MallowbyNames

Kazuo

kah-ZOO-oh · One possible meaning is 'first son' or 'harmonious man,' depending on the kanji used; the exact meaning depends on the characters chosen.

2025 rank (boys)
#12,008
Babies named in 2025
5
Peak popularity
1921
2025 frequency
1 in 341,615 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #12,008 for boys today.

Popularity of Kazuo since 1911

Babies named Kazuo per year in U.S. Social Security records.

193857192019602000Most births 1921Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s241
1920s375
1930s106
1940s11
1950s0
1960s0
1970s0
1980s0
1990s0
2000s24
2010s0
2020s5

Meaning & origin

Kazuo is a Japanese name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1911. It reached its peak popularity in 1921, ranking as the most common among the decades of the early 20th century. With a current rank of 12,008 and a 1-in-341,615 incidence in 2025, it remains a rare but recognized choice. The name's trajectory is stable, suggesting steady but infrequent use over the past century. While no top states are associated with Kazuo, it carries a classic Japanese heritage that may appeal to families honoring that background.

Kazuo is a traditional Japanese male name composed of two kanji elements. The first element, kazu, often means 'one,' 'harmony,' or 'peace,' while the second element, o, means 'man' or 'male.' The name has been in use since at least the early 20th century, with a peak in popularity in the 1920s. It remains a classic name in Japan, though less common in recent decades.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Kazu

Sibling names for Kazuo

Names that share Kazuo's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

K is for Kazuo, our favorite little boy.

K is for Kazuo…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Kazuo's letter becomes Kazuo's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Kazuo's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Kazuo mean?
Kazuo is a Japanese name that can mean 'first son,' 'harmonious man,' or other meanings depending on the kanji characters used to write it.
How popular is the name Kazuo?
As of 2025, Kazuo ranks #12,008 in the United States, with about 1 in 341,615 baby boys given that name. It was most popular in 1921.
Is Kazuo a boy or girl name?
Kazuo is traditionally a boy's name in Japan.