Hanzo

Meaning & origin

Hanzo is a Japanese name that entered the U.S. popularity charts relatively recently, first recorded in 2011. Since 2012, its usage has been steadily rising, reaching its peak rank of 5,208 in 2025, with an estimated 1 in 94,893 newborn boys receiving the name that year. The name's trajectory suggests growing interest, particularly in states like Florida and California, which had the highest usage in recent years. While still rare, Hanzo's association with historical samurai and pop culture figures gives it a distinct, strong image that appeals to parents seeking an unusual but recognizable name. Its etymology is rooted in Japanese kanji, though the name is increasingly chosen outside Japan, reflecting broader trends in global name adoption.

Hanzo is a Japanese masculine name, often written with kanji characters such as 半蔵, where 半 (han) means 'half' and 蔵 (zo) means 'storehouse' or 'warehouse'. The name is historically notable as the given name of Hattori Hanzo, a famous samurai and ninja of the 16th century. In modern times, the name has seen some use outside Japan, partly due to pop culture references like the character Hanzo Shimada in the video game Overwatch, contributing to its rise in countries such as the United States since the 2010s.