters "明" (aki) meaning "bright" or "clear", and "良" (ra) meaning "good". Therefore, Akira can be interpreted as "bright" or "clear" combined with "good".
The name Akira has a rich history in Japan. It was popularized by the famous Japanese author Yukio Mishima, who used it for his protagonist in his 1964 novel "Kyoksu!". Since then, Akira has become increasingly popular as both a masculine and feminine name.
In recent years, Akira has gained international recognition due to its use in various forms of media. The most notable example is the manga and anime series "Akira" created by Katsuhiro Otomo, which became hugely successful worldwide. As a result, Akira has become more commonly used as a given name outside Japan.
In conclusion, Akira is a Japanese given name that means "bright" or "clear" combined with "good". Its history spans centuries, but it gained significant popularity in modern times due to its use in literature and media. Today, Akira continues to be a popular choice for both boys and girls in Japan and beyond.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Akira has seen significant fluctuations and growth in popularity over the past five decades in the United States.
In the early years from 1973 to 1987, the number of births with the name Akira ranged from a low of 6 births in 1973 and 1980 to a high of 41 births in 1986. This period saw an average of approximately 22 births per year.
However, starting from 1990, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Akira. Between 1990 and 1999, the number of annual births with this name almost tripled, from 47 births in 1990 to 183 births in 1998.
The trend continued into the new millennium, with a peak of 424 births in 2008. Despite some fluctuations, Akira remained relatively popular throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, with an average of approximately 250 births per year between 2000 and 2013.
More recently, the popularity of the name Akira has continued to rise. From 2014 onwards, there have been over 200 births with this name each year, with a peak of 261 births in 2016. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the popularity of Akira remained strong, with 247 births recorded in 2023.
In conclusion, while Akira started as a relatively uncommon name in the United States, it has gained significant traction over time. With consistent growth since the late 1980s and increased popularity in recent years, Akira has become a prominent choice for parents in the United States.