Holding steady.
Popularity of Kentaro since 1974
Babies named Kentaro per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 14 |
| 1980s | 62 |
| 1990s | 110 |
| 2000s | 111 |
| 2010s | 49 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Kentaro, first recorded in the U.S. in 1974, is a distinctly Japanese name that has maintained a steady but low profile. Its peak year of usage in the U.S. was 1995, reflecting a modest uptick that has since leveled off into a stable trajectory. While it does not appear in the national top ranks, its consistent use over decades shows a quiet appeal among families seeking a traditional Japanese name. The name is often given to firstborn sons in Japan, and its component taro specifically denotes 'eldest son.' Though no top states stand out for Kentaro in U.S. data, its presence in the country aligns with broader cultural appreciation for Japanese naming traditions.
Kentaro is a traditional Japanese masculine name typically formed from elements ken (健 'healthy, strong' or 賢 'wise') and taro (太郎 'eldest son, big son'). The name has been in use for centuries in Japan, commonly given to firstborn sons. Its popularity in the United States has been modest, with records starting in 1974 and a peak in 1995.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ken, Ken-chan, Taro
Variants: Kentarō, Kentarou
Sibling names for Kentaro
Names that share Kentaro's style, for a brother or sister.
