Nobuo is a unisex Japanese given name, derived from two kanji characters: "能" (nou) meaning 'ability' or 'talent', and "保" (hou) meaning 'protect' or 'defend'. It can also be written with different combinations of kanji that convey similar meanings. The name Nobuo is often associated with strength, protection, and the nurturing of one's talents.
The name Nobuo experienced a steady increase in popularity from 1913 to 1921, peaking with 23 births in 1921. After that, there was fluctuation but generally maintained some consistency until the late 1920s and early 1930s when it declined noticeably.