Rising since 2000, #3,975 for girls today.
Popularity of Masa since 1919
Babies named Masa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 6 |
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 63 |
| 2010s | 191 |
| 2020s | 268 |
Meaning & origin
Masa is a rare Japanese name that has seen slow but steady growth in the United States since the 2000s. First recorded in the U.S. in 1919, it remained obscure for much of the 20th century. Its recent rise is notable: in 2025 it ranked 3975th, with 1 in every 44,646 girls receiving the name. The peak year so far was 2023, reflecting a modest upward trajectory. Geographically, Masa's use is most common in Michigan and Texas. While its Japanese roots suggest meanings of 'righteousness' or 'beauty', the name's simplicity and cross-cultural appeal may contribute to its gradual adoption outside of Japan.
Masa is often considered a Japanese name, typically a short form or feminine variant of names beginning with Masa- such as Masao (meaning 'righteous' or 'proper') or Masami ('righteous beauty'). It has also seen sporadic use in other cultures, but the Japanese derivation is the most well-attested. In the United States, its use has been rare but rising since the 2000s.
Where Masa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Masa” around the world
Where Masa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Masa
Names that share Masa's style, for a brother or sister.
