Holding steady.
Popularity of Mamoru since 1915
Babies named Mamoru per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 39 |
| 1920s | 116 |
| 1930s | 27 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Mamoru is a Japanese masculine name with a straightforward and powerful meaning: 'to protect.' First recorded in U.S. data in 1915, its peak year of use was 1926, after which it declined. Despite its low overall frequency (the one-in-N ratio is not available due to its rarity), it has maintained a stable trajectory over recent decades, with no notable revival. The name is almost exclusively given to boys, and it has no strong regional concentration within the United States, as top states data is not available. For parents seeking a name with a clear, virtuous meaning and a gentle sound, Mamoru offers a distinctive choice that carries cultural weight from Japanese tradition and modern media.
Mamoru is a Japanese masculine name derived from the verb mamoru (守る), meaning 'to protect, defend, or guard.' It has been used as a given name since at least the early 20th century, appearing in Japanese birth records from 1915. The name gained some familiarity in English-speaking countries through the anime and manga series Sailor Moon, whose male lead is named Mamoru Chiba (also known as Tuxedo Mask). Within Japan, it remains a traditional masculine name associated with strength and guardianship.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mamo, Mamu
Sibling names for Mamoru
Names that share Mamoru's style, for a brother or sister.
